A Perfectionist’s Path: A Q&A with Jono Stephenson

Italy

italian techno

melodic techno

minimal tech house

Tale of Us

United Kingdom

Argy

Germany

melodic house

Chris Avantgarde

Layla Benitez

Spain

Hï Ibiza

Tale of Us Presents Afterlife Opening Party

Afterlife Ibiza

deep tech house

house

progressive house

uk dance

CamelPhat

Pete Tong

United States

acid house

chicago house

classic house

Marshall Jefferson

Jaguar

Denmark

danish electronic

danish techno

deep euro house

minimal techno

Kölsch

Sweden

electra

swedish electronic

swedish techno

Ida Engberg

John "Jellybean" Benitez

pink noise

TAAHLIAH

Dalt Vila

IMS Dalt Vila 2023

The unique flavor of Layla Benitez’s productions and DJ sets stems from her diverse heritage, bringing roots of Britain and Puerto Rico to her hometown of New York City.

The musical breeding ground of the UK, the disco of NYC, and the Latin grooves of Puerto Rico mesh together on the dance floor in a style that has rightfully earned Benitez the status of an in-demand act all around the world. Percussive elements, silky grooves, traditional melodies, and club-ready aesthetics are all part of her output, and you never know what to expect from her in the best way possible.

Over the years she’s played a wide variety of impressive gigs including the Tribeca Film Festival’s official galas, to underground functions in established dance music destinations like Mykonos and Ibiza, to mainstay parties at Miami Music Week and Art Basel.

New York has assuredly played to host to some of her most notable sets like those at “Babel”, “Kuna”, “Sonara”, “White Lodge”, “Disturbed”, “Playroom”,“Memoirs", “Funkbox”, "Love Medicine”, "Sonic Jungle” and “Bang On’.

With very few productions to her name, Benitez is a paragon of the skilled selector, reminding every crowd she stands before that dance music culture is a result of DJs. Whether in Los Angeles, Tel Aviv, Turkey, or anywhere else, her passion comes from getting the dance floor moving.

Just because DJing is her primary outlet though, that doesn’t mean she lacks the skills to make ace club records. In fact, the opposite is true. Her limited catalog includes releases on Lee Burridge’s All Day I Dream as well as Damian Lazarus’s Crosstown rebels, two labels that are inseparable from the evolution of dance music.

But for Benitez it all comes back to her roots. She is a classically trained piano player, and her father is Jellybean Benitez, one of the pillars of the New York nightlife scene in the 1980s. She was born into a world of music and has done more than her part to contribute to that world.

uk house

Franky Wah

dark techno

Kevin de Vries

deep disco house

latin tech house

microhouse

Maceo Plex

Eynka

Ushuaïa Ibiza

Ushuaïa Ibiza Opening Party

Airrica

Benin

afro house

AMÉMÉ

Ukraine

ukrainian electronic

ARTBAT

soulful house

Coco & Breezy

italian tech house

Fideles

Hot Since 82

munich electronic

Innellea

Jaden Thompson

Joplyn

Netherlands

dutch tech house

Joris Voorn

KILIMANJARO

Miss Monique

electronica

german techno

leipzig electronic

Paul Kalkbrenner

uk tech house

Terry Francis

Finland

finnish edm

Yotto

raw techno

schranz

techno

Adam Beyer

Belgium

acid techno

belgian techno

Amelie Lens

float house

Avalon Emerson

ambient techno

future garage

intelligent dance music

shiver pop

Daniel Avery

Palestine

arab electronic

palestinian alternative

Sama’ Abdulhadi

minimal dub

DVS1

FJAAK

Gabrielle Kwarteng

Australia

australian experimental

HAAi

afrofuturism

detroit techno

Jeff Mills

Jon Hopkins

Juliet Fox

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

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.

Junction 2

Boston Manor Park

Junction 2 2024

organic electronic

organic house

Bedouin

Desiree

Pacha Ibiza

Bedouin | Saga Week 8

Bedouin present Saga

bass house

electro house

melbourne bounce

pop dance

tech house

Chris Lake

Brazil

brazilian edm

Vintage Culture

Kasablanca

Maz (BR)

Riordan

Cloonee

Costa Rica's underground music festival. Live the Ocaso experience on January 31st till February 1st, 2025 at Playa Hermosa, Jacó, Costa Rica

Layla Benitez

Articles

Other artists