Artist Spotlights

TazMayne is Turning Houston’s Sound Into a National Bass Movement

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 na

Apr 24 min read

SoImThatOneGuy Talks Sound System Culture and Building a Krunchy Community

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 st

Mar 194 min read

SAAD And His 20-Year Comeback Come Full Circle At Breakaway Dallas Silent Disco

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

Mar 133 min read

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Interviews

GhostBeard: Bringing Stories to Life Through Art

One of the most unique parts of ILLFest isn't found on stage. Throughout the weekend, artists from across the country transformed walls, structures, and festival spaces into living works of art, creating an immersive environment that extended far beyond the music. Among them was GhostBeard, whose colorful murals and unmistakable cartoon-inspired style became part of ILLFest 2026’s visual identity. While attendees moved between stages and sets, GhostBeard spent the weekend br

Jun 244 min read

How Balloonski Turns Giant Balloon Drops Into an ILLFest Tradition

As thousands of ravers packed together beneath the stage during GRiZ’s highly anticipated return set, a giant saxophone suddenly appeared overhead. Strangers pointed toward the sky. Hands shot into the air in an attempt to catch it. For a few moments, the entire crowd shared the same sense of wonder. Behind that moment was Balloonski, the artist responsible for many of ILLFest’s most beloved balloon creations. Photo Source: Balloonski What makes Balloonski’s work stand out is

Jun 193 min read

Planewalker Is Reintroducing Humanity Into Psytrance Through the Celtic Harp

At the 2026 Winter Music Conference in Miami, one of the weekend’s most unexpected artists we had the pleasure of meeting wasn’t behind a wall of CDJs or modular gear. Seated between ancient tradition and modern electronic culture, Brennan Murphey, aka Planewalker, pulls melodies from the instrument that feels older than the dancefloor itself. Blending psychedelic bass, psytrance, live Celtic harp, and immersive stage design, Murphey is carving out a rare lane where electroni

May 196 min read

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