Shortly after 7 PM this past Monday, John Gómez gradually faded out Ramsey Lewis's "Tequila Mockingbird." A throng of festivalgoers in swimwear, all with the uniting feature of an enormous grin plastered across their faces, broke out into a chorus of whoops and cheers. Behind Gómez, a few of his fellow resident DJs from the past four days (Jamie Tiller, Lauren Hansom, Nick The Record, Jan Schulte and Brian Not Brian), along with their guests for the day (Hunee and Jayda G), clapped along, eventually joining Gómez to take a bow. They were standing underneath a makeshift canopy of tents that had been erected at the foot of the cliffs roughly 200 metres inland from the outstandingly picturesque Gjipe Beach, where for the past four days, Gómez and his fellow residents played everything from classic Italo to rare Brazilian records to an ecstatic crowd, who had trickled onto Gjipe's shores via a short boat journey across the Adriatic Sea.

This was one of many moments that defined the second edition of Kala, which took place in the small village of Dhërmi, roughly four hours south of Tirana. Over the course of a week, around 3000 revellers from across Europe descended on the sleepy village for early morning wellness sessions, lazy beach days and sunrise sets from the likes of Theo Parrish, Hunee and CC:Disco, all framed by the dramatic coastline of Albania's Riveria.

Most artists and festivalgoers travelled to Kala via ferry from Corfu, which made the journey an experience in itself.

The boat was greeted by locals upon arrival in Himare. From there, everyone piled onto a bus heading to the festival site.

Kala is in Dhërmi, a beautiful coastal village built on the slopes of the Ceraunian Mountains in south-eastern Albania.

In addition to the four stages onsite, there was music at nearby Gjipe Beach and the Secret Beach, both of which were only accessible by boat.

Hunee played to sun-kissed ravers at the Secret Beach.

Hunee enjoying a quiet moment after his set.

Call Super, Midland and Job Jobse step out for a quick photo during dinner time at Dhërmi Beach.

Midland and Job Jobse played back-to-back until sunrise at the Empire stage, a beachside stage with a pebbled dance floor.

Jayda G rocking Splendor with a set heavy on disco, funk and soul.

Detroit's Inner City performed plenty of classics, including "Big Fun," to a hyped, young crowd. Derrick May, who was also playing the festival, stopped by to watch.

Derrick May, nursing a white wine spritzer, chatted about his camera collection and his plans to publish a photography book.

Detroit legends Theo Parrish and Inner City cross paths at the hotel.

Techno pioneers Derrick May and Kevin Saunderson catch up.

The Cove stage doubled as a sunbathing spot during the long, hot days.

Theo Parrish brought along four record bags full of gems for his five-hour set at Empire.

Local restaurant Luciano, known for its fresh seafood, was a hit with hungry festivalgoers.

Gjipe Beach, a canyon only accessible by boat, was soundtracked by Kala residents Jamie Tiller, John Gómez, Lauren Hansom, Nick The Record, Jan Schulte and Brian Not Brian throughout the festival.

Hunee enjoying golden hour on the boat back from Gjipe Beach.

Local musicians at Dhërmi Beach.

Yu Su, Peach and D. Tiffany took a stroll through Dhërmi before hitting the decks.

Yu Su and Peach played a lively back-to-back at a party hosted by Stamp The Wax at Yacht Club.

We've compiled a YouTube playlist with some of our favourite tracks from Kala 2019. Check them out here.