“Well, a huge disadvantage is of course the constant uncertainty about whether the Resist can take place again or not. Lack of time for preparation, as we have no venue or the previous venue is uncertain. The annoying feeling of always having to formulate new directions, as Berlin is not exactly small. However, an advantage is that we also get a little practice in shaping and arranging new situations and events. Another impact was that everyone except one in our organization two years ago said: ‘No venue, then let’s skip it and look for something small without camping’ and this one person pulled us all along again with ideas and ambition. That was quite an interesting situation, also for the group dynamics itself.”
Is the original idea (protest in Biesdorfer Park) still present?
“Spontaneously, of course not anymore, as it was primarily about preserving Biesdorfer Park as an alternative meeting point, and that unfortunately failed. Over time, however, the idea matured within us to spread the DIY approach more strongly, as we realized that the park would unfortunately no longer work. What still remains in a certain way is the fact that, at least for a short time, we bring an alternative meeting point and a lot of color to the rather gray Marzahn-Hellersdorf. Creating free spaces for ourselves, even if constant displacement seems to be a fixed part of Berlin. However, I do not want to equate the displacement of tenants with our comparatively small problem of finding a venue!”
The “Back to Future” two weeks ago was a complete success with more visitors than in previous years. The RTE was supposed to be similar. Tell me more. & 2.: What does this mean for the future of the festival?
“We do not have an exact number of guests yet, but we were already forced on Friday to turn away evening box office guests with tents because our campsite was simply packed to the brim and we also have to comply with regulations. However, we can certainly say that we also set a new visitor record, which is certainly due to the 10th anniversary, the lineup, but also has to do with the fact that the Force Attack does not seem to be taking place this year or did take place. What this means for the future of the Resist festival, I cannot and do not want to say alone. Since the current venue is now gone, the first task will be to acquire a new venue. Then we will have to think about the number of visitors, because from a certain number, it is no longer feasible to manage everything voluntarily. Whether we now rely purely on advance ticket sales, can/will only allow a certain contingent of evening box office tickets, risk it, consciously become smaller, or whatever, I cannot say at this point. The next plenaries will show.”
The festival team ensures that all bands that play are politically absolutely correct, right?
“Over time, we have also learned to take a closer look at inquiring bands or bands we inquire about to see if they meet the festival's standards. It is not about whether the Myspace friend of a Myspace friend thinks a band is great that once played with a band that... etc. I mean, it can also be extremely exaggerated, but bands that are not able to understand why it is not okay to play at “De Kastelein” or to be represented on RAC samplers, well, these bands should just refrain from asking us. Moreover, all our helpers and the rest of the organization would disappear.”
How do you select the bands that perform with you?
“Good question. That is a really long process. First, we ask around among bands we have gotten to know over the years who would have time and interest to perform again. We also write to bands that may not have worked out in previous years, listen to our friends, helpers, and various social networks to see what is desired and financially feasible. Because money also plays a role in the end with 40 bands and without sponsorship. What we simply do not want are advertising banners everywhere. It is not worth the money to us! Then we often meet in booking for a beer or coffee and joke about which bands there are and just reach out to them. We listen to the applicant bands and gradually the lineup takes shape.”
The lineup of the RTE has always read very similarly. This time, with “Berliner Weisse,” there was a band that seemed rather unusual for the RTE to me. How did that come about?
“We have known the band for a while, and they are partly part of our direct environment or the environment of some helpers, and we have been asked several times to let BW play. A few personal words: In my opinion, BW has clearly positioned themselves with songs like “Thor Steinar” and “Fahne im Wind.” Regarding the other possible accusations, I recommend taking a closer look at the lyrics, because having to explain irony to every person is certainly not much fun for a band. So, in short, through personal conversations and experiences, we decided that BW would not be so unusual for the RTE. The fact that our lineup reads quite similarly over the years is partly because the Resist has also become something like a family reunion, and many bands keep asking if they can play. If it doesn’t work out, they also come by more often as guests. Personally, I have no problem seeing one or another band more often (like 3 or 4 years in a row).
Another factor is that it is simply not that easy to find bands whose fee expectations align with our possibilities, as we are not able to pay hefty fees and it is not about the business for us, but about DIY and the family atmosphere, and thus the impression may arise that the lineups resemble each other more often. We are not stingy by any means, but there are also bands with fee expectations that we simply cannot and do not want to meet. It is more about having a party with the corresponding standards and not with the big bucks. However, if this bothers our guests, we welcome the criticism and we will find compromises.”
Who is behind the festival:
10 years of RTE means not only 10 years of festival history but a whole decade for the people behind it.
The RTE is supported by the work of countless voluntary helpers and
helpers of helpers. I suspect that the festival lives off this. So if it is not some commercial company or organization, but an alternative collective that has been putting on a festival for 10 years, what does that mean for the festival itself?
“That there are no possibilities to thank our helpers even in the slightest for their commitment and tireless efforts for this project. This also means that many people can and definitely should identify with this festival, because in the end, there would be no Resist without these many helpers. One problem with collectives is, of course, consensus finding in case of problems or the fact that we all do this on the side, alongside studies, jobs, training, our own other projects, political work, etc. Commercial organizations, of course, have the advantage of being able to act financially more independently, but as mentioned, we simply do not want that.”
How did the very first RTE actually come about? I don’t mean the content-related reasons for the festival. Did a handful of people think: “Hey, we don’t like the privatization, let’s put on a festival”?
“Oh, in the end, beer and eagerness. Everything on a small scale and rather intended as musical bickering. None of us would have thought back then that we would later offer campsites or book bands from Russia. At the beginning, certainly, none of us thought about how exhausting it would become. What little things need to be considered and how exhausting setting up and tearing down, partying, sleeping little, and working shifts would be. As I said, we wanted to draw attention to our displacement, and over time it turned into a “Let’s give something back to the scene.” Camping was added rather accidentally, and now we are where we are. The entire story is, of course, much longer and full of silly anecdotes, but we prefer to tell those at the bar.”
What motivates you to continue organizing a festival of this magnitude after 10 years?
“Ultimately, for me personally, the following things:
The predominantly positive feedback from our guests during and after the festival; the party at the Resist; the positive reactions from the bands; the constant inquiries from our helpers shortly after the Resist; the fact that it has become a family reunion, because I see some people exactly once a year, and that is at the Resist. Additionally, the fact of proving that DIY is feasible and that our DIY idea has now reached so many guests who spontaneously help out during setup, clean their campsite, do a protective layer on Sunday because they have to stay sober to drive, and so on...
And, as cliché as it sounds, every smile and thank you during the festival still gives me the strength to push through. Also, seeing people wearing wristbands or shirts from the Resist, the great atmosphere in front of and on stage at a band gives new motivational boosts. Overall, it is probably just the totality of these small and big things, and I have certainly forgotten one or the other.”
How much time do you as a collective invest in the RTE – does the saying hold true: After the RESIST is before the next RESIST?
“That is generally hard to say. Over time, various working groups have formed among us. There is a booking group, a tech crew, an aftershow/cinema crew, people responsible for finances, others handle catering, a group does ground work, others the bar, some the security, others handle everything related to the authorities, etc. Some tasks fall out, and some people work here and there. The time commitment varies accordingly and always depends on how much free time the individual people have. Right after the Resist, the teardown and cleanup begin, then it’s about clarifying and settling finances, later evaluation, and in the meantime, looking for a venue. Occasionally, bands have already been inquired, ideas and tips gathered, and maybe even some solidarity events organized. Then the plenaries start again, and the fun begins anew.”
What was your personal highlight at the RESIST and what was the biggest negative point for you?
“My personal highlight was the performance of “What We Feel.” The atmosphere, the band, everything was just right for me. But I also enjoyed the performances of some other bands and got goosebumps. I equally enjoyed the aftershows and many nice conversations at the various protection points with the guests, etc. My biggest negative point was the moment when we had to decide to close the evening box office.”
Do you want to say anything else in conclusion?
“Yes, a big thank you to all guests, helpers, bands, and anyone I may have forgotten!”
