Double the Groove: A Chat with RSquared

United Kingdom

Tommy Farrow

Hot Since 82 was sporadically born in 2010 at an Ibiza afterparty. When the music unexpectedly cut out, Daley Padley plugged his iPhone into the speakers in an act of salvation. One of his work-in-progress house tracks played, and the crowd loved it. That work-in-progress, “Let It Ride”, would eventually be released on Noir Music and hit number three on Beatport’s deep house charts. While this playful party anecdote may make a good inception story, the truth is that Daley Padley has been DJing under his own name long since the birth of Hot Since 82.

In his hometown of Barnsley, England, Padley began spinning in his hometown club at age 17. Despite his ripe young age, he became revered for his marathon 12-hour-long sets. As Daley Padley, he started his own residency at Cream Ibiza in 2006 when he was in his mid-20s. The early 2000s over-commercialization of dance music took a toll on him, and he resigned from his position as dance floor master. It wasn’t until our aforementioned party that he jumped back into the scene, this time as Hot Since 82.

Within five years, he was featured on the BBC’s Essential Mix series; he released his debut album 

he graced the cover of Mixmag; he headlines Creamfields in the UK, and he started his own record label. Through his imprint Knee Deep in Sound, he focused on uplifting underground house artists and iconizing his energetic yet smooth tech house sound.


These days, Hot Since 82 continues to sell out clubs around the world and maintains a revered presence in Ibiza. His 2020 album 

–and aptly named self-described “healing album”--features big names like Miss Kittin, Boy George, Jamie Jones, and Rudimental. It's interesting to think what may have happened if the music never cut out that night at the Ibiza afterparty. One thing is for sure, we’re certainly glad it did.

deep disco house

house

minimal techno

uk house

Hot Since 82

Spain

tech house

Wade

Chile

latin tech house

Francisco Allendes

Miane

arab electronic

uk tech house

Yousef

Ushuaïa Ibiza

ANTS with Hot Since 82 and Wade

ANTS

deep house

Jamie Jones

East End Dubs

Netherlands

dutch tech house

Chris Stussy

Chelina Manuhutu

minimal tech house

Enzo Siragusa

classic dubstep

future garage

uk bass

Skream

Richy Ahmed

Archie Hamilton

Amnesia Ibiza

Paradise

United States

The Martinez Brothers

ANOTR

TSHA

acid house

canadian electronic

detroit techno

microhouse

techno

Richie Hawtin

Sweden

dark techno

raw techno

schranz

swedish electronic

swedish techno

Adam Beyer

Belgium

acid techno

belgian techno

electra

Amelie Lens

KILIMANJARO

Denmark

danish electronic

danish techno

deep euro house

melodic techno

Kölsch

Benin

afro house

AMÉMÉ

deep tech house

progressive house

uk dance

CamelPhat

Italy

italian tech house

melodic house

Fideles

Jaden Thompson

Joris Voorn

Germany

electronica

german techno

leipzig electronic

Paul Kalkbrenner

ambient techno

float house

intelligent dance music

shiver pop

Daniel Avery

FJAAK

Australia

australian experimental

HAAi

afrofuturism

Jeff Mills

Juliet Fox

jazz house

Barry Can't Swim

The Blessed Madonna

garage house

Honey Dijon

Eliza Rose

ukg revival

salute

Craig Richards

Christian AB

 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.

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