Desert Festivals to Visit Around The World

Palms Trax is the stage moniker of English producer and DJ Jay Donaldson. Now based in Berlin, Germany, Donaldson always had an inclination for music. He cites his parents as “creative people” who always inflated his inspirations. Born in Saltford, UK in the early 90’s, he initially played jazz piano and had a stint in a Metallica cover band. He went on to pursue sound engineering in university. But as his interest in dance music and production grew, his coursework didn’t resonate as much. “I just wanted to make a dubstep wobble base, and they were trying to show me how I would mic up a drum kit for Nickelback,” 

Already a musical aficionado, he had previously developed skills in Logic Pro (macOS’s MIDI sequencer and audio workstation) during his lunch hours at school. During an internship at the iconic London vinyl shop Phonica, Donaldson discovered classic house and Detroit techno. The simple elegance and punk nature of classic house caught his ear. He eventually relocated to Berlin and began pursuing his DJ career full time.

His first official release, the Equation EP, was distributed by London’s label Lobster Theremin in 2013. The title track gained massive traction. With an old-school house feel, “Equation” began to dominate underground dance floors throughout the UK. The album was enough to catch the attention of Dekmantel, the Amsterdam-based events company and record label. Palms Trax joined their roster of artists and released three EPs with them.

Nowadays, thanks to his timeless sound, he’s gained a global following and a busy performance schedule. His monthly radio show, ‘Cooking with Palms Trax’, has been broadcast since 2015. The quarterly showcase was 

 on NTS Radio at the end of 2021. The show is an insightful look into Donaldson’s influences: from dub and reggae, to West African funk, house and techno: the Palms Trax sound is uniquely funky and full of soul.

Germany

float house

lo-fi house

Palms Trax

Belgium

belgian techno

electra

Charlotte de Witte

United Kingdom

minimal dub

techno

Dax J

Helena Hauff

United States

minimal techno

DVS1

Ireland

irish electronic

KETTAMA

Russia

russian electronic

russian techno

Nina Kraviz

Netherlands

Job Jobse

experimental house

Sofia Kourtesis

 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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