From the chaos of ’80s hair metal to the slowed, hypnotic pulse of Houston’s chopped-and-screwed hip-hop, TazMayne’s sonic DNA is a collision of worlds that thrives inside his heavy dubstep sets. The Houston-based bass artist has carved out a distinct lane by fusing aggressive metal riffs with trap energy and rattling low-end, all while staying grounded in the PLUR ethos of the underground. As he prepares to take the stage at the Breakaway Dallas Silent Disco amid a run of national appearances, TazMayne is emerging as a defining voice of Texas bass culture. Photo Credit: Alissa Szucs TazMayne is rapidly evolving from a regional favorite into a rising name on the national festival circuit. His recent run includes a standout performance at Dancefestopia and headlining dates in Arkansas and Reno, Nevada. These milestones signal a clear shift in reach and recognition. What once felt local is now expanding outward, with his genre-blending sound resonating far beyond Texas borders. During Breakaway Dallas weekend, fans will see multiple sides of his artistry. In addition to his Silent Disco set, he plans to perform at the official Breakaway afterparty at The Bomb Factory, opening for Mary Droppinz and LYNY. Together, these performances offer both an intimate and high-impact look at his range. “As an artist, I think it’s more about showing that I’m not just a local anymore—I’m a festival DJ,” TazMayne shares. “For Breakaway, I’m thinking I’ll lean into a weird, bass-driven sound for the Silent Disco. The afterparty will be loud at The Bomb Factory, so I’ll bring that same experimental energy there too. But no matter what, it’s still that classic TazMayne hype: metal, rap, and dubstep.” TazMayne’s sound is inseparable from Houston itself, as it’s a city known for bending genres and shaping distinct musical identities. Raised between two extremes, he grew up immersed in both ’80s hair metal and the slowed-down textures of chopped-and-screwed rap. That contrast now defines the tempo, grit, and attitude of his music. For him, those influences run deeper than sound. They’re personal. His metal connection, in particular, ties back to memories with his late father, giving his music an emotional undercurrent beneath the intensity. Photo Credit: Alissa Szucs “Growing up in Houston had me thinking chopped and screwed was the move,” he says. “The culture is so real. It bleeds into everything I make. No matter where I’m at, I want people to feel that H-Town sound. And the ’80s hair metal I grew up on, I had been to more of those shows than I could count by the age of 11. Thanks, Dad. Rock in peace.” Behind the heavy drops and mosh-ready energy is a mindset rooted in discipline and growth. TazMayne describes himself as a “personal development junkie,” applying that mentality to every layer of his career, from refining his performance to building a sustainable path forward. At the same time, he sees his role in the Texas EDM scene as something bigger than himself. A community worth protecting. He’s committed to preserving the core values of PLUR (Peace, Love, Unity, Respect), especially as new fans enter the space. That philosophy plays out most clearly in how he connects with his audience. Rather than separating himself from the crowd, he actively seeks connection, turning each set into a shared experience. Photo Credit: Chilly Media “I make sure I’m never too good to stop and talk to people, give them hugs,” he explains. “When I get off stage, I stay and hang out. I don’t just disappear. I want to vibe with people, get to know them. Big smiles, big hugs, just sharing that excitement with everyone.” TazMayne is entering a phase defined by expansion, turning momentum into a lasting presence. His focus now is on securing more festival bookings, growing his footprint beyond Texas, and continuing to evolve his sound through both originals and mashups. After refining his sound behind the scenes, he’s finally ready to release two long-awaited tracks that could mark a turning point in his career. “I’m planning my next two huge releases that I’ve been holding onto for five years,” he says. “It’s time. These tracks are gold. They deserve to see the light of day. I might even build a tour around them. But I know they’re going to skyrocket me.” From the streets of Houston to stages across the country, TazMayne’s rise fuels his authenticity, intention, and relentless drive. Texas may have been the foundation, but its sound is reaching far beyond it. It’s growing louder, heavier, and harder to ignore with every set. As he steps into Breakaway Dallas, both in the intimacy of the Silent Disco and the intensity of the afterparty, one thing is clear: this next chapter is about to break wide open. And if you won't be attending Breakaway Dallas this year, be sure to catch him at Three Links this Sunday, April 5th or at the Green Elephant for Dallas DJam on April 15th.

What happens when an artist disappears for three decades, then returns with something urgent to say? That question defines apaull, the Dutch-Canadian producer crafting techno, house, and ambient-rooted music shaped by memory, frustration, and modern life. After connecting at the 2026 Winter Music Conference in Miami, we spoke with apaull about re-entering the music industry after 30 years, navigating a transformed industry, and why authenticity matters more than ever in today’s noise-filled landscape. Photo Credit: Dave Clarke Apaull challenges one of dance music’s biggest myths. Success belongs only to the viral or constantly visible. Instead, apaull’s return represents something increasingly rare: an artist shaped from lived experience rather than trend cycles. Some may let speed, algorithms, and short attention spans dominate them, yet apaull offers a slower, sharper vision rooted in craft, identity, and truth. The Comeback Story Apaull’s departure from music was gradual, like a quiet drift that often happens when adult life takes over. While scenes evolved and sounds changed, he built a full career as an environmental scientist and later ran his own consulting company. “I built a full career as an environmental scientist and owned an environmental consulting company with many employees,” he says. “I sold the business in 2019, and that gave me something incredibly valuable: time.” Photo Credit: Dave Clarke That time became the turning point. Music had always been part of his life. Raised in a family where his father played professionally in a military band and his mother played piano, he was always surrounded by creativity. Apaull himself started as a drummer, but practicality got in the way. “I was a drummer, but hauling drums around was never easy, so music gradually went into hiatus for me.” Then technology changed everything. Software, laptops, and digital workstations had replaced the heavy gear of earlier eras. “I no longer needed a full drum kit,” he notes. “I could create music on the same laptop I use for everything else. That realization completely blew me away.” While the world slowed down during the pandemic, apaull accelerated creatively. Apaull immersed himself in Ableton, modern production workflows, and online coursework through 343 Labs in New York. “With nowhere to be for a while, I used that period to really sink my teeth into learning how to write music,” he says. “That experience helped set me on the path I’m on now.” Music In A New World Returning after 30 years meant stepping into an entirely different ecosystem. The analog scenes of the past had given way to streaming platforms, algorithmic discovery, content pressure, and endless competition. Rather than chase trends, apaull chooses discipline, mentorship, and artistic standards. “I’ve built a team that helps guide the creation of my work, and I truly view what I do as art in the most literal sense,” he says. “My executive producer is Abe Duque, based in New York, an absolute OG in electronic music. I’ve been meeting with him weekly for nearly five years.” For apaull, quality defines his success. This mindset gives his music an uncommon confidence: less interested in fitting in, more focused on standing up technically and creatively: “I create what I create, but I want it to be as technically strong as possible. I never mind if someone says they don’t like it, or that it’s strange or unconventional. What I never want anyone to say it was poorly produced.” Sound + Influences To understand apaull’s music, look back to the jagged, synth-heavy landscape of the mid-1980s through the early 2000s. Apaull’s influences span industrial, synth-pop, ambient, and electronic experimentation. “A lot of it comes from industrial music: Skinny Puppy, Front Line Assembly, KMFDM. On the other side, I love synth-pop bands like Depeche Mode and Heaven 17. I also really love groups like The Orb. I’ve always been fascinated by how they use atmosphere and texture.” Photo Credit: Dave Clarke One of his most recognizable techniques is the use of unexpected vocal fragments and samples, like unexpected snippets that create tension, emotion, or commentary. “I’ve always liked those moments, whether pulled from media, news, or random recordings. It’s another way to build meaning inside a track.” His latest release, Gunfactor, a 10-track album, reflects that wide palette. Industrial edges meet synthwave textures, indie-dance momentum, and darker techno undercurrents. Rather than obsess over genre labels, apaull focuses on cohesion. “Genres are always a strange thing to define anyway,” he says. “For me, it’s more about continuity across the work rather than fitting into a box.” Art With Meaning For apaull, production quality is only the vessel. Meaning is the destination. Apaull’s music often carries political undertones, cultural commentary, or personal frustration, but never in a preachy way. Instead, he prefers to create space for interpretation. This philosophy makes his music more open-ended and human. A track can begin as his personal reaction to the world, but for the listener, it can become something entirely different. “I believe art doesn’t need to fully explain itself,” he says. “You don’t have to understand exactly what the artist was thinking for it to resonate.” Ultimately, apaull’s desire to contribute something substantiel fuels his return to the studio. As he navigates this second chapter of his creative life, his definition of success is refreshingly simple. Photo Credit: Dave Clarke “I hope the conversations come across like: ‘Wow, that sounds really good - how did you create that?’ or “His tracks are really coming together, I want to listen to it and share it,” he says. “Ultimately, I just want the work to resonate. I want it to be well-produced, original, and cohesive - something that feels like its own sound. If it reaches that point, I’ll be very happy with where it ends up.” Why EDM Texas Connected Though apaull’s roots are Dutch-Canadian, his ethos feels familiar to Texas dance culture. Texas has long respected artists who build from the ground up: self-funded creators, studio obsessives, independent thinkers, and producers more focused on substance than image. Apaull’s story fits naturally within that tradition. On May 15, apaull will bring his live set to Brighton, UK, opening for techno icon Dave Clarke, who also contributed photography for Gunfactor’s artwork. It is a fitting next chapter for an artist who chose growth over timing, depth over trends, and reinvention over regret. His story is a reminder to the Texas scene and beyond that, there is no expiration date on creative purpose, and that sometimes the strongest sound arrives after the longest silence. Follow apaull on his socials and music links, and don’t forget to listen to Gunfactor. SPOTIFY INSTAGRAM WEBSITE SOUNDCLOUD

Breakaway Dallas 2026 rebuilt Fair Park in the best way. Before the gates even opened, the transformation was already visible from above. Pre-festival aerial views revealed a carefully engineered footprint: fenced traffic corridors, a fully separated Lab stage zone, expanded Jimmy John’s Silent Disco infrastructure, merch pickup stations, optimized VIP sightlines, and food truck lanes designed to serve as the central reset point between CELSIUS Main Stage surges and The Lab’s bass-heavy intensity. Photo Credit: Erick Blanquet Day One: Heat, Bass, and Golden-Hour Chaos Friday opened under classic North Texas conditions: blazing heat, clear skies, and a crowd eager to move. By early evening, The Lab had already emerged as the day’s most energized environment. Rather than feeling like a secondary stage, it functioned as the festival’s pressure valve for low-end chaos, underground discovery, and crowd-first energy. Early sets from FLY and Mary Droppinz quickly established momentum. FLY locked the room into The Lab’s identity with a controlled but heavy opening blend of bass pressure and rhythmic lift. Mary Droppinz followed with the kind of unpredictability that has made her one of the more exciting names in party-forward bass programming, mixing rap edits, sharp transitions, and commanding mic presence that kept the energy climbing. Then came LYNY. His set marked the moment The Lab shifted from a strong side stage into one of the defining stories of Day 1. As golden hour faded into dusk, the open-air layout, sharp LED visuals, and tightly packed crowd created an ideal setting for his heavier selections to hit at full force. When “Section” dropped, the response was immediate with hands up across the grounds and the kind of synchronized eruption that turns a great set into a weekend-defining memory. More importantly, LYNY’s performance captured what The Lab did best all weekend: offer a more intimate but equally explosive counterweight to the cinematic scale of the main stage. One of Breakaway Dallas 2026’s smartest wins came through the Jimmy John’s Silent Disco Club Sandwich, which evolved far beyond a sponsor activation. Positioned between The Lab and the food truck corridor, it became a social hub where fans could stay engaged between major sets without losing momentum. Photo Credit: Sam Nguyen Photo Credit: Sam Nguyen While The Lab thrived on concentrated bass energy, the Silent Disco encouraged exploration through its three-channel headphone system. Attendees moved between house, bass, and open-format programming in real time, creating a dance floor built around personal choice. Free Jimmy John’s chips, branded product walls, and a suspended disco-sandwich centerpiece gave the place a playful identity that felt more like a mini-venue than an activation. As sunset gave way to darkness, the CELSIUS Main Stage entered its strongest stretch of the evening. Lilly Palmer delivered the clearest standout performance of Day 1, pairing relentless techno pacing with one of the festival’s most immersive visual environments. Dense haze, saturated purple washes, and sharply timed blinder hits transformed the sets into a hypnotic pressure chamber. Photo Credit: Sam Nguyen Her placement in the schedule also mattered. Palmer became the pivot point between late-afternoon momentum and true nighttime intensity, raising the energy floor for everything that followed while giving the main stage an identity distinct from The Lab’s bass-driven mayhem. Our pace continued with HEDEX, whose closing performance at The Lab reaffirmed its status as the weekend's bass nucleus. His drum-and-bass assault triggered nonstop movement, with shuffling pockets across the crowd and rapid-fire transitions that kept sustained intensity deep into the night. By the time FISHER took over the CELSIUS Main Stage, the grounds were fully primed for a headliner finish. His groove-forward set steadily escalated into the catalog moments that have made him a global festival mainstay. Fireworks over the final stretch delivered the large-scale payoff, sealing Day 1 with a polished exclamation point. Photo Credit: Erick Blanquet Day Two: Rhythm, Flow, and Immersion By Saturday, Breakaway Dallas 2026 had settled into its full rhythm. With attendees now familiar with the Fair Park layout, movement across the grounds became noticeably smoother. What stood out most on Day 2 was how effectively the infrastructure supported pacing. Shaded recovery zones, beverage activations, sponsor experiences, and the food truck village balanced major performance windows. The activation corridor near the food vendors became one of the busiest areas on-site, with Jack Daniels and BeatBox anchoring interactive experiences that kept foot traffic moving between sets. Nearby, the Silent Disco continued to thrive. Its placement beside sponsor activations and The Lab made it an ideal platform for Dallas and regional DJs to play to highly engaged crowds. Because listeners actively selected channels, the format created unusually direct artist-to-crowd feedback, something local talent felt immediately. Photo Credit: Erick Blanquet EDM Texas caught up with two of the Silent Disco artists, DJ Quadz (who also earned the opportunity to open up the Main Stage on Day 1), and DJ EGGO after their sets. Photo Credit: Erick Blanquet EDM Texas: As a Dallas artist who’s been growing across Texas, what did it feel like to play the Silent Disco stage here at Breakaway in front of a home crowd? DJ Quadz: Man, it was so incredible! Being able to play my first official festival just 1 year into my DJ career is surreal. EDM Texas: How do you think the Texas EDM scene is evolving for local DJs right now? DJ Quadz: People really show love to local DJs right now. Every time I see flyers posted, there's support for our local DJs in the comments. We’re gaining respect alongside bigger artists. EDM Texas: Silent Disco crowds interact differently because everyone literally tunes into your channel. Did that change the way you read the room and build your set? DJ Quadz: It changed things a bit. Breakaway Dallas 2026 was only my second-ever silent disco. Still, I could actually see who was tuned into my channel and reacting with me. It felt like a more intimate connection. EDM Texas: This being one of your first festival performances, what emotions were going through your mind right before stepping onto the Silent Disco stage? DJ EGGO: I remembered going to my first festival when I was younger and wondering what it would feel like to be onstage. Walking backstage, that thought had me hyped. I knew I had 30 minutes to give everything I had and turn the silent disco into a full party! EDM Texas: How did the energy of the Breakaway Dallas crowd compare to smaller shows, house parties, or the spaces you've played before? DJ EGGO: It was amazing seeing everyone vibe with me. I love bringing energy and positivity, no matter who is listening. But hearing people sing and throw their heads up with me took my breath away. I had goosebumps and a feeling like never before! Later that night, Eli Brown brought the same elite-tier intensity Lilly Palmer delivered the evening before. His set was dark and massive, another reminder of how well Breakaway Dallas programmed high-pressure techno elements across both nights. Photo Credit: Erick Blanquet Then Disclosure closed the weekend with a different kind of force. After two nonstop days of movement, their unmistakable vocals drifting across Fair Park felt like an emotional comedown in the best sense. It was nostalgic, communal, and deeply human, like the sound of thousands of people sharing the same memory in real time. Photo Credit: Erick Blanquet What elevated Breakaway Dallas 2026 beyond a standard festival weekend was attention to detail. The CELSIUS Main Stage excelled at visual pacing, shifting seamlessly between Lilly Palmer’s industrial darkness, Eli Brown’s strobe-heavy assault, and FISHER’s brighter groove-led finale. The Lab thrived as the bass epicenter, where LYNY’s “Section” dropped and HEDEX’s drum-and-bass chaos landed with amplified force through smoke bursts, aggressive lighting, and crowd-responsive visuals. But the real success was bigger than any one set. Every corner of Fair Park felt alive - music, movement, discovery, connection, and those unplanned moments that became the stories people tell afterward. That's what keeps crowds coming back.

A 15-second clip can launch a track into millions of feeds overnight. But the artists building decade-long careers in dance music are doing something less obvious: they are slowing down long enough to know who they are. At the 2026 Winter Music Conference  during Miami Music Week , a consistent message echoed through conversations with artists, managers, and industry leaders: virality might get you noticed, but identity is what keeps people coming back . As electronic music becomes more crowded and more algorithm-driven, the real question is no longer how fast a moment can spread. It is whether that moment means anything once the scroll moves on. Photo Credit: Vivi Cuberos The modern electronic music industry is wrestling with a central tension: short-term visibility versus long-term identity . Platforms reward speed, frequency, and trend participation. But many voices at the 2026 Winter Music Conference pointed towards something deeper. The artists who endure are the ones who understand what they stand for, how they sound, and how to turn that into a consistent experience for their audience.  Amidst a sea of content, having a strong identity is vital. It acts as a clear signal that stands out from the surrounding noise.  Viral Moments Build Songs, Not Artists One of the clearest lessons from the conference was simple: viral moments can build songs, but they rarely build artists. A spike on short-term platforms can send a track soaring overnight. But attention gained through trends is often tied to a single drop, transition, or memorable snippet, not to the person who made it. The audience may know the sound without knowing the artist. That creates a fragile kind of success. When momentum depends on the next trend cycle, careers become unstable. What rises quickly can disappear just as fast.  The takeaway from the 2026 Winter Music Conference was not that virality is useless. It can be powerful. But it works best as an amplifier, not a foundation. A million plays can create awareness. Only identity can create longevity.   Identity is the Foundation of Longevity If virality is a spark, identity is the structure that holds the fire. Across multiple panels, speakers emphasized that strong artists are recognizable before their names even appear on a flyer. That recognition comes from clarity, consistency, and connection.  Identity can show up in several forms: a distinct sound, a visual world or aesthetic, clear values and community alignment, and consistent energy across releases and live sets. With thousands of tracks arriving every day, identity helps fans orient themselves in the market, giving them a reason to return. It also reduces dependence on trends. Artists with a clear point of view do not need to chase every new wave. They can evolve without losing trust because their audience believes in the person behind the project.  Artists Leave A Lasting Impression Through Their Stories  Music matters. But in today’s environment, music alone is rarely the full story. Fans do not just follow songs. They follow journeys, personalities, risks, setbacks, reinventions, and moments of growth. That emotional thread is what turns a casual listener into a real supporter.  Photo Courtesy: Vivi Cuberos The strongest artists understand this instinctively. They invite people into their world through process, perspective, and personality. That might mean showing studio experiments, discussing creative blocks, sharing road moments, or revealing what inspired a release. These showings are where storytelling separates artists from content churn. Instead of posting to satisfy an algorithm, they communicate something human. People may discover a track in seconds, but they will stay for the story.   The Pressure to Perform vs The Power of Authenticity Many emerging artists now face a constant pressure cycle: post more, react faster, pivot sooner, stay visible. But the more someone performs for the algorithm, the easier it is to lose the qualities that made them interesting in the first place. That tension came up repeatedly at the 2026 Winter Music Conference. Authenticity is a strategic advantage. Audiences are highly attuned to what feels forced and what feels real. When artists create from genuine interest rather than obligation, their output becomes more sustainable. They avoid burnout, protect their mental health, and build a brand rooted in something stronger than metrics. Sincerity stands out in a landscape full of imitation. Why This Matters for Texas Artists This shift toward identity-first growth creates a real opportunity for Texas. Strong local scenes have always thrived on personality, community, and regional flavor. From bass-heavy crowds in Dallas and Houston to underground house and techno communities in Austin and El Paso, Texas does not need to imitate another market to matter. That is the advantage. When artists build from their actual environment, they create something exportable: culture with roots. DIY events, local collectives, warehouse parties, independent labels, and scene-specific sounds can generate loyalty no algorithm can manufacture.    As the 2026 Winter Music Conference made clear, the artists who last are rarely the ones chasing attention. They are the ones building something they are worth returning to. Being memorable is a greater challenge in a world where almost anyone can be seen. And in dance music today, that does not come from going viral.  It comes from knowing exactly who you are, and making sure the world can feel it.

Every spring, Texas ravers know exactly what time it is: Ubbi Dubbi season! Returning to Panther Island Pavilion in Fort Worth on April 24-25, 2026, Disco Presents once again kicks off another highly anticipated weekend during Texas festival season. Known for shaping the state’s dance music landscape, from the Halloween intensity of Freaky Deaky to the year-ending spectacle of Lights All Night, Disco Donnie has positioned Ubbi Dubbi as something different: a seasonal reset. It’s where ravers step back into festival mode, reconnect with the scene, and set the tone for the months ahead. Photo Credit: Ubbi Dubbi What sets Ubbi Dubbi apart is its balance. The festival lives in the space between melodic house euphoria and full-force bass energy, creating a weekend where both sides of dance music feel equally at home. This year, that duality feels especially refined. Artists like Kx5 (Kaskade & deadmau5), Alesso, Zedd, Cloonee, and Loud Luxury bring the uplifting, hands-in-the-air moments. At the same time, Ganja White Night, Tape B, Of The Trees, and TroyBoi deliver deep, immersive bass with weight and intensity. For first-time festivalgoers, Ubbi Dubbi offers one of the most accessible entry points into the full spectrum of Texas rave culture. Ubbi DUbbi 2026 Lineup Ubbi Dubbi 2026 setting amplifies that contrast. The Into the Abyss theme will transform Panther Island Pavilion into an underwater world of glowing reef visuals, immersive portals, and deep-ocean-inspired production. As daylight fades, the festival will naturally shift with it. House-driven sounds will complement the golden-hour atmosphere, while bass acts will take over as darkness settles. It’s in that transition, from open-air daylight to full nocturnal immersion, where Ubbi Dubbi will truly come alive. For those planning their Ubbi Dubbi 2026 weekend, especially newcomers, the schedule follows a consistent rhythm. Parking and the box office at 2 PM CT; gates at 3 PM CT, and music runs through midnight both days. Arriving early offers a clear advantage for exploring the grounds, mapping out stages, refilling waters, and easing into the energy before peak crowds hit. By nightfall, the shift in production and sound creates the festival's defining experience. More than anything, that's why Ubbi Dubbi continues to matter in Texas. It doesn’t aim to be the biggest or the heaviest event on Disco Donnie’s calendar; it's the one that sets the tone. By bringing together house fans, bass lovers, and first-time attendees, it creates a shared starting point for the season ahead, letting the music guide the transition from one world into the next. Buy your Ubbi Dubbi 2026 passes here. Don’t forget to use the code, “BIGMAINSTAGE” for $5 off your order!

In an era where algorithms decide what we hear and viral clips dominate discovery, the most powerful influencers in dance music aren’t on your feed. They’re behind the decks. At the 2026 Winter Music Conference during  Miami Music Week , a clear idea echoed across panels and conversations alike: the “influencer” isn’t this new digital invention; it’s a role DJs have occupied since the earliest days of dance music culture. While a 15-second clip can spark a trend, true music discovery still hinges on something far less measurable: the psychological bond between a selector and a dancefloor. Through real-world performance and intentional curation, DJs transform an endless stream of data into something meaningful, acting as cultural gatekeepers in an increasingly automated landscape. Pictured: Hyland.Wav The role of the DJ has quietly evolved from entertainer to cultural translator, bridging the gap between a saturated global music market and the individual listener. At the center of this shift lies all the tension explored during a recent Beatport panel: data versus human intuition .  Streaming platforms provide access, metrics, and scale. DJs provide context. They are the ones who determine whether a track moves from a digital file to a shared experience. In doing so, they define the emotional and aesthetic boundaries of the scene.  A Global Network of Influence Zoom out, and this influence becomes impossible to ignore. More than 580,000 DJs perform publicly each year, delivering over 27 million sets worldwide . Behind those performances are nearly 12 million tracks purchased  and curated specifically for the dancefloor. This data reveals a fundamental truth about the electronic music industry: DJs are perhaps the only influencers who pay to influence. They invest their own money into the music they believe in. They take risks on tracks before they trend. And when they play a record live, they’re sharing content and staking their credibility on it in real time. That dynamic creates something algorithms cannot replicate: a feedback loop built on trust, energy, and lived experience. The most meaningful “viral” moments in dance music are felt collectively in a room.   Trust Over Virality In a world of infinite choice, the most valuable currency is trust. This distinction exposes a deeper divide between visibility and impact. As Sonya Okon  of Helix Records  put it during the Beatport panel, “ Viral moments build songs, not artists .” In today’s oversaturated ecosystem, algorithms maximize reach. They reward immediacy, repetition, and short-term engagement. But they rarely build lasting connections.  DJ-driven influence works differently. It's slower, more intentional, and rooted in consistency. Trust is built over time, track by track, set by set. When a DJ introduces a new artist, the audience listens not because they were told to, but because they believe in the curator behind the music. Virality may create exposure, but trust creates longevity. The Dancefloor as the Testing Ground Nowhere is this trust tested more honestly than on the dancefloor. As Radio Slave noted during the conference, “ You need to see how tracks work in a club environment. ” Dancefloors are where music moves beyond theory and into reality. It’s also where the contrast between Shazam culture and ID culture becomes clear. Shazam offers instant answers; ID hunting creates shared moments of curiosity and connection. It turns a track into a story, something that people chase, talk about, and remember.  Dance music is one of the few genres where a song’s cultural value establishes itself before its official release. By the time a track reaches streaming platforms, it has already been tested, shaped, and validated in a live setting. In a landscape flooded with new releases, the role of the DJ becomes even more essential. With millions of tracks competing for attention, discovery without guidance can feel overwhelming. This is where the human element takes over.  DJs don’t select music solely on data. They select based on feeling. They filter out meaningless noise, shaping sets that carry emotion, narrative, and intention. In doing so, they create a framework for discovery that algorithms also cannot provide. This is when artist branding becomes critical. When a DJ supports a track, it’s exposure and alignment. It signals authority. It tells the audience  that  this is worth their attention . In an oversaturated market, what rises is what resonates.   So who really controls music culture? Not just platforms. Not just data. But the people who interpret it. The most powerful influencers in dance music are in dark clubs, on festival stages, and in underground spaces where culture actively shapes itself in real time. While algorithms map what’s popular, DJs define what matters.  As this industry continues to scale globally, its role won’t diminish; rather it will become more essential. Because in a world where everything becomes available, the people who decide what matters are the ones behind the decks, giving you a reason to step out into the night.

Written by Sophia & Aeisha Now and then, a weekend reminds you what this culture is supposed to feel like. Shared movement. Familiar faces turning into new friends by the end of the night. A sense of connection that builds without force. Know Good’s sold-out Dallas and Austin stops on The All In Tour  carried that feeling from the very first line outside The Studio at the Bomb Factory in Dallas and the Historic Scoot Inn  in Austin, all the way into a hidden-feeling pop-up afterparty just blocks away. Across both cities, the energy grew only deeper, warmer, and more intimate, like stepping into a moment unfolding naturally in real time. Photo Credit: Kristen Mcleod The weekend unfolded exactly the way a special night should. Lines wrapped early, anticipation buzzing before doors even opened. Venue staff in both cities set the tone immediately: friendly, patient, and genuinely accommodating. In Austin, Scoot Inn, an East Austin landmark dating back to 1871, offered an open-air setting that amplified the excitement. With Scoot Inn’s 10 PM close, the Austin crowd already carried a built-in sense of momentum.  In Dallas, the night ramped up quickly with KyDro setting the vibes high before OVEREAZY  stepped up to the decks. He cooked up hypnotic, experimental beats that locked the crowd in, pairing colorful visuals with sharp, playful sample work, including a standout flip of “Like A G6” that projected well across the room. By the time we caught his closing moments again in Austin, the transition into TERMINAL 6  pushed us forward as the live element took hold. Hearing their songs performed live brought a depth that recordings can’t quite replicate. Their raw, goosebump-inducing vocals hit differently. Between songs, they share moments with the crowd, including the reveal that they’re actually roommates with Know Good. That moment added a personal layer to the weekend’s chemistry.  Photo Credit: Kristen Mcleod When Know Good took the stage, both Dallas and Austin locked in instantly. Their melodic introduction set a cinematic tone, pulling the crowd into their world with their first note. Across both shows, they brought TERMINAL 6 back out, along with Aaron Page to perform featured songs, creating a collaborative night. Watching them move between instruments: guitar and drum pads, added a dynamic layer that elevated the experience beyond a traditional DJ set. Pink Floyd ’s “Money” flip and their track “Parasite” hit particularly hard live, with the guitar adding a textured intensity that translated straight through the crowd. Their sample repertoire spanned genres, weaving in flips and references to Aaliyah , Empire of the Sun , Tracy Chapman , Stevie Nicks , and a standout flip of “Daydream in Blue” by I Monster . Each selection felt intentional, adding both nostalgia and surprise without ever breaking the flow.  Photo Credit: Kristen Mcleod Photo Credit: Kristen Mcleod Visually, the stage design tied it all together. Neon-stacked dice lit up the space, paired with a lighting team that stayed perfectly in sync with every rise, drop, and emotional shift. Overall, the production created a fully immersive environment that pulled the crowd deeper into the experience.   Just when it felt like Austin’s show had reached its close at 10 PM, Know Good flipped the script with a surprise announcement: a pop-up afterparty just a couple blocks away. So naturally, we followed.  The second chapter unfolded at The Secret Garden at Inn Cahoots , a 4,000- square-foot private outdoor space tucked just off 6th Street, complete with its own stage, satellite bar, and lounge-style layout. The transition from Scoot Inn to this hidden enclave felt seamless, and its proximity kept the momentum g oing. By the time we arrived, MOODSWINGS  was already deep in a groove, guiding the crowd with fluid transitions that felt almost liquid, as if the entire space were moving as one. One of the standout visuals came from within the crowd itself: Watson Maples  flowing with poi balls and flowstars, carrying the same expressive energy from the main show into the afters. That energy became one of the most beautiful parts of the afterparty. You’d recognize faces from earlier, exchange a look, and suddenly you’re in conversation.  From there, the decks stayed hot. HAVOC ’ s B2B with OVEREAZY pushed the room deeper into a hypnotic moment: part chill, part immersive, fully locked into the groove. Later, Sylas of Know Good stepped into a B2B with mystery guest, LuShreds , shifting the energy into heavier territory with rap edits layered over thick bass and wobble. Once he took control, his command of the board was undeniable. He was looping, stacking, and blending tracks in a way that had everyone moving.  Source: Know Good's Instagram Photo Credit: Kristen Mcleod If there's one word that defines this entire Texas run, which honestly felt like its own intimate, two-city mini festival, it's organic .  The people. The sound. The way strangers became a community over the course of a few hours. The way each space, from Dallas to Austin, from main stage to afters, supported the natural flow of the experience. Know Good and friends successfully a projected genuine connection, and carried it through music.

Houston’s bass scene found its perfect playground as sound and surrealism collided inside Meow Wolf . Wonky Willa 's Galactic Circus  tour was a stop that felt right at home in the city’s rapidly evolving bass landscape. With multiple dates across the state showcasing his signature wonky, bass-heavy sound, anticipation was high. By the end of the night, it was more than fulfilling. Stepping into Meow Wolf is an experience in itself. The venue feels less like a traditional show space and more like an interactive world - rooms unfolding into surreal installations, glowing textures, and immersive art pieces that surround you from every angle. Every corner offers something new to discover, making it the perfect setting for a night rooted in experimental sound and visual exploration. Here, the line between music and environment blurs, elevating the experience beyond a typical lineup. The night opened with Houston local Sugar Drip , who wasted no time setting the tone. Heavy riffs and deep, wub-driven bass created a raw, gritty energy that immediately pulled the crowd in. Enhancing the atmosphere, members of  Bayou City Flow spun flowstars throughout the space. These “flowmies” added a visual rhythm to the music, creating a sense of movement and community that complemented the sound. As Zondo  took over, I moved upstairs to take in the full scope of the space. From above, the scene unfolded in layers - lights bouncing off installations, pockets of dancers drifting between rooms, and the stage anchoring it all. The venue’s maze-like design became even more striking from this vantage point, amplifying each drop with its vibrant, immersive detail. Zondo matched that energy seamlessly, blending crowd-moving selections with strong originals that kept the dancefloor locked in. By the end of his set, the energy had peaked. The crowd was fully engaged, bodies dancing freely, and the room buzzing with anticipation. Amid that buildup, Wonky Willa was already weaving through the crowd, handing out chocolate and stopping for photos. It was a small but memorable touch that made the night feel more personal, welcoming, unfiltered, and fun. By the time he stepped on stage, the energy was already high, but he pushed it further. He opened with a smooth, palate-cleansing blend of bass and tech house before diving headfirst into heavier territory. The transition into filthy dubstep hit with force, splitting the crowd between fluid movement and full-on headbanging. His set moved with intention, balancing dynamics to keep the audience fully locked in. By the time he closed with fan favorites, the room felt electric. Throughout the night, the experience was elevated not just by the music but by the people behind it. The staff at Meow Wolf were welcoming and attentive, and the overall atmosphere felt both vibrant and inclusive. With its immersive venue, standout performances, and genuine connection between artist and crowd, the Galactic Circus tour  served as a reminder of how powerful these spaces can be when everything aligns.

The Texas electronic scene continues to find its heartbeat in artists who value substance over spectacle. One of them is Jacob Cody, the DJ and co-founder of the Krunchy Collective , also known as SoImThatOneGuy . This year at Breakaway Dallas , he’ll bring that community-first ethos to the festival’s Silent Disco, transforming the intimate space into a showcase for underground collaboration and sound system culture. His appearance marks a milestone in a journey defined by steady growth and personal discipline - one that now stretches beyond the local circuit toward a nationwide vision. By prioritizing collective experience over individual ego, SoImThatOneGuy is helping build something designed to last forever.  Who Exactly Is SoImThatOneGuy? Photo Courtesy of Jacob Cody Long before he was shaping sound for dance floors, Jacob Cody’s musical foundation formed in school ensembles. He started on the deep, rhythmic tuba in middle school and later sang in the choir. These early experiences solidified a lifelong commitment to the craft, where his mindset eventually grew into a disciplined approach to music. “Being in a group setting helped me learn the ebb and flow,” he explains. “Being a consumer and avid music lover for most of my life has created a deep respect for the industry. I have watched, learned, and listened to thousands of hours of amazing live music and DJ sets, which have informed my approach to building my performances. Feeling the energy dipping or rising and giving people the chance to move and groove, rest and reset, but also give them a proper party is a delicate balance that I try not to take lightly.” Outside of music, Jacob grounds himself in simple joys: being a devoted Corgi Dad, practicing kendama, and cooking. But the quiet backbone of his recent growth has been four years of sobriety.  Photo Courtesy of Jacob Cody “Showing up every day, honestly and authentically, has opened up so many doors for me,” SoImThatOneGuy shares. “It has helped me pull myself out of a state of distractions and setbacks. With a clear mind and solid foundation at home, I can think more clearly about my future and what I want for the Krunchy Collective and myself.” How Krunchy Collective Is Supporting Emerging Artists The Krunchy Collective is on a mission to disrupt the standard festival cycle by championing the underserved producers and DJs who often fly under the mainstream radar. By prioritizing community over competition, the collective creates an environment where emerging talent can thrive, replacing the “same lineups year after year” with fresh sound system experiences. For SoImThatOneGuy, success is finding these hidden artists and providing them the platform they deserve.  “The biggest mission of Krunchy Collective is to give the community a space to break free from the normal routines of life: to showcase sound, dance, laugh, and meet new friends,” Jacob explains. “We are all about underground, big-sound, sexy laser beams, and good vibes!”  Looking ahead, Jacob hopes to take that grassroots energy nationwide. The ambition is to bridge the gap between talented producers and the audiences waiting to discover them. By focusing on the artists who haven’t yet reached the spotlight, the collective aims to prove that a killer party needs the strength of the community and sound quality, rather than the size of the name. “There are thousands of amazing, talented producers hidden across the country,” Jacob adds. “If we can give even a fraction of them the spotlight to show people what they have, then we have done our job.” Photo Courtesy of Jacob Cody Breakaway Dallas’s Silent Disco offers a stark contrast to the chaos of the main stage. In this environment, where music is delivered to headphones, the rewards for crisp mixing and intentional storytelling are amplified. For an artist who studies every piece of the musical puzzle, the setting is a natural fit. It provides an opportunity to connect with listeners in a space that is simultaneously shared and deeply individualized. And his upcoming Silent Disco appearance is a preview of the immersive sound system experiences he aims to scale nationally with the Krunchy Collective.  “My foundation is sound system music and bass notes that go right through your body,” Jacob explains. “Getting the opportunity to try something new in front of a different community is a great way to rehearse and give new listeners a unique experience. This set will be unlike anything I've done so far. We will be going on a journey through sound, hitting multiple genres and giving people a taste of many different styles of dubstep!” Guided by the mantra to “Keep Creating”, SoImThatOneGuy urges fellow artists to find purpose in the act of making, regardless of the scale. This growth mindset is deeply embedded in his life, rooted in the belief that any vision is attainable if one is willing to endure the necessary sacrifices.  “I heard a quote once that said: ‘There is no success without sacrifice, and if you aren't willing to downgrade your life for one year for a lifetime of opportunity, you aren't ready.’” Jacob says. “That is something I have replayed in my head time and time again. As for the future I'm building, I know for a fact it's going to be an adventure that keeps being fun, loud, and extra krunchy! I couldn't do it without the support of my friends, team, and my Krunchy family. I owe it all to them!” Photo Courtesy of Jacob Cody While the flash of the Main Stage often captures the headlines, it’s the quiet builders who shape the longevity of a scene. Jacob’s journey from middle school tuba player to a driving force behind the Krunchy Collective shows how discipline, community, and persistence can grow something far bigger than a single set.  And as SoImThatOneGuy steps into the Breakaway Dallas Silent Disco, you will hear a movement continuing to take shape: one bassline, one connection, and one community at a time. Be sure to check his set out at the Silent Disco , and don’t forget to follow his music and socials !

From the roar of the Bronco Bowl in the late ‘90s to the glow of a silent disco headset in 2026, SAAD ’s journey through the Texas electronic scene has come full circle. After stepping away from the decks to pursue college and a professional career, SAAD  is now experiencing a powerful resurgence. More than two decades after first discovering the scene’s energy, SAAD’s return reflects a renewed passion for Progressive and Melodic House and a commitment to the PLUR values that helped shape Dallas’ early underground culture.  That revival has already gained momentum with standout performances at DallasFest  and Swirled Peace in Bishop Arts. Now, it reaches a major milestone as SAAD joins the lineup for Breakaway Dallas , where he’ll deliver his signature melodic sound at the festival’s Silent Disco. We caught up with him to talk about his return to the scene, the evolution of his sound, and the vision he’s building within the Texas EDM community.  Photo Courtesy of SAAD EDM Texas: SAAD, what has this return felt like for you personally, and how has coming back to the scene with more life experience changed the way you approach the music and the moment?  SAAD: It has been a lot of fun. My return actually started when I moved to Princeton, Texas. I was getting bored, so I decided to buy equipment again. A few months later, I played my first show back. The scene has grown significantly since I was last involved, and I approach it now with a more diverse perspective. Different promoters and venues request different genres, though I primarily focus on Progressive and Melodic House. The Dallas scene has expanded a lot as well, and I’m currently working on starting a progressive show here soon! EDM Texas: Since stepping back into the scene, you’ve played DallasFest at Vice Park and most recently Swirled Peace in Bishop Arts. What does it mean to feel the scene welcoming you in a bigger way? SAAD: I absolutely love it when someone in the audience comes up after a set and says, “Great set!” It’s the best feeling. I don’t get nervous when I mix, so I can really enjoy the moment and connect with the crowd.  Progressive and melodic house are known for their cinematic emotional arcs. Long builds, layered melodies, and euphoric drops that unfold with patience and precision. For SAAD, that musical storytelling began long before he stepped behind decks. Growing up, he played euphonium in band, an instrument that demands a strong understanding of melody, harmony, and structure. These foundations continue to shape how he constructs his sets today.   EDM Texas: How do those early musical roots shape the way you construct your sets today, and do you see any parallels between the gradual progression in your sound and the arc of your own journey back into the scene?   SAAD: I have always loved good classical music. I remember buying the Jurassic Park soundtrack when I was a kid. I love music with multiple instruments, a great melody, and dramatic build-ups/breakdowns. Also, I like to go to shows at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra from time to time. EDM Texas: By day, you’re a sales professional in technology and education, and by night, you’re building something creative and community-driven in progressive house. How does that professional discipline influence the way you approach branding, networking, and building your own collective here in Dallas? SAAD: Being a sales professional has actually been very helpful. Several shows I’ve played at have ticket sales requirements, and that’s never been an issue for me since I’ve been making cold calls for more than ten years. Ultimately, SAAD’s story shows that passion for music never truly disappears. It simply waits for the right moment to resonate again. In a genre often obsessed with the “next big thing”, his journey is a reminder that longevity comes from staying true to your roots while evolving with the craft.  Now, as he prepares to take the stage at Breakaway Dallas, SAAD is stepping into a new chapter that connects past and present. For longtime fans of progressive sounds, and those discovering it for the first time, the Silent Disco may be the perfect place to tune into the frequency he’s been building toward for more than two decades.  Don’t miss the chance to catch SAAD at Breakaway Dallas  and experience his return to the decks firsthand.

Against the shimmering backdrop of Biscayne Bay, the EPIC Hotel pool deck transforms into a sensory playground of sound and sunlight. But beneath the glamour lies something far more important: the engine that drives the global electronic industry. From March 24-26, 2026, the Winter Music Conference (WMC) returns to Miami with an expanded program designed to bridge the gap between the performance and the business behind the beat. Through the high-energy Beatport Live series and a packed schedule of panels and workshops, WMC becomes the place where artists, executives, and creators gather to shape the future of electronic music.  For the Texas electronic scene, it serves as a scouting ground and a powerful networking catalyst. Whether you are an artist in Austin or a promoter in Dallas, WMC represents the space where ideas collide, and careers accelerate on a global scale. By bringing together the industry’s most forward-thinking innovators, the conference continues to solidify its status as a must-attend destination, for those shaping the sounds of tomorrow.  Why WMC Matters Photo Courtesy of JSloane Creative Before Ultra Music Festival blasts off and the satellite parties take over South Beach, the Winter Music Conference quietly lays the intellectual and cultural foundation for the entire week. Long regarded as a premier intersection of music, technology, and business, WMC remains one of the industry’s most important annual gatherings. For 2026, the conference has evolved to keep pace with the industry’s rapid speed with a streamlined two-track format designed to serve the full electronic ecosystem: WMC // INDUSTRY  and WMC // CREATORS . This dual-path approach ensures that whether you are a label head navigating distribution or a producer mastering audio, the programming curates your specific trajectory.   For the Texas electronic community, this expansion is particularly significant. As the Lone Star State’s scene continues to explode, WMC provides the essential bridge to the global market. For emerging artists, it’s a place where discovery happens quickly. Sometimes a single conversation on the EPIC deck can lead to a career-defining signing. For promoters and venue operators, the WMC // INDUSTRY track offers a front-row seat to the latest safety, ticketing, and immersive tech trends that are reshaping nightlife. For creators and media, it’s a rare opportunity to get hands-on with next-gen gear and engage in high-level discourse that informs the stories we tell back home. Attending WMC ensures Texas has a seat at the table where the future of dance music is being shaped.  Winter Music Conference 2026 Programming Expansion & Speaker Power The 2026 edition of Winter Music Conference signals a shift from passive observation to active participation. It is a high-level summit where the architects of the scene dissect the mechanics of their craft. The speaker roster reads like a cross-section of the underground and the mainstream, featuring boundary-pushing artists such as Sara Landry , Radio Slave , DJ Minx , Junior Sanchez , OOKAY , and more.  These artists’ voices balance heavy-hitting industry leadership. Representatives from SoundCloud , StubHub , Dirtybird , Ultra Records , mau5trap , TikTok SoundOn , Interscope , AFEM , and Beatport  will be on-site to network and lead conversations about the infrastructure powering the modern music economy.  The newly added panels are curated to move past surface-level “fluff”, and focus instead on the strategic challenges and opportunities facing the modern professional. Themes range from technology and innovation to career strategy to cultural sustainability. Topics discussed include navigating AI ethics, scaling a music brand, treating your career as a business, mental health and longevity in dance music, and more. The depth of these topics proves that WMC remains the industry’s strategic headquarters. By addressing the “real consequences” of AI and the “startup” nature of modern artistry, the conference acknowledges that staying relevant in 2026 requires more than a good year. It requires a business mind and a tech-forward toolkit. For the Texas professional, these panels offer the pathway for building a brand that survives the hype cycle and thrives in the long term.  Beatport Live Pool Series As the sun dips toward the horizon, the focus shifts to the EPIC Pool Deck . Produced in partnership with L-Acoustics , AlphaTheta , and FEVER , the Beatport Live x WMC Pool Series  is a curated showcase of global label power and cutting-edge performance tech. Overlooking the expanse of Biscayne Bay, the 2026 lineup offers a masterclass in cross-generational programming.  On Tuesday, March 24th, label founders Manda Moor  and Sirus Hood  set the tone alongside the legendary DJ Sneak , Jean Pierre , and Ms. Mada , blending Chicago house roots with modern European flair to kick off the series. The next day features a historic marathon with Detroit royalty DJ Minx B2B Radio Slave , the iconic Danny Tenaglia , and deep-house architects Doc Martin  and Tal Fussman . Finally, on Thursday, March 26th, a heavyweight collision led by Jamie Jones  and Lee Foss  bridges the gap between underground groove and global arena-sized impact.  The true differentiator of the 2026 series is the deployment of L-Acoustics Immersive   DJ Technology , a revolution in how music stages itself. Utilizing a proprietary audio engine, the system allows DJs to separate tracks into individual elements. Drums, bass, and vocals move through a real time third-dimensional sound field. For the artist, it requires no disruption to the workflow. For the audience, it creates a “holographic” audio environment. This futuristic DJ technology is the plan for the next decade of performance.  Winter Music Conference 2026 Workshops & Real Access While the pool deck offers the week’s sensory peak, the hotel’s interior suites house the conference’s true competitive advantage: applied learning. WMC 2026 has traded generic “success stories” for high-intensity, skill-based workshops designed to give artists and industry pros a tangible toolkit they can take home.  The 2026 workshop slate focuses on the modern artist’s diversified portfolio. SoundOn, powered by TikTok, is a  deep dive into algorithmic storytelling and how to turn a 15-second clip into a global streaming powerhouse. Zen and the Art of DJing  focuses on the mental stamina and physical performance techniques required for longevity in touring. Event Masters is a logistical breakdown of large-scale production, from permitting to immersive lighting design. AI Without Losing Your Sound  provides practical applications of generative tools that enhance workflow without sacrificing creative soul. Careers in Scoring explores the lucrative world of sync licensing for film, gaming, and television.  For many, the most high-stakes “real access” point is the Label Radar A&R Pop-Up Lounge . In an industry where cold demos rarely break through, WMC provides a rare opportunity for direct interaction with decision-makers. The pop-up lounge is where the gatekeepers reside, looking for the next sound to define their catalogs. Participating labels include Ultra Records & Spinnin’ Records, two global dance powerhouses; Dirtybird , the kings of acid tech-house grooves; and Balance Music & Create Music Group  (leaders in distribution). In fact, Texas artist Raddix  is already signed with Create Music Group. This shows that Texas producers and industry folks alike can find their big break at the Winter Music Conference.  Various Texas artists and industry leaders are traveling to Miami  in less than a month to expand their reach and absorb global insights to bring back to the clubs and festivals of the Lone Star State. This cross-pollination is how we ensure our local scene doesn’t just survive but leads. It’s a reminder that the evolution of dance culture is a collaborative effort, and the voices from Texas are essential to that conversation. We highly encourage considering a trip down to Miami Music Week  to be present in those rooms. The future of electronic music is being drafted this month at the Winter Music Conference, and Texas belongs in that room.

On a humid New Orleans night where brass bands usually rule the streets, a different rhythm began cutting through the air. Only this time, it was faster, darker, and more relentless. Stemmily , born and raised in South Louisiana, became the city’s first female Drum & Bass producer, carving space in a genre and a culture that had yet to make room for her. Now based in Denver, she continues expanding across North America as a DJ, producer, and curator. As she prepares to bring that pressure to the Breakaway Dallas  Silent Disco, her story represents what underground leadership can look like. Photo Credit: Taylor Castillo Before stepping fully into drum and bass, she founded Revel Scum , a collective designed to spotlight women who deserved top-tier billing but rarely received it. What began as an intention evolved into an aligned infrastructure. By consistently showing up to open decks in New Orleans, she earned the attention of NOLADNB . Eventually, she became a core member, helping shape the crew’s modern direction. Through curated events and consistent presence, she helped solidify drum and bass as a lasting fixture in the city’s underground. Her persistence eventually led her to become New Orleans’ first female drum-and-bass producer.  “Producing was simply the next step in my evolution,” she says. “It was not calculated. It was growth. I am honored by that and hope it inspires other women to leap into production.” Photo Credit: Glassy Eye Musically, Stemmily operates more like a storyteller than a traditional selector. Her original tracks: “ Incantation ”, “ Temptation ”, and “ Seduction ” lean into ritualistic energy, atmospheric tension, and cinematic pacing. Instead of chasing predictable drops, she builds pressure gradually, allowing emotion to release with intention. Every mix, visual, and release exists within a larger creative arc.  “Music is the medium I use to express myself, and everything I release is part of a larger story,” she explains. “It’s hard for me to fully express myself in words, so music and art in general give me another language. That is why my music feels cinematic and narrative-driven. There is intention behind it, and joy in revealing each new layer. And I am not done yet. There is still so much more to unfold.” Photo Credit: Taylor Castillo In 2025, momentum accelerated. Competition wins at Babestock  and Electric Love   Music Festival , and a pivotal live contest at Sounders  in Dallas, marked a turning point. Those victories translated into festival stages at  Fête Du Void ,  Luna Fête , Sound Camp , and Electric Love in British Columbia. She has supported artists like Blossom , Mary Droppinz , and YOOKiE while commanding rooms from Pensacola to Canada. Dallas, however, became a particularly defining chapter.  Originally in Dallas for her career outside of music, she returned to the familiar grind of open decks. The same foundation shaped her in New Orleans. The response was immediate. She was nominated for Dallas’ Best DNB DJs and found some of her most receptive crowds in the Lone Star State.  “L earning to play in larger rooms forced me to step up, trust myself, and refine how I move a room,” Stemmily says. “Playing everywhere from Pensacola to British Columbia showed me that my sound translates beyond one scene. When you play in multiple cities, you stop chasing what one market wants and start discovering what actually makes you unique. That shift changed how I approach my career. I am thinking bigger, longer-term, and more intentionally about what I am building.” Photo Courtesy of Stemmily At the core of Stemmily’s career is community architecture. From Revel Scum to her leadership role with Babestock  - the only all-FLINTA+ electronic festival in the U.S, her focus has never been about individual spotlight, but sustainability.  “ Community is everything to me,” she shares. “Speaking up for women and believing women has always been important to me, and it always will be. I am honored to have the platform I do, and I hope I can use it to inspire more women to step into DJing, production, and mentorship so this scene can become more welcoming and more collaborative. I am deeply grateful for the mentors I have now, but it took many difficult years to find them. I want artists to have room to grow, take risks, and build real careers rather than chase the next show. When I think about the future of drum and bass and underground culture, I want it to still value artistry, originality, and real connection over trends and algorithms. I want it to protect its roots while still making room for new voices. If I do my job right, what I leave behind will not just be a list of events or releases. It will be a stronger ecosystem, one where the next generation has more opportunity, more support, and more freedom to create than the generation before them.” Photo Courtesy of Stemmily At Breakaway Dallas’ Silent Disco, Stemmily’s sound will glisten in a listener’s ear. Crisp percussion. Sub-heavy basslines. A layered atmosphere. The intention is to allow the tension to feel personal. Expect high-energy rollers balanced with darker, melodic cuts, and original productions woven into the arc.  “ I am excited to bring that new energy to Dallas and share this next chapter with a city I love so much!” she says. “It feels like coming back with something to say, not just something to play.” Stemmily’s journey proves something simple but powerful: when the industry doesn’t make room for you, you build the structure yourself and make it stronger for the people coming next. Dive into her latest chapters on Spotify  and SoundCloud , and don’t miss the chance to experience her set in person at Breakaway Dallas .