Rave Revolution in Georgia & Armenia: Escapism or Activism?

In Georgia, techno is way more than just a place to party. The scene has become a democratic and political force, shaping a culture of acceptance, inclusion, and LGBT+ rights – which also makes it a threat to people who don’t want the country to move in the direction of the EU. Mio (they/them), a Danish DJ, will share examples and insights into Georgia's hypnotic techno style and how it relates to Georgian reality today, while also referencing how it’s different from the techno sound in Copenhagen. Come to this talk to learn more about the techno scene in Georgia and about the 'rave demonstrations' in May 2018, when protesters gathered in front of the Parliament building playing techno in Tbilisi, calling for drug policy reform after police raids at the famous techno club Bassiani. In addition, Mariam Yeghiazaryan from CSN Lab in Armenia will talk about the liberating nature of techno/electronic music, based on the labs own research publication “Queer Memory in Armenia.”