For aspiring DJs and producers, or indeed anyone who appreciates a

good story, the genesis of Palms Trax couldn’t have read any

dreamier. You know the one; curious yet naive son of the English

Riviera lands a job at one of London’s leading record stores and

discovers the masters of Chicago house and Detroit techno. Later,

stumbling around Berlin, his primitive attempts to emulate the sound

of his newfound heroes accidentally land him a bona fide dance floor

hit. A gradual but steady stream of EPs courtesy of Dutch dance

music powerhouse Dekmantel have allowed his productions to

blossom in richer, smoother directions. On 2015’s ‘In Gold’ EP, and

throughout the following year’s ‘High Point on Low Ground’, halcyon

hallmarks of house – euphoric piano lines, bubbling acid and

luminescent keys – are shot through with Donaldson’s tough,

distinctive percussion.

It’s that same connection with Dekmantel that has encouraged

Donaldson to quickly evolve as a DJ. A memorable performance at

Dekmantel’s flagship Amsterdam festival in 2015 captured open

hearts, lost minds and aching feet. Since then, the sound of Palms

Trax has been a fixture on their enormous main stage, drifting

seamlessly between vintage house, esoteric disco and the various

shades of a bubbling UK underground he has helped define.

Occasional back-to-back performances with the likes of Hunee,

Young Marco, and Midland, all DJs regularly credited for their breadth

of musical knowledge and versatility, speak volumes for Donaldson’s

DJing nous, which has lead him on an international trail; from South

America to Australia, and from Panorama Bar to Concrete, Contact,

and De School.

We couldn’t be more excited that Palms Trax is joining us for our 10 year celebration, he’s one of our favourite artists and a real dream booking.  We’ve some incredible memories dancing to Palms Trax sets- just always brilliant!

https://soundcloud.com/dkmntl/palms-trax-at-dekmantel-selectors-2023?in=palmstrax/sets/mixes