“Electronic Music Festival Infuses Vitality into the Mojave Desert”
**Desert Air: An Exquisite Blend of Art, Music, and the Mojave Desert**
For merely two exhilarating days in November, the Mojave Desert acted as the stunning backdrop for the third annual **Desert Air festival**, an event that seamlessly intertwines the realms of art, music, and culture. Held in sunny **Palm Springs, California**, the festival provided a complementary daytime-and-nighttime experience at two iconic locations: the *Palm Springs Surf Club* and the *Palm Springs Air Museum*. My Modern Met had the honor of attending, offering a behind-the-scenes look at an all-encompassing cultural celebration that merged avant-garde creativity with retro nostalgia, all against the majestic desert scenery.
### **The Terminal: Architectural Art Brilliance**
At the festival’s epicenter stood a groundbreaking art installation: **The Terminal**, an impressive stage and performance focal point crafted by **Theo de Meyer** of Belgian design firm Stand van Zaken. Drawing inspiration from aviation—the festival’s core theme—*The Terminal* was more than merely a structure; it was an engaging environment. The design featured a DJ booth, dance platforms, and abstract light sculptures fashioned into “smoke stacks” and a “flight board,” providing both utility and stunning visual allure.
Two grand paper airplane sculptures welcomed visitors to the installation, paying homage to the allure of flight. Utilizing the expansive Palm Springs Air Museum as its canvas, Theo de Meyer skillfully drew upon unique yet charming aesthetic elements of travel, such as cladding, signage, and functional design, to forge a space that linked festival-goers with the local ambiance and global cultural narratives.
“**The Terminal can also be perceived as a functional structure, layered with everyday objects that often go unacknowledged,**” remarked de Meyer. “**In this setting, beauty unveils itself—the beauty of the ordinary that resonates with our shared memories.**”
### **A Musical Journey Beneath Desert Skies**
As night fell, the Palm Springs Air Museum morphed into a vibrant oasis, with historic warbird planes aglow in radiant neon lighting—a striking blend of history and contemporary style. The museum provided an ideal platform for a curated lineup of international electronic music talent. Festival attendees enjoyed genre-defining performances from stars like **Jamie xx, Avalon Emerson, Kaytranada, ATRIP**, and **Bon Entendeur**, along with a highly anticipated set from special guests **Club Heat**, a musical duo featuring Grammy-nominated artist **Tove Lo** and distinguished British producer **SG Lewis**.
“**Stepping into the Palm Springs Air Museum and witnessing the warbird planes illuminated in bright neon hues was surreal,**” shared Eugene Kim, co-founder and editor-in-chief of *My Modern Met*. “**Pairing that with remarkable talent in electronic music and an energetic audience created an unforgettable Desert Air experience.**”
Festival producer **Goldenvoice**, also recognized for orchestrating *Coachella* and *Stagecoach,* delivered yet another successful musical endeavor at Desert Air. By blending prominent performers with more underground, niche artists from the LA electronic music scene, the event achieved a distinct equilibrium between familiarity and exploration.
### **Daytime Experiences: Aviation-Themed “Layovers”**
While the evenings focused on music and art, the daytime segment of Desert Air presented an equally inventive array of activities to captivate attendees. These “Layover” experiences, inspired by the aviation theme, included architectural tours and yoga sessions to a refreshing retreat at **Day Drift**, hosted at the recently renovated Palm Springs Surf Club. Festival-goers luxuriated poolside, drifting leisurely along the club’s meandering lazy river, while enjoying views of surfers showcasing their skills against the stunning backdrop of the **San Jacinto Mountains**.
“**Day Drift at the Palm Springs Surf Club was a delightful change of scenery,**” reflected Kim. “**Observing surfers and people leisurely floating around the lazy river felt surreal and emphasized the natural beauty of the desert.**”
These daytime events provided a tranquil prelude to the vibrant nights, inviting attendees to explore cultural experiences in a manner that complemented the festival’s immersive spirit.
### **A Distinct Cultural Occasion**
The brilliance of Desert Air lies in its capability to unite eclectic artistic elements with the natural and historical wealth of Palm Springs. The festival isn’t merely a music event; it’s a curated adventure that immerses the audience in novel sensory encounters. In addition to the lively music and awe-inspiring art installations, the event also allowed exploration of the captivating history of aviation within the air museum, complete with the chance to view legendary warbirds up close.
For those seeking a premium experience, the **VIP areas** offered an extra touch of comfort, featuring stylish seating, exclusive backstage views, and private bar sections.
### **Desert Air: A Renewed Way to Experience Palm Springs**
Whether soaking in the warm ambiance of daytime desert activities or dancing to pounding beats at “The Terminal” stage beneath a starry sky,