NEWS
EVENTS
Peaceful protest in Tbilisi as police raid nightclubs
When underground resistance was born in the late 80s-early 90s, it raised awareness of a deep, structural societal flaw that was negatively influencing the lives of many people (specifically, black folks in the uneven American system). Out of this, techno became one of the tools for transformation, a means to trigger changes for the betterment of the community.
Since then, a lot has changed. Many have speculated that the soul of this genre has gotten lost, and, in many respects, it seems like it has. Capitalism and globalisation, together, have taken a toll on the free spirit of techno, damaging its roots and shifting its nature into a worldwide million-dollar industry, where solidarity has been replaced by aggressive marketing.
Nevertheless, not everything was lost. After techno expanded, it sowed its seeds in the heart of young people looking to connect again in a world that usually leaves them with just about nothing to believe in. This is especially the case of Georgia, a Country that, for the awe of many bass-munchers around Europe, has managed to create an incredible electronic music scene. Today, its clubs, sound systems and festivals are renowned worldwide.
In the last couple of days, attacks to these institutions have been actioned by the local authorities in Tbilisi, clubs have been shut and people detained, most of them with no apparent reason. Nevertheless, the answer of the Georgian people was not only to react but to react in the most beautiful way, in a non-violent manner.
With their sound systems up in the parliament square of Tbilisi, Georgians have, in their own way, embodied a sort of Underground Resistance ethos. They protested with love and dancing. Yesterday, today and tomorrow, we stand together with them.
