Zak Khutoretsky, also known as DVS1 - pronounced “devious one” - is a Minneapolis-bred DJ and producer who’s been in the electronic music scene since the early 90s. His combination of skills as a master selector and audiophile, coupled with his deep musical knowledge and unparalleled enthusiasm has made him one of the most prominent figures in the Midwest and US dance music landscape today. Though his international reputation has placed him among some of the most well-respected DJs, he does not think himself an entertainer but rather a vessel for music.

Khutoretsky began DJing in New York in the early nineties, but after his relocation to Minneapolis his style evolved from acid sounds to more complex, rhythmic techno. Now he is known to blend a variety of sounds and textures that allow him the room to paint a coherent, evocative, and powerful picture. Concentrating on eliciting a mood rather than genres, gives Khutoretsky the range and emotional focus that has garnered him worldwide respect. The consummate performer opts to play sets by ear, reading the crowd instead of mapping them out ahead of time - making his performances a one-of-a-kind, never to be repeated experience for both him and his enthusiastic audience.

His passion for dance music can be seen whether he’s performing on stage, going through soundchecks, or part of the crowd. His perspective on his profession, specifically in electronic music, is that the DJ should not be the main focus of events, rather the sound system should. Through this value, Khutoretsky began to imagine a sociological experience in which live music events are more than just a party, where schedules and set times are thrown out altogether.

With this idea in mind, Khutoretsky began to host his own parties in Europe called, “Wall of Sound” to experiment with the idea of taking the DJ out of the equation. Looking to get rid of any extras that “dilute things”, like visuals, graphics, a stage, etc. he instead covers the space in as many speakers as possible, making the music the real and utterly uninterrupted star. In this way he creates a safe space where people can go to get lost in the music, experience the space, and get rid of all unnecessary clutter - including a potential DJ ego.

Khutoretsky now splits his time between Minneapolis and Europe, wherein lies the Berlin-based project MONOM, a studio space home to one of the only two 4DSOUND setups in the world. When he isn’t touring, working on labels HUSH or Mistress Recordings, or producing, he can be found looking for records to add to his massive vinyl collection.

United States

minimal dub

minimal techno

techno

DVS1

Airrica

Benin

afro house

AMÉMÉ

Ukraine

ukrainian electronic

ARTBAT

United Kingdom

deep tech house

house

progressive house

uk dance

CamelPhat

soulful house

Coco & Breezy

Italy

italian tech house

melodic house

Fideles

deep disco house

uk house

Hot Since 82

Germany

munich electronic

Innellea

Jaden Thompson

Joplyn

Netherlands

dutch tech house

Joris Voorn

KILIMANJARO

Denmark

danish electronic

danish techno

deep euro house

melodic techno

Kölsch

Layla Benitez

Miss Monique

electronica

german techno

leipzig electronic

Paul Kalkbrenner

uk tech house

Terry Francis

Finland

finnish edm

Yotto

Sweden

dark techno

raw techno

schranz

swedish electronic

swedish techno

Adam Beyer

Belgium

acid techno

belgian techno

electra

Amelie Lens

float house

Avalon Emerson

ambient techno

future garage

intelligent dance music

microhouse

shiver pop

Daniel Avery

Palestine

arab electronic

palestinian alternative

Sama’ Abdulhadi

FJAAK

Gabrielle Kwarteng

Australia

australian experimental

HAAi

afrofuturism

detroit techno

Jeff Mills

Jon Hopkins

Juliet Fox

acid house

canadian electronic

Richie Hawtin

experimental club

Ahadadream

ANOTR

jazz house

Barry Can't Swim

The Blessed Madonna

Christian AB

Craig Richards

Eliza Rose

garage house

Honey Dijon

ukg revival

salute

Ireland

irish rebel song

Saoirse

minimal tech house

The Martinez Brothers

TSHA

 has carved a significant space in London's electronic music landscape, becoming synonymous with top-tier underground house, techno, and electronic sounds. More than just a series of performances, this festival offers an immersive experience, highly praised for its exceptional sound quality and its distinctive, atmospheric setting. The brand has a strong and well-defined identity within the competitive festival scene, appealing to those who appreciate a curated, less mainstream electronic music experience.

The festival's origins lie in the vision of its founders, driven by a deep passion for electronic music and a desire to fill a perceived gap in London's festival offerings. Their aim was to recreate the energy and spirit of London's renowned club culture in an open-air environment. This core principle of prioritizing the music has been central to the festival's growth, influencing everything from artist selection to the intricacies of its production. Initially, Junction 2 focused heavily on techno, aiming to bring the intense and immersive atmosphere of London's underground nightlife to a larger festival scale. This clear musical direction in its early years was crucial in establishing its identity and attracting a dedicated following.

Musically, Junction 2 is primarily celebrated for its deep exploration of house and techno. These genres form the foundation of the festival's sonic identity, consistently featuring prominently in its lineups. This unwavering commitment has cemented its reputation as a key destination for fans of these specific electronic music styles. While house and techno remain central, the festival has also shown a willingness to explore a broader spectrum of electronic music, occasionally incorporating genres such as drum and bass and more melodic forms of electronic music. This gradual expansion indicates an effort to appeal to a wider range of electronic music tastes while staying true to its foundational principles.

Over the years, Junction 2 has welcomed an impressive roster of internationally acclaimed DJs and live acts, solidifying its position as a major player in the global electronic music scene. The festival has consistently drawn some of the biggest names in the industry, including influential figures like 

. Beyond these established legends, Junction 2 has also been recognized for its dedication to showcasing emerging talents, creating a dynamic platform that celebrates both the pioneers and the future of electronic music. This blend of established and rising stars ensures a vibrant and forward-thinking atmosphere for attendees.

Since its inception, Junction 2 has undergone a significant evolution in its scale and duration. Starting as a smaller, one-day event, it has grown into a multi-day festival, reflecting its increasing popularity and ambition. This expansion has allowed for a more extensive lineup of artists and a more immersive overall experience for festival-goers.

Throughout its history, Junction 2 has consistently been held at Boston Manor Park, a location that has become intrinsically linked with the festival's identity. A particularly distinctive feature of this location is the presence of the M4 motorway flyover, beneath which one of the main stages, often referred to as "The Bridge," is situated. This unique integration of urban infrastructure into the festival setting has become a defining characteristic of the Junction 2 experience.

The atmosphere at Junction 2 is frequently described as open and welcoming, with a strong sense of community among electronic music enthusiasts. Despite attracting a dedicated and often "cool" crowd, the overall vibe is one of shared enthusiasm for the music and a celebratory spirit. Contributing significantly to this immersive experience are the festival's renowned staging and production elements. Beyond the iconic "Bridge" stage, Junction 2 has introduced various creatively designed areas, such as "The Woods" and "The Warehouse," each offering a distinct visual and sonic experience. More recently, stages like "The Grid," "The Quad," and "The Blackout" have further enhanced the festival's unique aesthetic. A consistent emphasis on cutting-edge sound systems ensures that the music is delivered with power and clarity, creating an unforgettable auditory experience.

Junction 2 stands as a significant and continually evolving force within the electronic music festival landscape. Its unwavering commitment to showcasing quality underground music, coupled with its distinctive atmosphere and innovative production, has cemented its place as a must-attend event for electronic music enthusiasts seeking an authentic and immersive festival experience. The festival's journey reflects a dedication to its core values while embracing growth and adaptation, ensuring its continued relevance and appeal within the dynamic world of electronic music.

DVS1

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