The Best House and Techno Tracks of 2021

10 Hispanic House & Techno Artists to Watch

Berlin-by-way-of-Peru, Sofia Kourtesis is a producer, DJ, and singer-songwriter that draws inspiration from both her native country and the place she now calls home. She’s trekked a diverse path across the music industry, from booking events to DJing fashion shows, before firmly establishing herself as an artist with a clear vision and blazing passion.

Kourtesis’ dreamlike cadences are equally made for the dancefloor as they are for relaxation and introspection. Her hypnotic, electrifying beats will get your body moving just as much as they could put you in a deep focus. She uses samples and vocal chops, sometimes utilizing her own vocals, to create simple yet impactful messages. Many of her songs are crafted around samples from her home country and beyond. Her vibrant personality and background shine through the sounds that she shares.

A fresh name who’s already seen much success, Kourtesis has only been releasing music since 2019, though has performed live for years prior. Her breakout EP, 

, received acclaim across various outlets, with The Observer naming her as ‘One to Watch,’ as well as being included on Mixmag and DJMag’s Emerging Artists lists, and awarding her a spot on the ‘NME 100: Essential Emerging Artists for 2021’ list.

With such infectious, distinguishable music, Kourtesis continues to gain support across all media and the globe, growing her fanbase with ease. Her latest EP, 

, released in 2021 via Technicolour is further proof of her consistent, mesmerizing sound, gaining even more support than her debut. Pitchfork gave it a 7.5 as well as spot #13/100 on their Best Songs of 2021 list, in addition to features on New York Times, The Guardian, Rolling Stone, DJ Mag, NME AW, Le Telegramme, Clash, Magnetic Mag, Resident Advisor, Xlr8r, and much more.

She’s seen support from various radio stations and playlists, as well as finding success in the sync & licensing world with campaigns with the likes of Adidas, Adolfo Dominguez, Hyundai, and more.

Kourtesis has performed across the globe, selling out shows and joining legends like Caribou on tour. In addition to hitting many of Berlin’s leading venues, she’s brought her distinct sound to places like Ibiza, Geneva, New York City, Italy, and Stockholm, hitting events like Lost Village, Labyrinth Open Air, Parklife Festival, Red Bull Music Festival, and much more.

Currently, she joins Flume for select dates on his Palaces Tour, with many more performances lined up this year, including her Music Without Borders headlining tour.

Germany

experimental house

Sofia Kourtesis

Türkiye

turkish pop

Bora Uzer

Belgium

2manydjs

Spain

Pacha Ibiza

Flower Power Week 5

Flower Power

lo-fi house

Laurence Guy

Lauren Murada

United States

DUNE

disco house

Anish Kumar

BLUE

The Roof at Superior Ingredients

BLUE: Sofia Kourtesis, Laurence Guy, Lauren Murada

arab electronic

organic electronic

organic house

Bedouin

Patrick Mason

Bedouin | Saga Week 15

Bedouin present Saga

belgian techno

electra

Charlotte de Witte

United Kingdom

minimal dub

techno

Dax J

Helena Hauff

minimal techno

DVS1

Ireland

irish electronic

KETTAMA

Russia

russian electronic

russian techno

Nina Kraviz

Netherlands

Job Jobse

float house

Palms Trax

 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.

Sofia Kourtesis

Articles

Other artists