What began as a night of melodic bass quickly unfolded into something far larger inside 713 Music Hall. Beneath floating celestial lights, cathedral-inspired stage structures, and towering laser displays, Seven Lions transformed the venue into a fully immersive fantasy world during his Asleep in the Garden of Infernal Stars tour stop in Houston. Photo Credit: Side Quest Dispatch Known for blending melodic bass, psytrance, and emotionally driven storytelling into his performances, Seven Lions has long existed in a lane of his own. His latest tour feels like you’re stepping into another dimension entirely. From the gothic-inspired production design to the glowing suspended orbs hanging above the crowd, every visual element contributed to the tour’s dark celestial atmosphere. The evening opened with a melodic warmup from Nurko, whose emotionally charged bass music immediately wrapped around the venue. His set balanced soaring melodies with bursts of dubstep that sparked waves of headbanging across the crowd while still maintaining a cinematic tone. Even before the night fully escalated, the production and organization inside 713 Music Hall stood out. Staff moved guests into the venue quickly and efficiently. At the same time, the merch booth became an early hotspot thanks to the exclusive apparel and double-sided fans, which quickly became crowd favorites. As the night progressed, the mood inside the venue began to shift. The moment Level Up stepped on stage, the atmosphere elevated. Known for her fierce dubstep sound and infectious stage presence, she delivered a relentless set packed with crushing bass drops, explosive breakdowns, and nonstop crowd movement. Nearly the entire venue pulsed as her powerful style collided with massive dubstep sequences that rattled the room from the floor to the balcony. Photo Credit: Side Quest Dispatch Photo Credit: Side Quest Dispatch Along with the musical intensity of her performance, Level Up also created one of the night's most memorable moments when she played her remix of Rihanna’s “Where Have You Been”. For a brief moment, the aggression dissolved into pure nostalgia as the crowd shouted every lyric in unison, only for the chaos to surge back with the returning drop. The switch perfectly captured the emotional balance that defined the night as a whole. Then came Seven Lions. Photo Credit: Side Quest Dispatch Opening with the melodic soundscapes fans have connected with for years, Seven Lions slowly transformed the room into something far beyond a standard live show. As the set evolved, the production became increasingly immersive. Suspended glowing bulbs descended above the audience like infernal stars, hovering throughout the venue. At the same time, lasers stretched wall-to-wall across 713 Music Hall in massive geometric patterns. What made the performance especially captivating was its unpredictability. Just as the crowd settled into emotional melodic passages, Seven Lions would suddenly pivot into explosive hardstyle drops, rapid-fire drum-and-bass moments, or hypnotic psytrance, completely reshaping the room's energy within seconds. Photo Credit: Side Quest Dispatch The gothic-inspired stage design added another layer to the experience. Stone-like textures, cathedral architecture, and fantasy-ruin visuals displayed across the LED screens made the audience feel as if they had entered an ancient cosmic sanctuary. Combined with the floating lights and relentless crowd energy filling every level of the venue, the entire performance was cinematic from beginning to end. For longtime fans, the inclusion of older tracks throughout the set triggered repeated waves of nostalgia across the world. Whether fans were screaming lyrics during melodic moments, headbanging through dubstep drops, or losing themselves in sudden hardstyle and drum and bass switch-ups, the momentum inside 713 Music Hall never once felt static. As the final moments of the night unfolded, the crowd continued reaching toward the ceiling. Simultaneously, the suspended lights slowly faded overhead, almost refusing to let the experience end. Fans lingered throughout the venue's outdoor gardens and surrounding areas, soaking in the aftermath of what had just unfolded. For a few hours, 713 Music Hall became something entirely different, suspended somewhere between a rave, a fantasy world, and a full sensory spectacle.

Ubbi Dubbi 2026 returned to Panther Island Pavilion in Fort Worth, bringing together Texas ravers under its Into The Abyss theme. While the weather ultimately cut the experience short, what unfolded across both days still captured the essence of what makes the festival resonate: moments of connection, movement, and shared energy that linger well beyond the music. Photo Credit: Erick Blanquet Day 1 opened with a steady build. At the Dubbi Stage, Capochino was already deep into his set, laying down heavy subs and a bass-driven groove that naturally settled into the crowd. It pulled you in. That low-end presence set the tone for the night, easing attendees into the festival’s rhythm. Photo Credit: Erick Blanquet Over at the Ubbi Stage, OMNOM carried that momentum forward with his signature style groove-driven house. His set was clean, upbeat, and perfectly placed, keeping the energy balanced as the grounds continued to fill in. Photo Credit: Erick Blanquet Beyond the stages, the festival experience expanded outward. The vendor village added texture to the environment, with booths like SickBeets, Cosmic Energy, and EVOL offering interactive moments that gave people space to explore between sets. At the same time, day one leaned heavily into community. Meetups unfolded across the grounds, from the Jellyfish Meetup hosted by Magikal Kandi Events to the Sidequest Grid gathering by HTX EDM, various flowmie meetups, and the fruit-themed Side Quest Society meetup later in the evening. They were visible, tangible moments of connection. Friends united. New groups formed. The crowd began to shift from a collection of individuals into something more unified.as Photo Credit: Erick Blanquet Photo Credit: Erick Blanquet Photo Credit: Erick Blanquet As the night progressed, that shared energy returned to the stages. Alesso took over the Ubbi Stage and delivered a set rooted in nostalgia, drawing from his catalog to have the entire crowd singing in sync. It felt both familiar and refreshing - a reminder of how certain records continue to hold weight over time. Photo Credit: Erick Blanquet Photo Credit: Erick Blanquet Back at the Dubbi Stage, Whethan introduced a more emotional dimension. Tracks like “Hurting on Purpose” and “Clouds” created a sense of openness in the crowd, blending melodic elements with electronic energy in a way that felt genuinely connected. Photo Credit: Erick Blanquet A shift in perspective came from Tubbi’s Lounge, where the elevated view offered a moment to reset without disconnecting. From above, the scale of the festival became clearer: lights, movement, and sound converging into a single, fluid experience. Tape B’s set carried through the space, reinforcing the heavier bass presence that threaded throughout the night. Amid the movement, one of the more grounded moments came away from the stages. We sat down with Within The Void, a Day 1 opener whose project extends far beyond performance. Formerly known as Atwood, his transition to Within The Void reflects an intentional artistic direction, one shaped by personal experience, including navigating schizophrenia, and translated into a layered, cinematic sound design. Photo Credit: Zagya Media His work draws on storytelling as much as sound, drawing inspiration from film scores and composers like Hans Zimmer. The result is a project that prioritizes atmosphere and emotional depth, offering something more immersive than traditional set structures. His growth within the Texas scene speaks to the community’s power. Through consistent involvement and connection, he has moved from local shows to major festival lineups like Ubbi Dubbi, an evolution that highlights how regional ecosystems can actively shape emerging artists.When asked what separates festival stages from smaller shows, his answer centered less on scale and more on responsibility, the weight of holding space for a larger audience while staying true to the intention behind the music. And when asked what advice he would give to other local DJs working towards moments like this, his response cut through everything: “Be nice.” No strategy. No technical framework. Just a reminder: how you treat people matters in a scene built on connection. He emphasized that even when people around you aren't always respectful, staying grounded and treating others well matter more in the long run. It was a reminder that in a scene built on connection, the way you move and treat people can carry just as much weight as the music itself. The night closed with a gradual rise. Of The Trees brought a controlled, layered set that built from soft, intentional openings into deeper bass territory. It felt guided, almost narrative in structure. Photo Credit: Erick Blanquet Photo Credit: Erick Blanquet Nearby, Kx5 (Kaskade & deadmau5) closed out the Ubbi Stage with a run of classics, ending with “I Remember” and a burst of fireworks that gave the night a sense of completion. Day 2 began at a slower pace. The grounds felt more exploratory, people drifting between installations, photo ops, and shaded structures, easing back into the environment. Activations like BeatBox added to the daytime experience, giving attendees more ways to engage beyond the music. At the Zoom Room stage, DØMINA ignited the crowd early with a high-energy set that blended Latin elements into hard techno. The response was immediate: movement, momentum, and full engagement from the start. Blanke followed, keeping that energy intact as the crowd sang along to his remixes, creating one of the weekend’s most unified moments. Photo Credit: Erick Blanquet Photo Credit: Erick Blanquet Then came the shift. LAYZ took over the Dubbi Stage, and the energy surged instantly. Mosh pits opened. Crowd surfing spread. The space transformed into a wave of controlled chaos. It was fast, intense, and fully immersive. At the same time, the atmosphere began to change. Dark clouds rolled in. Wind picked up. The worsening conditions cut her set short, and soon after, officials announced the evacuation. Event staff directed attendees to the exits and opened additional routes to maintain a steady flow. Despite the sudden change, staff remained composed, guiding the crowd with clarity and urgency. Even without a full close, Ubbi Dubbi 2026 delivered where it mattered most. Across both days, the festival created space for connection through music, community, and shared experience. In the end, what defines a weekend isn’t just how it finishes. It’s what stays with you after.

A new kind of nightlife experience arrived in Dallas on April 9, 2026 thanks to Next Level Events, as CTRL Room opened its doors at 2511 Swiss Avenue in partnership with Breakaway Music Festival, introducing a dual-concept venue built on sound, design, and intentional energy. Serving as both an official afterparty destination and a standalone cultural space, CTRL Room brings together international DJs, emerging artists, and local selectors in an intimate, two-room environment that prioritizes connection over scale. For one opening-night performer, the launch felt like “the start of something truly special”. CTRL Room's Exterior CTRL Room is a masterclass in experience design. At its core is a simple guiding philosophy: “Two Rooms. Two Energies. One philosophy.” Rather than competing with the sprawling, impersonal warehouses that often define the circuit, CTRL Room leans into intimacy, using contrast to shape the flow of the night. The main room, CTRL Room, delivers a high-intensity environment designed to dissolve the barrier between the booth and the floor. With a 400-person capacity, the space replaces the “lost in the crowd” feeling of larger venues with a tight, electric connection. The atmosphere is dark, immersive, and built around kinetic energy. Every detail is engineered for precision sound, ensuring the bass flows through your body. By prioritizing proximity to the DJ, the room creates a feedback loop that makes every set feel intimate and alive. Photo Credit: Erick Blanquet Tucked away as a counterpoint to the main room’s intensity is TreeHaus. This 300-capacity space offers a full sensory shift without breaking the flow of the night. Organic textures, lush greenery, and warm amber lighting mimic a twilight canopy, creating an atmosphere that feels grounded and transportive. It functions as a slower and more atmospheric reset, but it never loses the pulse. “Every detail from the immersive aesthetics of the jungle… was dialed in perfectly,” says DJ Rick Slick, who performed at one of the Breakaway Dallas afterparties. “The seamless connection between both spaces creates a unique atmosphere that Dallas has been missing.” Photo Credit: Talasfotos (Instagram) With the prevailing notion that “bigger is better” often defining nightlife, CTRL Room serves as a measured response to the fatigue of modern nightlife. Across Dallas, oversized venues can feel disconnected, with programming that chases trends rather than building identity. CTRL Room deliberately rejects that model, centering everything around a “music first, always” philosophy. The venue’s identity is rooted in intentionality. Rather than relying on spectacle, it allows energy to build organically. Curated talent and skilled selectors shape the atmosphere in real time by reading the room. Technical execution reinforces that philosophy. “The sound system is top tier… it hits with precision.” Rick Slick says. The visuals complement the sonic experience without overpowering it, creating a cohesive sensory environment. As attendee Abe Dueck observed, “They have nice speakers, everything was visually appealing! They also have very cool lights and fixtures.” CTRL Room’s programming bridges the global circuit and the North Texas underground. By blending international headliners, emerging artists, and local selectors, the lineup reflects the full spectrum of electronic music culture. Its impact on the Dallas community may be its most meaningful contribution. By offering a high-spec platform for local talent alongside global acts, the venue reinforces the city’s position as an evolving electronic music hub. This approach gives local DJs the infrastructure to showcase their sound at a professional level while fostering pride and momentum within the scene. “The crowd all came together in a way that truly felt special,” Rick Slick says. Photo Credit: Erick Blanquet CTRL Room’s April 9 debut aligned strategically with Breakaway Music Festival, immediately positioning the venue as a key player in Dallas nightlife. As an official afterparty destination, CTRL Room captured the festival’s overflow energy in a more intimate setting. Where Breakaway delivered scale, CTRL Room offered precision, allowing attendees to transition seamlessly from massive outdoor stages to a focused, high-intensity environment. “Being part of the Breakaway Dallas afterparties made the night feel even more surreal,” Rick Slick says. “It was one of those rare, electric moments you simply had to be there for.” While festival momentum fueled the opening weekend, the venue’s longevity lies in its ongoing programming. Upcoming acts, including MORTEN, Archie Hamilton, Jaden Thompson, and Sidney Charles, signal a commitment to consistent, high-quality bookings. CTRL Room has established a successful opening and set a new blueprint for the Dallas dance floor. In the interplay between the main room’s intensity and TreeHaus’ organic escape, the venue creates a fluid experience that evolves with the crowd. “I’m excited to watch CTRL Room grow into a true home for all music lovers alike while bringing world-class talent through the doors.” Rick Slick says. Experience the new standard for yourself! Head over to the official CTRL Room website to view the upcoming calendar and secure your spot in a room where every sound, shadow, and spark of energy is entirely intentional.

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 !