The 2024 Splash House festival once again transformed the serene desert city of Palm Springs into an electrifying hub of poolside beats, sun-soaked vibes, and unforgettable moments. Spread across two weekends in August, this year’s festival marked new milestones in attendance and energy, proving that Splash House only gets bigger and bolder with time.
Despite record-breaking heat that saw temperatures soar above 110°F, the scorching weather couldn’t deter thousands of attendees from immersing themselves in the festival’s sonic pulse. Featuring stages at The Renaissance, Margaritaville, and Saguaro hotels, Splash House 2024 showcased some of the world’s most sought-after electronic music artists alongside rising stars, delivering a distinct poolside energy that has become its signature.
The Evolution of Splash House
Since its inception in 2013 as a modest pool party at the Saguaro Hotel, Splash House has blossomed into a multi-venue, multi-weekend event that attracts festival-goers from across the globe. This year’s lineup featured Alesso, Gorgon City B2B Green Velvet, and The Blessed Madonna during Weekend One, with AC Slater, MEDUZA, and Patrick Topping headlining Weekend Two. The festival also extended its magic into the night with After Hours programming at the Palm Springs Air Museum, where attendees danced beneath the wings of vintage aircraft against the breathtaking backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains.
Yet, as the festival expands in scale, it remains rooted in its mission: to celebrate the allure of Palm Springs and provide a one-of-a-kind desert escape. With mid-century modern aesthetics, a sense of nostalgia, and cutting-edge music, Splash House continues to be a summer staple for dance music enthusiasts.
Among the performers was local DJ INGLISH, whose journey to the Splash House stage is a tribute to dedication and longevity. Ahead of the festival’s kickoff, Coachella Magazine caught up with him for an exclusive interview.
“Splash House is the sexiest festival in the world. There’s nothing like it. First of all, it’s in fabulous Palm Springs. If you know about Palm Springs, it’s been popping since the ’60s. To be included on the lineup is humbling and energizing. I’m happy to be here, and I’m happy to share it with the people who introduced me to something like this.”
INGLISH
A Local’s Perspective: INGLISH Takes the Stage
For Rafael Alejandro Nuño, known professionally as INGLISH, Splash House was more than just another gig. It was a homecoming of sorts, marking his debut as a performer after years of attending the festival as a fan.
Reflecting on his musical journey, INGLISH described how he first fell in love with DJing. “I started in 2009, and it was October, Halloween time. It was sexy. It was just fun,” he said with a laugh. “That first night I played for a live crowd, I felt so much energy—it was happy energy. It gave me momentum. I’ve been doing this happily and energetically for 15 years.”
A Universal Sound Rooted in Culture
Born in El Monte and raised in San Bernardino, INGLISH’s background deeply influences his music. “I didn’t speak English until I was seven years old,” he explained. “So I grew up with regional Mexican music and gospel. My parents are from Guadalajara, Jalisco, the home of mariachi. If you listen to my music, you’ll hear some of those instruments in there. I love blending those influences with house music—it’s like throwing a huge house party where everyone feels at home.”
His stage name, INGLISH, also carries a personal story. “It’s ironic because I didn’t speak English as a kid,” he said. “When I started DJing, I wanted a name that would last over time and feel universal. English is one of the most spoken languages in the world, and I wanted my music to be just as universal. I changed the E to I because I’m from the Inland Empire. It’s a nod to my roots.”
Keeping the Crowd Moving
Known for his drum-heavy sound, INGLISH credits his background as a drummer for shaping his style. “Drums, drums, drums—that’s my sound,” he said. “Some people focus on melodies, but my bridges are all about percussion. I want my sets to feel like a huge house party. Whether you’re in the back of the club, by the bar, or on the dance floor, it should feel like a party everywhere.”
When asked about the changes he’s observed in the music scene, he highlighted the growing inclusivity and energy. “The parties have gotten bigger, and the scene’s only grown. It hasn’t gotten worse—it’s gotten more universal and more accepting,” he said.
A Festival to Remember
Despite the sweltering heat, festival-goers were undeterred, with many cooling off in the pools while enjoying sets from their favorite artists. Sponsored activations played a crucial role in keeping attendees hydrated and energized, with free Electrolit beverages and Takis Stix available throughout the weekend. At the Saguaro Hotel, the activation for the upcoming movie Blink Twice offered free giveaways, adding an extra layer of excitement.
For INGLISH, performing at Splash House was a dream come true. “I’ve attended Splash House for the past four years, and every time I come, it feels like an oasis,” he said.
“You get your wristband, you plug into the system, and the next three days are spectacular. You don’t worry about too much, you let it go. Sunblock, bring a little bit of that. But other than that, it’s Margaritaville, it’s easy street.
INGLISH
Looking back on his performances at Coachella, INGLISH reflected on what makes the festival unique. “I performed at Coachella in 2014, and then we did the Mojave stage in 2022. So Coachella was fun. It’s always a blast to enjoy it, even if I’m not DJing. But I’ve had the privilege to rock the crowd a few times and it’s something that I don’t forget and it’s something that I remember and it’s something that I pull energy from often.”
Staying Motivated and Inspired
For INGLISH, staying ahead in the ever-changing music scene requires both humility and a commitment to learning from others. “I’ve been trying to make it a thing to go support friends that DJ shows, you know, even if it’s not particularly what I listen to every day,” he explains. “If they have a show, I go out, I pull up in an Uber, I get a drink, I stick my body in the crowd, and I look at faces, I look at eyes and I see how people react to the stuff they’re playing. And even if it’s not what I would play.”
This approach, he says, helps him stay sharp and connected to his audience. “In order to be able to provide a sound, you kind of have to be a consumer at times, and that takes a little humility, which is something I’m comfortable with.”
While music is undeniably at the core of INGLISH’s world, his creativity extends far beyond the stage. “I like to cook. I’m not even gonna lie,” he says with a laugh. “You can make it complex or not, but I’m a hell of a cook, so I like to cook every day. It’s art in its own form.” When he’s not perfecting his beats or supporting a friend’s show, you’ll likely find him at home with his pugs and his cat. “I’m just a homebody,” he adds. “Sometimes I go and volunteer at the Humane Society—It’s my way of giving back.”
Looking Ahead
As Splash House continues to evolve, it remains a reflection of Palm Springs, blending the city’s historic charm with the pulsating energy of modern dance music. For INGLISH and countless other artists and attendees, it’s more than just a festival—it’s a celebration of community.
For aspiring DJs looking to carve their own path, INGLISH emphasizes the importance of perseverance over instant success. “If you’re gonna start — work on it and keep going. The name of the game is longevity at this point because there’s a lot of things going viral that could get you there overnight. But that pressure doesn’t give you longevity,” he explains. “If you’re gonna start something, finish something. So start, keep going. Just don’t stop. Longevity is gonna get you there.”
For INGLISH, the magic of being an artist lies in the connections he creates and the joy he brings to others. “I like meeting new faces. I like seeing people excited, and nothing gets people more excited than this music scene we’re in right now,” he shares. “There’s no other party in the world, like the stuff we’re doing right now, whether it’s Splash House or any event with this type of music. There’s no other place where people are smiling that much at the same time. Nowhere else in the world.”
With its unparalleled vibe, world-class lineup, and unforgettable experiences, Splash House 2024 solidified its place as one of the most iconic festivals in the desert. And as the sun set on another successful season, one thing was clear: the future of Splash House is as bright as the Palm Springs sun.
For more info visit: splashhouse.com
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