FREESTYLE

THE BEGINNERS GUIDE TO RUNNING A FREE PARTY

text by Spiral

1] INTRO: “Round and round the Spiral spins - never stops just mixes in.” (Spiral 1991).

The following notes are meant as a rough outline for anyone who is interested in putting on “Surprise” Free Parties. I have used a condensed and understated style of writing so as to squeeze as much information in as possible, but remember that a lot of detail has had to be left out for one reason or another. Because of this it is important to realize that these are just guidelines and the real trick is to be able to make your own connections between them. I have kept everything as concise as I can, the subject splits into two main areas - the “logistical” and the “creative” elements.

To keep this article uncluttered I have only dealt with the “logistics” here, if you are interested in the creative aspects check out ARTSPACE 23’s “MICROZINE” (available where you can find it). Also remember that this is written from a European perspective, and so if you are reading this elsewhere you will no doubt find regional differences but I think that the essence remains the same. Here I have concentrated mainly on safety issues because I think it is important to share experiences that might help others avoid making the most common and often the simplest mistakes. Even though I have just skimmed across the subject, the points that I have made are directly connected with real life events some of which have ended badly for those involved. This does not mean that I am trying to dissuade you from becoming active - quiet the opposite. I feel that because the subject is important, I would hope to encourage people to get with it and take on board the responsibility that is necessary to make it all work well. By covering some of the dangers here I hope that I am contributing to the pool of collective knowledge that will help others to put on better events.

The most useful advice I can give to anyone starting out is to learn as much about your subject as possible, from as many different sources as you can. Run a tight out fit and get your head around the whole subject. This is easier to visualize when you consider that in any operation you will be concerned with a finite number of details, most of which will pack down into flight-cases and the back of a van. Most things that I mention are pretty obvious but time and time again people make the same avoidable mistakes.

Probably one of the most important things I have learned is that a crew is as strong as it’s weakest member, and as wise as it’s most naive. Just because you have learnt from a mistake doesn’t mean to say that others have also. Never presume that someone else has taken care of something - always check yourself, and share relevant information with the others. In this way you all learn - to lookout for each other, to avoid future problems and you’re better equipped to deal with unforeseen circumstances – of which there will be many. It also means that a large crew isn’t necessarily the most effective. Creativity is the core -you really don’t want to find yourself having to put each of your ideas to a room full of people for their “approval”. This seriously slows you down. We have found that the best group dynamic is one that places each individual at the centre of their own creative control, stimulating a lot of good ideas and motivation and allowing everyone the space to express themselves. The focus is then on the interface between each person rather than on the abstract concept of the group as a solid whole, it then becomes a far more realistic and stable organic pattern of networks, that source their energy from good ideas and gain strength from their cellular nature.

It is also useful to look at the whole event as a mission into unknown territory, as quite often that’s exactly what it is. You will find that building up a collection of good quality fine detailed maps is very useful. If you intend to survive the weekend do not overlook the fundamentals, for example clean drinking water is as important as fuel for the generators, in the same way take into account the terrain you are going into and the extremes of weather that you may encounter. Most people that attend the party as guests will be able to simply get up and go if they get tired, cold, wet or hungry, - you will not,(or if you do the party stops).

Another factor to plan for is the response of the “authorities” some are friendly some are not, and it is difficult to know exactly how they are going to react. In my experience “pack instinct” counts, and people will take advantage of any weakness that they feel that they can work in their favour - regard-less of who’s side they say they are on. If you are geographically positioned so that it is difficult to single anything out you will be in a stronger position. Be aware that some people have their own personal axes to grind, don’t let them unnecessarily disrupt your diplomatic abilities.

In Europe five times out of ten one can expect the area to be cordoned off, even if no other action is taken. This means that it is difficult to get supplies of food and drink in, so it is advisable to take enough with you. Staying up for days is fun but guard against exhaustion and dehydration, choose a healthy diet to keep yourself in good shape, (even if it is just a bit of fruit). If you decide to run the party non-stop for more than the weekend try to work out shifts and rest periods as the longer you run the more problems you can expect, and you need to keep your wits about you. Longer running parties work better in the country, and with a few different systems involved. It is good to run a mobile kitchen that supplies quality food and drink to the whole party. You’ll find this very worthwhile as people will stay longer, be happier and have more energy, plus of course you can cover your maintenance costs. Keep in mind that you will need a dedicated and hard working crew just to run the kitchen as it is busy all night and then all day too.

[2] PREPARATION: “We would just go around whispering about a party, then say - ‘don’t tell any one, it’s a secret’-within a few weeks we were putting on the biggest free parties in Europe.”(Spiral).

First I will just quickly mention publicizing your event, however you decide to do it, (word of mouth, flyers, pirate radio etc.) make sure that you are cryptic, it is never a good idea to give out the location before you start,(see notes at 3).

Check lists - always take plenty of time to check through equipment and tools before you set out. I’m not going to go into endless pages of what you should or should not take with you - it’s all obvious stuff. I would recommend that everyone on your crew should carry at least a few basics bits of kit with them. This will vary from person to person but as an example I always have:

2 torches (one high-powered and heavy duty and one miniature on a string around my neck, don’t forget the spare batteries).

An electrical screwdriver (with tester), a roll of gaffer tape (multipurpose).

Some strong fencing wire and cutters(useful when the tape won’t do – a quick-fix way to secure lights, cables and backdrops etc.)

A selection of fuses, plugs and sockets,

a soldering iron and solder, a fat marker pen

and of course a stack of flyers for the next party.

Other tools should always be kept accessible but secure, there is no point having the tools if they are not returned to their box and impossible to find in a crisis. Apart from the obvious tools you’ll normally carry for the vehicle and the Rig you’ll need some wood and metal working tools for the various ‘handyman’ jobs that always need doing on site. You will also require a ‘quick-fix-kit’ for any damaged doors, gates and locks you may find along the way.

When you are out and about looking for sites be bold. There is nothing more out of place than someone looking shifty. Broad daylight is often very good, so long as you are giving out the right visual signals. Fluorescent high visibility work wear is recommended during the day or paint splattered overalls. Use clear unambiguous signals to state your purpose, so as to avoid any unnecessary confusion. For example if you have to repair the lock on an outside gate or door, while one person attends to the mechanical maintenance, another can begin to paint the door an appropriate colour.

Always choose your sites carefully; avoid places that will obviously cause complaints. If you need to soundproof an area, do not use old mattresses, plastic foam or polystyreneas they are very serious fire hazards and look like shit too. The best method we have found for windows especially, is to use flattened corrugated card-board boxes; most stores have stacks of them round the back and are happy to give them to you. To create an effective “Wall of Silence” secure strips of scrap wood across the inside wall of the window to hold the cardboard in position and pack the cardboard neatly and solidly into the space between the glass and your wooden slats to a minimum thickness of 12 inches (30 centimetres). On smaller windows you can wire (use the good old fencing wire again) the cardboard into position. Once in place board the whole area up ensuring that there are no gaps. If you’ve made a good job of it you shouldn’t be able to hear anything out-side.

[3] LOADING UP: Use the right vehicle to transport sound equipment.

We have found that smaller faster vans are far more effective than the showier and slower ex-military trucks and buses. Load intelligently. Balance evenly. Secure boxes where necessary. Remember that speakers must be transported with the cones facing down and flat so that any movement is consistent with their natural range, if they are transported in an on edge position you could damage them. Ensure that “walk-thru” trucks (where there is no dividing wall between the cab and cargo area) are fitted with reinforced partitions or bars to prevent the Rig moving forward and crushing the driver and passengers if you make a sudden stop. Avoid taking people in the cargo area. Load in reverse – what you’ll need first goes in last. Give everything a place and box to protect it in transit. We have often found discarded high-impact plastic crates that have lids and that stack, round the back of supermarkets. They are built for the transportation of goods and are a good multipurpose size. These have the advantage over metal boxes of being lightweight, un-dentable, causing less damage to the interior of the vehicle and other pieces of equipment, plus the unexpected yet surprisingly useful quality of ‘silent handling’.

Roll backdrops and store them in tubes - if you don’t they’ll be trashed first time out. Work out a system so that you can load up at lightening speed. It makes life much easier when you are tired if you are not wasting time trying to get things to fit and many a day has been saved by our ‘magic’ ability to ‘disappear’ and ‘reappear’ equipment at the right moments.

Don’t get personal stuff mixed in with the equipment, it’s a good idea for each of the crew to have just one bag of “hand luggage” which is easily accessible. In Europe we have found it useful to have camping and kitchen equipment loaded on last - not just because we may need it on long journeys but when the truck doors are opened the contents look unappetizing to prying eyes.

Make sure cables are correctly coiled, in the direction of their twist, this not only means a faster and smoother setting up time but will also protect them from the inevitable damaged caused if they are coiled badly. Never travel without a full compliment of tools and spares and stow them where you can get to them easily. Keep a bag of ropes and cord accessible, you will always need these to secure stuff, rig lighting, construct shelters, hang back-drops etc. Again clean and coil correctly, dry them out when necessary never cut a rope - coil unwanted length. Learn the correct knots to secure equipment, this may sound boy-scoutish but it is no joke when a knot slips and something comes crashing down.

Next to your ropes keep your plastic sheeting (thick coloured plastic is best so that you can use it as a sun-shade or waterproofing), again these are indispensable when you’re playing outside. Keep them clean and hole-free. We usually have a roll of plastic behind each speaker stack ready to throw over if the weather demands it(rain has never stopped a party, in factevery body loves to dance in the rain. In the same way, so long as people have come prepared we have had some amazing parties out doors in sub-zero conditions).

Cammo netting looks very pretty but keep it off the ground as those dogs love to mark it as their own and once it starts to stink it’s more than difficult to wash! Always keep the vehicle and equipment clean; make sure that the people that you are travelling with understand exactly what this means.

[4] GOING IN: “Anywhere we went we could steam in, drop it all out, plug it in and we’ve got a party - all you need is an empty warehouse and a pair of bolt-croppers.” (Simon Bedlam 1993).

To make it easy I’ll just give you one example which can be modified to suit your particular purpose.

The urban Warehouse: in an urban set-ting it is necessary to have a small(keep it minimal and solid) ground crew who prepare the area before the Rig arrives, you do not want to be fumbling at the gates or doors with a convoy of equipment hanging around outside. The ground crew will discreetly clear the point of access, and generally prepare, make safe and secure the building and surrounding area. This could just be a few minutes work or it could take a couple of weeks - it just depends on what needs to be done. Either way make sure that your knowledge of the site is good before you decide to use it.

Things to watch out for are exposed live cables, dumped toxic chemicals (at a party in a police garage in London, all the DJs had the back of their pants burnt out with battery acid), and dangerous drops - be especially careful on initial explorations – watch your step - if it’s dark make sure that each of you has a good torch as old industrial sites very often have deep pits and shafts in and around the buildings.

Check that buildings are structurally strong, this includes the roof, watch out for loose materials including glass that may be dislodged by the vibrations of the sound. Another thing to always avoid is bird shit, the dust from this carries a particularly infectious lung disease. Also avoid old church crypts were the victims of past epidemics have been buried - serious! On the subject of hygiene it is obviously important that toilet facilities are provided and maintained, so you may have to learn some basic plumbing. Outdoors in the countryside make sure that everyone understands the importance of burying their shit, (in Europe every vehicle carries a shovel for exactly this reason).

Try to find a site which is large enough to accommodate a car parking area, in the past bad parking arrangements have been the cause of a lot of problems. Also always have a back up venue prepared, this means that you’ve actually got the keys, and it’s ready for you to drive straight in and use - this is important because if it comes to a last minute change of plan it will make or break the party. If you don’t need it that’s cool and your effort has not been wasted as you can always use it next time round. Having a backup has made an important difference to us on many occasions.

We have found that the trick to getting the party started right is all about synchronization. Arrange your meeting point between specific times(say Midnight and 1 a.m.) the best places are where a lot of vehicles are not unusual at that time. It is important to have good reliable people at the meeting point to coordinate the convoys with your lead driver and the ground crew back on site. Post a look-out on the gate of the venue and ensure good communication. Your most risky moment is going to be the arrival and setting up of the Rig. To keep that risk at a minimum, bring the Rig in at the last possible moment just ahead of your first convoy. Make sure that your lookout is ready to open up the gates as it arrives, and that theyare locked up behind it (you should close and secure all points of access while you are setting up). The Rig should drive straight inside the building(if you can’t drive in, unload round the back or out of view). Make sure you allow yourselves enough time to set up with a little margin, obviously this time will vary depending on how good your organization is.

When everything is in position the ground crew contact the meeting point and the lead driver and the first convoy is brought in. Again have the lookout ready for it’s arrival and close up after everyone is in, do not lock the gate (or any other exits while you have guests inside, see safety notes).

Park the cars up – preferably where they will not be seen, in these few minutes it is important to keep everything either off the street, out of sight or blended in. In this way you can collect all your guests together and minimize unwanted attention. Keep it low until the amps are properly warmed up and you’ve got enough people to hold the place.

Once everything is up and running it is usually safe to put the address on the info-line, (this of course may vary in some areas) make sure that you keep the info-line up dated. Once that is done your meeting point crew can “come in from the cold”. It is not a good idea to give anyone including good friends the address in advance as people will inevitably turn up outside the building at an inappropriate moment. Several times we have had patrols come by and check the place out while we where still setting up. It was only our invisibility that allowed us to continue. Outside in the country there is more space to operate but the same principles apply - keep it under wraps until the last possible moment. We have also found that running for extended periods works better out in the country where people are more relaxed (and the acoustics are better too).

[5] SETTING UP: If your situation permits it, and you will not jeopardize your position, it makes things much easier if the first thing you do is set up the genny (see notes at 8) and get some working lamps on.

Halogen floods are good for this and are also handy if there is an emergency later (see notes at 8). If you have to keep the lights low, use torches and get in to the habit of holding them with one hand over the lamp to regulate the light and to minimize any tell-tale problems. It is very useful to acquire a second miniature torch that you can hang around your neck, and hold in your mouth leaving both hands free to work with (make sure you have spare batteries as small torches run out of power much quicker than the larger ones).

Cordon off your electrical area, from the gennie to the speakers, this will stop nutters and dogs tripping over or pissing on equipment and cables.

Stack speakers on solid even ground, if it’s not level get a shovel and sort it out, or if applicable some solid pieces of wood - when you find some suitable ones keep them on board for this purpose. Raise the speakers up off the ground a little to prevent moisture damage and dust getting kicked up inside, (industrial pallets are good for this and they also give a larger and more stable base) Secure all the speakers in each stack together with the pallet, truck straps and buckles are the best thing to use. Make absolutely sure that the stacks are not going to move.

It is also useful if you can screen the back stage area from public view, this helps with security in general as what is unseen is an unknown quantity, and people are less likely to mess with the unknown. Nominate one per-son to coordinate your back stage area and to be responsible for the “PlayList”, this makes life with a bunch of fired-up DJs and Artists much smoother. Create a secure area for them to sit on their record boxes and equipment - the best protection they can get. Keep the back stage area clear of non-crew members. Once you have set your levels, lock the amp rack shut so that no one can destroy any-thing, because if you don’t they will.

[6] IN ACTION: “Make some fuckin’noise!”(Spiral).

Once you are up and running it is another world and there is nothing much I can say, as each time is unique. It is a good idea though, to have a welcoming committee on the door. This not only ensures that people feel welcome but it also prevents dodgy types from hijacking the door. If you want to ask for donations that is cool, people are usually very happy to contribute to the running costs and it’s a good point of contact between yourselves and your guests. It is also important that your diplomatic corp. are on hand if un welcome guests turn up. Remember the whole point is to have the party, and not to get closed down, so diplomacy is the key word. Of course you do get problems at parties like everywhere else, but we have found that if you are taking time to organize something that everyone enjoys and feels a part of the atmosphere is much more relaxed and the problems are minimal. Also on this point we have found that it is not a good idea to party the same venue for two consecutive weekends – this always brings trouble from all sides. It is far better to keep it moving.

If your power goes off while you are running, put on your backup lighting - if you can’t do this have someone continually illuminate the decks with a torch until the power is back on. This puts your guests at ease and ensures that no one runs off with any of your stuff. Be certain that the amps are turned off and the levels are turned down as soon as the power goes. Don’t run flashing lights on the same circuit as the sound, this will cause dangerous surges that will dam-age equipment (see notes at 8).

[7] THE GET AWAY: “Out of nowhere they come, like marauding pirates, their smoke-belching buses and rattling trucks decorated with ominous pagan symbols. They install huge black speakers in far-flung fields, forests and mountaintops, and begin transmitting a monstrous, alien noise. Five, six, seven days later, they are gone, leaving no trace.” (The Big Issue Magazine, April‘99 on SPOR23).

Circumstances will dictate when it’s time to leave. If you don’t have to make a fast get away, it is well worth checking, and cleaning equipment as you reload the vehicle, this saves you getting it all out again later. If you do have to perform a vanishing act your reloading drill should keep you one step ahead.

It is good to have a pair of gloves to coil cables that have been on the ground in the dirt. Get a pair each of the thick leather industrial gloves that will give you some protection against broken glass, carry a pack of disposable surgical gloves that you can slip on over the top of your leather gloves and throw away after. Keep a brush and cleaning materials on the truck to wipe down equipment if necessary.

Respect the Earth. Make sure you have plenty of garbage sacks with you, as it is important to leave the site clean. If you run a bar at the party avoid glass bottles, as broken glass is a real problem. Metal cans are much better, empties squash down flat, they’re light and are easy to recycle. We have usually found that even when the “authorities” have moved in to close us down they will usually show you more respect if you tell them that you will not leave until you have cleaned up. When you do go, arrange to move out in a convoy if possible.

[8] SAFETY: GENERATORS: Use a good genny with a steady flow, use a regulator and as much surge protection as you can get (be careful when the fuel gets low or the genny becomes over-loaded as this can cause surges too. Never run the sound on the same circuit as the lights - especially strobes and the like).

It is not a good idea to run computer equipment on a genny but most people do anyway. Before you start your gennie “Earth” (or “Ground”)it. If it does not come with an Earth Spike - fix one on. You can easily do this by bolting a thick length of cable to the metal body (if you look there should already be an Earthing point on it somewhere) and then firmly attach the other end to a long steel spike that you have driven into the ground to a depth of at least two feet (sixty centimeters) it also helps to get a good connection by thoroughly dampening around the spike with plenty of water. If you do not do this properly you not only risk electric shock but also laying waste to the entire system - a guy I know borrowed a brand new Rig complete with amps, he set it all up, switched it on and every single component burnt out - the surge just jumped straight across all the protection. The amps went, the speakers and all the cables. The Rig was not insured and he had to take personal responsibility for the cost - all because he hadn’t Earthed it properly.

Always have the appropriate fire extinguishers at hand (never use water on a gasoline, oil or electrical fire). Keep one by the gennie, one on each truck, and at least one by the decks. Store fuel in clearly labeled metal Jerry Cans, check lids are fastened securely and that they are stored in an upright position where they cannot get knocked over or tampered with.

- Always have two people to fill gennies, one to hold the torch and funnel in position, and to watch the fuel level, and one to pour the fuel, (fuel leaked on to the hot body of the genny can ignite with disastrous consequences) Care should also be taken not to allow gasoline vapour to collector ‘creep’ as it is heavier than air and explosive. Always position gennies out-side - make sure exhaust can not drift towards party area, into vehicles or buildings. Under no circumstances allow a generator to be used in a confined space. The exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide, which is an invisible and odourless deadly poison gas that your lungs will absorb in preference to Oxygen.

DRIVING: Always check under your vehicle before you drive, take special care driving in or around sites, there are always people lying around in the dark for one reason or another!

EMERGENCY LIGHTING AND POWER: Even if you don’t need an extra genny if it possible take another with you just in case. It is always a good idea to have some flood lights rigged up high just in case there is an emergency of any kind.

FIRE EXITS: Make sure that buildings have plenty of suitable and clearly marked fire exits.

FIRE PROOFING: Use fire proof materials for your decorations, Sculptures and backdrops. In Europe we have found it much cheaper to buy ready fire proofed fabric than to buy just the spray. The cheapest sources are specialist theatre scenery suppliers - good for paints too.

FIRE IN VEHICLES: This is probably the single most common accident in the whole travelling scene. Again it sounds so obvious but it happens again and again- number one is when people fall asleep in the back of a truck with candles burning. Because it happens so often I personally would recommend that you should never use candles on the road. There are also many examples of accidents with gasoline; many people just don’t realize how dangerous it is.

A couple of years back a guy accidentally filled a paraffin lamp with gasoline - everybody else on the truck was sleeping. When he lit the lamp it caught fire, he dropped it, it exploded. Luckily they all managed to jump out unhurt, but they lost their truck, all their records and the entire sound system. Another example is electrical - it happened to a friend who runs a sound in Paris. He let two girls stay on his truck while he was away. The girls came back to sleep one night and because it was dark they started up the gennie, for some reason they then wired it up to the truck battery. Within seconds all the wiring on the truck fried and burst into flames, the girls managed to jump out just as the 23-kilo camping gas bottle exploded. Again the truck was completely destroyed.

FIRST AID: Check that you always have a First Aid kit with you and that everybody on the crew knows where it is and how to use it. It is a good idea to take some First Aid training, if not at least learn the basics from a book.

[9] KEEP THE ADRENALINE PUMPING!- Amanita Muscaria

“Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness.” (Master Sun, The Art of War).