In just a few days, the sprawling pine forests outside Flagstaff will come alive with renegade spirit as house, techno and love fill the mountain air at the Desert Hearts Festival.
Originally from California, the transformative camping festival will make its Arizona debut July 4-8 and will bring with it a unique design featuring themed campsites, art cars and installations, and live painters.
At the center of these facilities is the festival's unique main stage. As part of the team's signature “one stage, one environment” format, it will be packed with talent from across the electronic music spectrum with non-stop programming throughout the weekend.
This unmistakable spirit is not only transmitted through the attendees of the bustling festival, but also to the artists performing at the camp. We asked some of these tastemakers to share their favorite Desert Hearts memories. From sunsets to lakeside revelations, read on to discover some special Desert Hearts moments.
Maria Droppinz
“Every second in Desert Hearts is my favorite memory. I love being in the atmosphere, there's no festival like it! Beyond the festival, it really has been an amazing experience for me to continue hanging out with my brothers at different parties/festivals where they have a DH showcase; It's epic to see them create the exact same feeling you get when you're at the festival, like in the middle of a friendship cruise on a boat, for example. I've had the pleasure of connecting with them along the way while we're all on tour at different events and it means a lot to have my family there for me and appearing in other spaces outside of the festival as well. Desert Hearts is truly a state of mind for me and I rep merch every day for a reason, no limits.“
c/o Press
Rinzen
“My favourite memory of Desert Hearts is the first time I performed there. It was 2019 and I played a set at dawn. There was a moment where I put on a Jamie xx “Gosh” remix and looked out onto the dance floor and could see all my close friends right in front of me. Performing at one of my favourite festivals, playing one of my favourite songs, surrounded by my friends, was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had.”
Michael Drummond
Kevin Knapp
“My favourite memory of Desert Hearts is when we played after Mikey opened the night stage, after he had just unleashed some ridiculous vibes on the beach stage. I walked on to the stage with Chocolate Sushi, Techno Tupac and a few others and felt really centred and held by my brothers as we made our way to the stage. My partner had chosen to wear a t-shirt that night that said “I’m Fat Let’s Party” which I thought was absolute wildness and everything our label Plump Records stands for. I still think to this day it was one of the best sets I’ve ever played and the best part is that at one point I turned around and Hutch had decided a t-shirt was no longer necessary, entirely. That was also the night I saw Lee dance more brilliantly than ever. 100% flaming.”
c/o Press
Tara Brooks
“It’s hard to believe I’ve been playing for Desert Hearts since 2012! With so many special and priceless memories, my set at Lake Perris in 2022, which happened right after COVID, was out of this world. Everything was perfect and when I looked around, my heart skipped a beat seeing so many friends, family, and fans filled with joy and happiness since we were finally back together. I had been experimenting and exploring a lot of genres new and old, and the entire set felt beautiful and psychedelic, and everyone was on the same wavelength. The excitement and love I felt for the power of this community, with such open minds and hearts, blew me away, and I am forever grateful for that moment.”
c/o Press
Oona Dahl
“Although I have done some of their one-off events and even DH livestreams, this will be the first time I will be at the festival since my debut with them in 2017. Even today I remember the sun hitting my face across the valley. during my sunrise set (which you can listen to on my SoundCloud). “There was pure happiness in everyone’s air that morning and it will always hold a place in my heart.”
c/o Press
The Desert Hearts Festival will take place July 4-8 at Ponderosa Beach, just outside of Flagstaff, Arizona. For tickets, camping information, and more, visit here.
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