On October 15th, we went as explorers for a 34-hour warehouse organized in an alternative space in Saint-Ouen. In the spotlight, two collectives: Berlinpinpin and La Quarantine. To salute the success of this evening, we went to meet Jean-Gabriel and Alex: the two founders of the Quarantine.
34 hours of sound, in Paris? Impossible? We tested, and we tell you about it. Found by chance on RA, the event challenged us. Continuous sound for the modest sum of 10 €, to be honest, we did not really believe it.
But who is behind Quarantine?
Alex and Jean-Gabriel met while both working at ShotGun. They organize events for this platform. What do they want? Evenings in their name and especially with a guideline specific to their universe.
We meet them in their premises in the 11th arrondissement. Student or worker, it doesn't matter, their common point lies in the music.La Quarantine was born at the end of September. Their first event took place just three weeks after the creation of the collective. For this warehouse, they are co-organizing with Berlinpinpin a second collective whose desires are quite similar.
Quarantine
La Quarantine aims to offer XXL events in alternative locations. Although this first edition was a success, the next ones will probably be a little shorter. 34H is not nothing!
Far from us the Parisian evenings where everyone jostles and where the price of a pint is easily around 10 euros. Far be it from us still these contemptuous people who cannot explain the reason for their presence. Here the mind is very open, everyone comes for the same thing: music.
34 hours of sound, a successful warehouse!
The evening starts on Friday at 00h. For our part, we will only come on Saturday evening. A hidden place not far from the station of Saint-Ouen, a few arrows to take us there and here we are.
Jean-Ga tells us about living in Berlin for 8 months. The return to Paris has its advantages but also its disadvantages. Evenings are a major drawback. For him and Alex who share the same vision, consumption in Paris is overpriced, physiognomists all too often unpleasant…In short, for their first edition they want to erase all this and find the "Berlin spirit". Fraternity and solidarity are the pillars of the relationship between the organizers and the owners of the place.
The logistical organization challenges us…
The crazy bet of Alex, Jean-Ga and Berlinpinpin was to find a place able to welcome us, we revelers, without problem for 34 hours. The event is organized from A to Z in self-management especially with the people occupying the place at the base.The DJs are paid and the bar is managed by the owners of the place. As for the Quarantine, the collective is remunerated with presales. A system that runs by itself and causes no loss. Magic..
The dilemma: should we communicate for such an event?
For communication, they are quite firm.
For them, such an event does not require a lot of communication. Everything goes through word of mouth. The event must not be relayed too much at the risk of facing excesses.
Without PR or communication, this warehouse still ranks at the top of the list of the "La Bringue" ranking for weekend events. When you know that the Big Bang took place on the same day…
The two collectives however have some partners such as: PWFM, route bis, ShotGun, La Bringue, Sakatrak, Delighted and Nique.
And the sound then?
In total, 18 DJs took turns for 34 hours without any break. The DJs are shared between La Quarantine, techno-oriented, and Berlinpinpin, whose style sounds more micro-house. In the line-up, no headliner and yet the sound is of quality. Respect to OPEN'AIR who will have played 10h on vinyl.
The rest after this first success
Our two organizers have projects in their heads but prefer to remain discreet. What we know is that this was not the last edition and that eventually the organization of a festival would be one of their objectives. For them the line-up is obviously an important factor. But what they want above all is to attract the public with details that make a difference.
Thanks to La Quarantine for this time.
