LuShreds stands at the intersection of two scenes: Dallas grit and Tokyo discipline. He first sketched café-vibe demos on GarageBand at age nine, then leveled up to Logic Pro and Serum under remote mentorship from Tokyo. His tracks now echo from KNON ’s guest mixes to KNTU ’s local rotation, and in April 2024, earning his first club spot. Guided by a philosophy of “small, consistent steps,” he weaves classical piano training, jazz improvisation, and glitchy bass textures into the evolving tapestry of Texas EDM.   Long before club lights flickered, LuShreds greeted dawn beneath Tokyo’s pastel skies, fingertips tracing ivory piano keys. “In Tokyo I mostly listened to whatever my parents put on,” he says. “We would have dance parties to Skrillex , Deadmau5 , and some pop stuff like Nicki Minaj . I got a small keyboard as a toy and played with it all the time, so my parents put me in traditional piano lessons. In Japan, that's just practicing a piece until you have it perfect and then going to the next one.”  Outside the studio’s metronome clicks, he taught himself GarageBand at nine, molding Café Del Mar-style chill grooves and uploading them to SoundCloud. Back in Dallas, he pooled savings into a DJ controller, sliding into Logic Pro and dialing in custom Serum sounds until his bedroom demos thumped like nightclub anthems. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, musicians couldn’t play in clubs, so some turned to private lessons. That's when I met my mentor, Philip Woo, who had a completely different approach. Teaching by ear and theory worked a lot better for me, and he taught me how to improvise in different keys, helping me set up for making music. They also had music lessons in Japanese public school where I learned traditional kids’ songs on the melodica, so I learned Japanese nursery rhymes instead of English ones.”  Through sessions with Woo, LuShreds learned to sculpt sub-bass frequencies and polish mixdowns. In his home studio - he shifts effortlessly from stiff four-on-the-floor house kicks to the snap-and-grind of 140 BPM grime. “I make music based on whatever I'm listening to. There was a lot of house music in my house when I started making my first tracks, so it was easy to copy that 4/4 track style,” he explains. “Then, I made a Deadmau5-sounding track the day after I caught him at Toyota Music Factory . I've been recently inspired by artists like Prosecute , Viperactive , and Tape B  when trying to push out heavier tracks. As long as it sounds good, I like to make it.”  Momentum first hit when LuShreds slipped into DJ Positive P ’s open-deck stage and was invited to KNON’s Then & Now Show on the spot. As 89.3 KNON  and KNTU  spun his tracks, promoter Phonixx  tapped him for a debut club spot. A year later, back-to-back shows with Sounds from Below  had their crew’s cheers filling a cold night sky.  “We'd show up to other shows and bump into people we met the week before, and even people I hadn't met yet had heard of me and wanted to say hi,” LuShreds recalls. “That's when I started to feel like part of the community when I was connecting with good promoters, getting to know people personally, and getting repetition on lineups.”  Rooms trembled under his sets at Wonder Bar , Sons of Hermann Hall , and the Green Elephant . His track “ Stars ” into rotation on KXT’s  Music Meeting, its crystalline pads slicing through rush-hour banter. “The radio play is cool to see what it's like to be a more successful artist because I can see how they submit tracks and record intros for their songs like I did for 97.1,” LuShreds explains. “Playing live on the air at 89.3 KNON  taught me a lot about broadcasting rules and some technical tricks, like keeping the show moving smoothly with all the commercial breaks and promos the DJs need to do, so I feel prepared to handle that environment now. It's fun to play in new venues and with different groups, and I learn something new every time!” LuShreds thrives on open-deck nights, testing unreleased drops against shifting crowds. He says that showing up to as many open decks as possible to experiment with what musical style and dance crowd feels good. “Listen to feedback and other people’s mixing styles. Put in the practice to become confident enough to get yourself out of any technical issues. From there, as long as you go meet people, network, and stay respectful, you'll find spaces that accept you.” LuShreds’s journey traces his beat from the click-clack of a toy keyboard in Tokyo to seismic bass rattling Dallas venues. June’s lineup reads like a mixtape: birthday bass at Good Side Pizza Pub  on June 4th, Kid’s Fest  on Green Elephant’s outside lawn on June 8th, and the all-ages Summer Flow Session at Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studio  on June 15th. His signature alchemy - equal parts childhood curiosity and grown-up grit - spins on, and we urge you to chase his next drop .

Lazy K has rocketed out of Austin’s parties into international spotlights, propelled by metal riffs and bone-rattling bass drops. He’s the Austin-based producer who watched artists like Caspa , Skream , The Widdler , and Distinct Motive  weave his wobbly sound into their sets, followed by finding his track front-and-center on UKF , and ignited crowds at Freaky Deaky  and Lights All Night previous festival seasons. His ascent in 2024-25 stems from a hunger for grooves that shake floors. With ILLFest  just one week away, he is ready to turn another stage into a global tremor.    Lazy K launched his musical journey, slinging a six-string. He traded the raw rumble of distorted metal chords for the synthetic grit of 140 BPM dubstep when he discovered digital audio workstations - software that let him create a single, earth-shaking drop. “It was the energy it brought,” he recalls. “It felt dark, aggressive, and made me experience a type of way. What drew me into dubstep was its electronic breakdowns, and producing solo felt more immediate than corralling a full band.”  Lazy K’s productions pulse with the kinetic drive of hip-hop drum patterns fused to wobbling low-end textures. He mines inspiration from everything - jagged trap hats, the off-kilter bounce of UK garage, snapping snares, etc. Yet he keeps circling back to one sweet spot: the 140 BPM zone, where groove and grit collide. “I take a lot of elements from hip-hop,” he explains. “I love hip-hop drums with wonky basslines on top. I’m unsure what drags me back to 140, but I’ve always vibed with that range - even in hip-hop.” By weaving these diverse threads through the loom of deep bass, he forges a style that jerks spines, rattles floors, and refuses to sit still.  The moment Lazy K’s track, “Screwdriver,” burst onto UKF’s homepage, that’s when he knew. That single feature would transform his project into a spotlight under the global bass community’s gaze. “Support from pioneers is everything you could dream of,” he says. “Having support from people who paved the way feels indescribable. UKF wasn’t even expected, but it validated all the time and hard work I poured into Lazy K.”  He has also stepped onto the Freaky Deaky & Lights All Night stages, delivering his signature wobble drops straight into the crowd like a wall of sound. “Playing Freaky Deaky and Lights All Night was epic,” he recalls. “I’ve never attended them growing up, but I always told myself I’d perform there one day.” Those festivals ceased to be distant dreams in those moments and became the pulse driving his music forward.   Austin’s bass community cradled Lazy K’s rise from the first time he slipped behind the decks. Collectives such as Subciety  have provided that unwavering backing and tireless support that embodies his core ethos - look out for each other, chase the dream, and shatter every boundary. “I have people that have been rocking with me over a decade, and that means the world to me,” he says. “I’ve been blessed enough to have support from many collectives that have been around from the start until now. There have been so many things in my life I didn’t think I was capable of until doing them. You’re unstoppable, as long as you have a vision and a goal!”  Lazy K eyes the next chapter with a clear focus, aiming to sign with labels that sculpt the bass landscape. He speaks of wanting to join forces with imprints like Deep Dark & Dangerous  and Deadbeats  - labels known for pushing boundaries while keeping the scene tight-knit. His festival dreams stretch across late this year and beyond. Lost Lands ranks high on that list, but festivals like Infrasound , Sound Haven , and The Untz  call to him, too - events with underground grit and fans who crave the next bass innovation. For now, with ILLFest less than seven days away, Lazy K will ignite its main stage, his next crescendo looming.

For a moment, we felt beamed onto another planet: violet lasers sliced through the Bomb Factory’s smoky haze in Dallas and arced across Houston’s Bayou Music Center. Latex balloons—slick and cool—floated overhead like drifting jellyfish. Just when you thought the spectacle peaked, a sudden strobe snapped everything back into sharp relief, a reminder that untold wonders still lay ahead on this one-of-a-kind LSZEE journey. Photo Credit: Malcolm Jones LSZEE spent two nights drifting through Dallas’s cavernous Bomb Factory  on May 9 and 10, then resurfaced for two more sets at Houston’s Bayou Music Center  on May 16 and 17. As their sole U.S. collaboration, LSDREAM  and CloZee  wove shimmering synth-scapes into bass so deep it rattled the crowd, sending fans somewhere beautifully uncharted. Each evening unleashed a flood of bass so deep it rattled the crowds. Supporting talent prepared the Dallas and Houston crowds for LSZEE’s arrival, each opener stamping their distinct sound onto the night. Jordnmoody  and Sortof Vague  kicked things off with their syrupy basslines, followed by Artifakts , Vincent Antone , and Thought Process  dropping their experimental and downtempo repertoire. Finally, Wreckno , Zingara , and Levity  closed the sequence to prepare for takeoff on the LSZEE spacecraft.  Photo Credit: Malcolm Jones LSZEE ignited the speakers and rolled bass waves with extreme renditions of fan favorites like “PSYCHEDELIC” and CloZee’s remix of Apashe ’s “Majesty”. The duo stitched together many seamless mashups that simultaneously felt deep and skyward. Above the crowd, lasers swerved in perfect symmetry, painting the ceiling with vibrant colors. Slick and cool balloons playfully floated through the Bomb Factory crowd, creating the energetic vibe everyone craved and deserved. We still can’t get over their vibrantly cinematic visuals.  LSZEE sewed together two sonic galaxies. From LSDREAM’s shimmering soaked synths and CloZee’s grounded, earthly basslines, their energy braids tightly and deliberately. One moment, the crowd floated inside LSDREAM’s cosmic ether while CloZee reeled them back in with her ancestral loops. Each transition built suspense with purpose, and their musical chemistry beautifully poured off the stage. Their joy felt infectious, like watching old friends DJ your dream afterparty.  Overall, we drifted into another dimension while breathing in color. From the space bass echoes to the kaleidoscope laser tunnels, everyone is anticipating what LSZEE conjures next. Even though this may have been a once-in-a-lifetime moment, Texas has been forever changed by LSZEE's journey.

He’s dropping dubs in Fortnite with fast hands and zero hesitation in one universe. In another, he’s behind the decks at Freaky Deaky , where the bass cannon is locked and loaded. San Antonio’s own KAUSE  is a rising force in bass music - fueled by instinct, sharpened by hustle, and driven by a love for chaos and creativity. And at ILLFest 2025, he’s set to level up once again. The first time KAUSE heard his track explode through a festival sound system, he was deep in the crowd, not behind the decks. That moment hit different. “ EDC  and Bass Canyon  were the first festivals I ever attended,” he recalls. “To hear my song played there felt insane.” Since then, his sound has been weaponized by heavy hitters like ATLiens , LAYZ , Riot Ten , and more, dropping like sonic grenades at EDC, Bass Canyon, and Ultra Miami . With tracks like “ Bad Intentions ” and “ Bodied ” released on Excision ’s Subsidia  label - a seal of approval in the bass scene - KAUSE has earned his backstage pass and community respect. His catalog also spans labels tied to Jessica Audiffred and Bear Grillz , with standout tracks racking up over 100,000 plays.  Over the last year, KAUSE has torn through a whirlwind of live sets, opening for bass behemoths like Subtronics and KAYZO . He’s played massive rooms, elbow-to-elbow with fans throwing down to every drop. His name blazed across the Freaky Deaky lineup not once, but twice - 2023 and 2024 -etched beside legends. Most recently, KAUSE hit the road with Jessica Audiffred’s tour, graduating from regional up-and-comer to national act. In cities like Denver and Minneapolis, he’s headlined rooms that pulse with raw energy. “It means everything,” he says. “I’ve met some amazing fans along the way. It reminds me to never take anything for granted and live in the moment.” KAUSE will step onto the ILLFest stage as a fan and featured artist in just two weeks, completing a personal full-circle journey. “My first ILLFest was for my birthday,” he says. “I fell in love with the festival. I’ve always wanted to play it.” He plans to bring USBs full of exclusive edits and a headspace shaped by years of grind. “I hope I leave an influence on new listeners and maybe even get to connect with them after my set,” he says. “That’s what it’s all about!” KAUSE didn’t learn music from music theory books or classroom lectures - he learned by listening. His creative compass is internal, guided by feel, not formulas. “Artists have inspired me before starting my dubstep journey,” he explains. “Although it’s been fun, I want to push myself further.” That push is already happening.  Lately, dubstep’s familiar crunch hasn’t hit quite the same. “I’m tired of dubstep,” KAUSE said bluntly. “This project is about making whatever I like.” That freedom fuels a new creative phase - genre-fluid, boundary-free, and wildly authentic. “I’m excited to see where it goes, and I hope my fan base enjoys the transition. When the strobes fade and the subwoofers go silent, KAUSE is still chasing adrenaline - at the gym or in a Fortnite lobby. “The gym keeps me in shape and Fortnite helps me unwind at the end of the day,” he says. “I’m also in nursing school, so finding a balance in everything makes it all worth it.” That discipline - equal part physical, mental, and creative - is key to his evolution.  Whether it’s leveling up in Fortnite or delivering genre-bending sets on festival stages, KAUSE is writing his code. From spinning eclectic playlists as a San Antonio kid to hearing his tracks shake the crowd at Ultra or EDC, he’s already gone further than he imagined. But the journey isn't done. When he hits ILLFest - don’t blink. He might spawn a whole new level.

Under a canvas of layered lights and pounding basslines, thousands pulsed in unison across the riverfront lawns of Panther Island Pavilion, where thunderous drops melted everybody’s worries away. Ubbi Dubbi 2025 was a full-spectrum journey through sound, sweat, and soul. Held the weekend of April 26-27, the Ubbi Dubbi Festival returned to Fort Worth, Texas, for its sixth year, transforming Panther Island into a sprawling playground of diverse electronic music. Produced by Disco Presents, the festival pulled in thousands of fans for two electrifying days that blended high-energy performances, exclusive B2B sets, and a fresh focus on mental health and inclusivity. With three immersive stages, a Monstercat  label takeover, and interactive experiences like the OUTLET x Amplified Minds wellness booth, Ubbi Dubbi proved itself as a simultaneous party and movement.  Photo Credit: Tyler Church Ubbi Dubbi delivered unforgettable sets that made the Texas air crackle with energy. On Day 1, Subtronics ignited the main stage with a seismic blast of bass that rippled through the riverfront. Just before, Seven Lions had crafted an emotional soundscape, blending trance, bass, and cinematic swells into a massive yet intimate set. Day 2 brought in a sunnier groove. FISHER  commanded the crowd with infectious beats that snapped like a sunlit whip.  The real magic unfolded in rare, exclusive sets you couldn’t hear anywhere else. Adventure Club ’s throwback set flooded the festival with 2010s nostalgia, triggering a sugar rush of early dubstep anthems. Boogie T and Dirt Monkey  collided in a swampy, funk-laced B2B showdown. Meanwhile, Dombresky and Patrick Topping  turned their house-driven collaboration into a sweaty, euphoric voyage - an ode to a dance floor cleanse under the vast Texas sky. Photo Credit: Don Idio Each stage felt like its own dimension. The Ubbi Stage pulsed like a living organism - soft and inviting one moment, thunderous and raw the next. Sunday afternoon saw Sunday Scaries transform the grounds into a sun-drenched block party with bubbly synths and sing-along hooks. Right after, Dr. Fresch  threw down dirty basslines wrapped in G-house swagger, stirring the crowd into a frenzy. At the Dubbi Stage , things got heavy. Borgore ’s gritty drops hit without warning, while HVDES sliced through the dusk with her sharp and surgical industrial bass. Earlier,  Mad Muffinz  repped the Texas underground with a glitchy, crunchy opener that turned heads and shook booties.  Meanwhile, in the heart of the grounds, the Zoom Room  staged its own riot. Saturday belonged to Monstercat , whose curated lineup with Riot Ten , Whipped Cream , and more drenched the crowd in strobes & bass. But Sunday? That belonged to 200 BPM enthusiasts, where relentless hardcore sets sent adrenaline to the face every second.  Tucked between booming stages and swirling LED madness was something far more subtle - and deeply needed. A calm and cozy tent invited festival goers to step away from sensory overload and step into presence. The OUTLET x Amplified Minds booth was a sanctuary. Inside, oversized cushions, coloring markers, and a glimmering gratitude board offered moments of reflection. Hundreds wrote down what they were thankful for. Amplified Minds , a Texas non-profit, partnered with OUTLET to carve out this space of clarity. In a culture where “losing your mind” on the dancefloor is a given, this booth reminded everyone that caring for your mind matters just as much - maybe more. From hard techno to dubstep to house, Ubbi Dubbi 2025 reflected the full spectrum of dance music and the people who love it. Everyone found their place: newcomers, old-school ravers, Kandi kids, hardcore purists. What truly sets the festival apart is its heart, delivering connection and doubling down on presence and belonging. Overall, Ubbi Dubbi brought the rhythm, light, and love and we’re ready for the next one!

Imagine a mural erupting in color as a DJ drops a thunderous bassline - each spray burst synced to the rhythm, each stroke electrified by the crowd. Now, picture that happening under wide-open Texas skies for three straight days. Welcome to ILLFest , a kaleidoscopic, genre-defying experience taking over the Travis County Expo Center from May 30 to June 1. No longer just a hidden gem for electronic music and street art diehards, ILLfest has exploded into a full-throttle celebration of sound, light, and expression - with its most ambitious lineup and immersive experience.  This year, ILLFest evolves - not only in scale but also in spirit. What started as a regional mashup of music and muralism has morphed into a multi-sensory culture clash, drawing global DJs, rising rap stars, and visionary muralists to the Lone Star state. Now, a three-day odyssey, ILLFest 2025 pushes boundaries with a broader musical palette, more interactive art, and stages designed to bend reality. The lineup hits hard right out of the gate. Tape B and Peekaboo  will team up for a back-to-back set that promises to blur the line between murky dubstep and experimental bass chaos. Meanwhile, bass titans Wooli and Liquid Stranger will bring their unique energies and shake the grounds with frequencies that register in your spine.  But ILLFest doesn’t stay in one lane. It’s swerving into hip-hop with swagger and Southern grit. BigXthePlug  and That Mexican OT  will storm the stage with diamond-edged verses and Lone Star modesty, merging rap and rave in a way that redefines both. Further down the lineup, a genre gymnastics showcase unfolds. ALLEYCVT  will zap the air with glitchy futurism. HOL! will throw the crowd into high-speed freefall while Deathpact looms in the shadows. Ray Volpe will deliver melodic aggression, and  Netsky  will provide a cool, euphoric wave of liquid drum and bass. In signature LLFest style, curated back-to-back sets will bring together global collectives for one-time collisions that will live and die on the dancefloor.  While the music shakes the air, the art will shake your perspective. Over twenty street artists will transform raw plywood and stage facades into massive, breathing murals unfolding in real-time. But these aren’t meant to be admired from afar. Interactive workshops invite you into the process, inviting festival-goers to grab a brush, throw paint, and get lost in the tactile mess of creation.  ILLFest’s new 360-degree stage will rewrite the blueprint for live music. DJs spin from a central perch as the crowd wraps around them in a shared orbit of light and lasers. There is no front row, no back - just movement, immersion, and sound slicing in from every direction. Then there’s the Rolling Renegade - part stage, part secret. Outfitted with speakers and illuminated with LEDs, this mobile sound machine will drift into the crowd and deliver surprise sets when least expected. And if that isn’t enough, Brownies & Lemonade  plan to bring their DNBNL takeover on Saturday, May 31: a full-force drum & bass assault designed to leave you breathless. Expect stacked sets, rapid BPMs, and blink-and-you-miss-it energy. So picture it: You’re dancing beneath a mural that’s still coming to life. Bass pulses from every angle of a circular stage. A renegade DJ has lit up the crowd somewhere behind you with zero warning. The air buzzes with paint, sweat, and possibility. In just under a month, ILLFest 2025 promises three days of unfiltered energy, soaked in sound and painted with purpose. And if this sounds like your vibe, we suggest you buy your passes here .

Photo Credit: Aylin Susvilla On April 5-6th, Fair Park erupted into a high-voltage playground as Breakaway Music Festival made its long-awaited Dallas debut. Backed by CELSIUS and kicking off the festival’s 2025 season, Breakaway Dallas drew over 12,000 fans through its gates, electrified by a lineup stacked with EDM’s most magnetic names. From start to finish, the two-day festival was a masterclass in production, energy, and community. Under the wide-open Texas sky, Breakaway Dallas didn’t just check boxes - it rewrote the playbook.  Some sets burn bright. Others etch themselves into memory. Breakaway Dallas delivered both. TroyBoi proved the trap genre is alive and lethal. His set became a sonic dojo, slicing through the night with precision and swagger. Classics like “Afterhours” and “Do You?” landed like lightning bolts. Basslines spiraled through the air, a hypnotic blend of nostalgia and resurrection that had the crowds snapping their necks in rhythm. Gryffin  delivered emotional altitude. His set felt like a full-body exhale - fluid, immersive, and achingly human. When he broke into a guitar solo during “All You Need To Know”, his riffs soared above the crowd as fireworks bloomed across the sky. It was cinematic, euphoric, and unforgettable. Then came ZEDD . His set unfolded like a cinematic crescendo, perfectly timed with a fireworks show lighting up the festival skyline. From the opening chords of “I Want You To Know” to the synth-drenched release of “Stay”, he transported the crowd across eras. But the true eruption came with his haunting “Squid Game” remix - menacing strings, collective gasps, and all dancing as one. Photo Credit: Aylin Susvilla On Day 2, Zomboy stripped things bare—and that was his power. No visuals. Just decks and a relentless torrent of dubstep. And that’s all he needed. Each drop landed like a sledgehammer. When he summoned the “Wall of Death”, the crowd split like the Red Sea. Fans collided with a roar so primal it shook the bones. SLANDER closed the festival with a different kind of weight - emotional, not just sonic. “Love Is Gone” turned the field into a cathartic ritual. People danced. People cried. “Wish I Could Forget” and “First Time” followed, each drop soaked in emotion and wrapped in velvet. It was a memorable shared release.  Beyond the headliners, Breakaway’s supporting acts filled the gaps with genre-blending brilliance and fearless energy. Ship Wrek burst in with turbo-charged momentum, delivering back-to-back drops hit like a sugar rush straight down the veins. KREAM , by contrast,   cooled the temperature without dimming the vibe. The set rolled in like a slow-motion tide as dusk fell - lush chords, smooth basslines, and blissful surrender. BUNT was pure joy in motion. One moment, he was slinging thumping techno; the next, lobbing filthy dubstep bombs. Through it all, the crowd had their hands high, hearts light, entirely in it. On Day 2, NIIKO x SWAE wasted zero time. Their set was a playlist made for beautiful chaos: sharp snares, booming 808s, and basslines that hit you in the face. Eliminate & LAYZ turned their crowds into battlegrounds of bass. Eliminates set oozed swagger - clean transitions, wild flips, and filth. LAYZ ’s riddim-heavy felt like thunder traveling up your spine. ACRAZE kept fans on their toes, weaving hits and unexpected twists. Yes, “Do It To It” dropped, but it came with fresh, genre-blending bends that kept the crowd moving. Breakaway Dallas didn’t just sound good - it felt good. Fair Park’s expansive layout offered breathing room for shuffling, spinning, and vibing without the need for constant shoulder-checking. Even near the main stage, crowd surges felt manageable. Around every corner, the festival offered more than music. Brand activations blurred the line between experience and art. End Overdose handed out Narcan with zero judgment. And yes, the Jimmy John ’s sandwich cannon did steal the show. VIP was a dream: shaded lounges, spotless bathrooms, and space to regroup without ever leaving the vibe. The layout was intentional - allowing fans to dance, wander, or rest while fully immersed.  Photo Credit: Aylin Susvilla Tucked away from the main stage thunder, the Silent Disco buzzed like a secret garden of sound. Here, headphones replaced speaker stacks. Ravers flipped between three channels - red, blue, green - each helmed by a different Texas DJ. Over 100 local artists rotated through the weekend, transforming the Silent Disco into a vibrant showcase of homegrown talent. The vibe was intimate, communal, and electric.  “My favorite part was playing to an audience of new faces,” said Mala Fama , “The Silent Disco gave me a chance to hear local talent between the bigger stage sets. I wish every festival did this!” SOMBER  described it as a Dallas reunion wrapped in rhythm. “The vibes and energy were amazing,” he said. “It was awesome to see the local Dallas scene unite and support each other. Ten outta ten - would rave again!” From our Gone Rude friends, stepping into that circle of glowing headphones felt like a milestone. “After such a crazy fun week at Breakaway, this event is something I will remember forever,” NOODZ  said. “The sheer amount of community representation on that stage - familiar faces, best friends, all growing together - reminded me exactly why I do this. Every late-night set, every early morning beat session led to this.” Miss T , meanwhile, brought a reunion. “I had friends from high school show up,” she said. “Some I hadn’t seen in years. I freestyled a set full of trap, bass, and dance music, and seeing them out there, cheering me on. That’s the part I’ll never forget.” Breakaway Dallas brought a movement to Fair Park. Every beat felt intentional, from the colossal mainstage moments to the quiet unity of the Silent Disco. Every light, every drop, and every space was built not just for the spectacle but for connection. And if this debut was any indication, the Lone Star state gained a new EDM tradition - louder, more profound, and more unforgettable than we imagined.

Before the sun dips below the horizon of the Bahamas, a silent disco pulses to life—headphones on, crowds swaying. Hard-edged techno and deep, liquid house fill the air and take command of the sound. At the helm is Susie Otto, who sculpts sound like an architect of rhythm. It’s a culmination of years spent grinding through DFW, live streaming on Twitch , and forging genuine connections in the heart of Texas’ ever-evolving dance music scene. Now, Susie is bringing that energy to Breakaway Dallas , the state’s newest festival, this weekend! From cello strings to club lights, digital chats to festival stages, this is the story of an artist who’s creatively carved her lane in the scene - one beat at a time. The first time Susie Otto felt music in her bones came from the warm crackle of a vinyl spinning on her Dad’s record player - disco grooves pulsing through the speakers, basslines thick with funk, the kind of sound that makes people move. “My Dad was always playing disco and classic rock around the house,” she says. “That shaped my ear for rhythm and groove.” Music wasn’t just something she listened to - it was something she lived. Hours spent with a cello taught her more than just technique; they gave her a deep appreciation for melody. But nothing could have prepared her for the moment she stepped into an underground rave in El Paso. The air was thick with anticipation, the low thump of bass vibrating through her body, neon strobes cutting through the dark - this was a different kind of symphony. “Trance, happy hardcore, deep progressive house - it was magnetic,” she recalls. Something clicked when watching a DJ work the decks, seamlessly weaving one track into the next, controlling the crowd’s energy. She knew she had to get behind those decks.  Photo Credit: Tony's Photography Life It all started with a glowing screen, a chatbox flying at lightning speed, and a digital audience of 3,800+ tuning in worldwide - this was Susie Otto’s foundation. Twitch streaming wasn’t just about mixing tracks; it was about curating a vibe and reading the energy of a faceless crowd through emotes and reactions. But stepping from the safety of a webcam into the heat of a live stage? That called for a whole new kind of presence.  “Transitioning from streaming to live gigs came with challenges,” she says. “Just because you have a good following online doesn’t always mean you’ll pack a dance floor in person - it’s a different kind of connection.” The intimacy with Twitch - fans typing inside jokes, dropping requests, vibing in their own spaces - gave way to a live crowd’s raw, unfiltered energy. There is no chat box safety net - just bodies in motion and bass rattling the floor. “But once I got a few shows, I realized how much the two worlds overlap. Both require more than just playing music - creating an experience, reading the crowd virtual or in-person, and building relationships.”  Networking turned digital followers into real-world supporters. Then came the breakout moments: Groove Cruise , supporting Mike Saint-Jules in Las Vegas, and now, Breakaway Dallas  - a festival in her own backyard. “Playing a festival in my city, surrounded by friends and the local music community - it’s a full-circle moment,” Susie says. Each stage, set, and crowd taught her something new - how to adapt, command a room, and, most importantly, stay true to her sound. Photo Credit: Faith Thompson By day, she crafts bold visuals; by night, she blends beats. For Susie Otto, the bridge design and DJing lie in one shared goal: crafting an experience. “Both design and music are all about vibe and connection,” she says. “In design, I’m thinking about how visuals can evoke emotion and tell a story. With DJing, it’s the same concept - only with sound.” A clean, minimal logo carries the weight of an entire brand, just like a single bass drop can shift the mood of a crowd.  Beyond music, she’s building a creative universe through visuals, mixes, and posts. Whether she’s curating a set or mapping out a campaign, the same question lingers: How will people feel when they experience this?   In Dallas, the EDM scene moves like an intricate dance - fluid, interconnected, and driven by mutual energy. DJs, producers, and promoters share an unspoken understanding: show up, support, and put yourself out there. “I’ve been part of a few tight-knit collectives over the past few years, and the amount of talent in DFW is truly inspiring,” Susie Otto says. “The scene is full of creative minds pushing boundaries, and collaborating with other artists has helped me grow - not just musically, but also in understanding the business side.” Photo Credit: Faith Thompson Beyond just sharing lineups, DJs and producers in Dallas swap knowledge, elevate one another’s projects and show up - physically and digitally - to build something bigger than themselves. “It’s not just about networking; it’s about building relationships with people with the same passion. We learn from each other, support each other, and push the scene forward together. That’s what makes it feel like a family.” For artists trying to break through, Twitch is a digital stage, feedback loop, and a branding powerhouse rolled into one. “Streaming on Twitch isn’t just about building an audience - it’s an incredible way to practice, experiment, and refine your sound,” she explains. Susie has helped DJs transform their streams from casual jam sessions into immersive experiences, guiding them on everything from technical setup to engagement strategies. “I help DJs use streaming to test new tracks, get real-time feedback, and develop their performance skills in a low-pressure environment.” Curating sets shaped her artistry, but now Susie craves complete creative control. “I’m so excited to dive into production - it’s the ultimate expression of my musical identity,” she says. “I’ve spent years curating and blending artists’ tracks, and now it’s time to bring my vision to life. That classic Chicago deep house sound especially inspires me. Still, I also love the emotional depth of melodic house and techno. Expect lots of groovy basslines, soulful samples, and atmospheric textures. It’s all about crafting a feeling - and I can’t wait to share that.” From digital stages to real-world dance floors, Susie Otto has built more than a brand - she’s built a movement rooted in authenticity, community, and fearless creativity. As she steps into music production, she plans to blend tracks while composing her truth. And when her set drops at Breakaway Dallas this weekend, DFW will feel every step of her journey, grind, and growth.

Two years ago, Treydey wasn’t commanding dance floors—he was executing military orders with ice-cold precision. Mornings began in the thick silence before dawn, his world dictated by rigid routines and the unyielding weight of discipline. But now? He commands a different battlefield, winding up the tension with deep, rolling basslines before detonating into seismic, pulse-pounding drops that send shockwaves through the crowd. Treydey electrifies the air, charging every room with an energy that crackles like a storm on the horizon. In less than two years, the Dallas-based DJ and producer has carved out his place in a scene where the bass never sleeps. He’s opened for titans like SVDDEN DEATH and set dance floors ablaze at some of the city’s most legendary venues. From sweat-soaked underground raves to the unrelenting heartbeat of Dallas’ nightlife, the city shaped him. Now, he’s feeding that energy back into Breakaway Dallas . Fueled by a relentless love for tech house, big room, and techno, his rise has been an inferno. And he’s only getting started. Every beat Treydey crafts pulses with the soul of Dallas. The city’s underground scene was his proving ground, putting him in the correct rooms at the right moments. “The electronic dance music scene has brought me in touch with some of the best people I’ve known—and also the right people!” he shares. From the glowing arcade basslines of Deep Ellum’s Select Start  to the rooftop euphoria of Green Light Social , Dallas is the lifeblood of Treydey’s sound. “Dallas never truly gets the recognition and love that other cities do in the electronic dance music community,” he says. But instead of waiting for the spotlight, he’s taking it. His upcoming tribute track, “Dallas,” dropping April 3rd, is a manifesto. It will be a hypnotic fusion of tech house grooves and bass trap’s raw, unfiltered intensity, bridging two sonic worlds under one electric Texas sky. Whether behind the decks or carving the pavement on his skateboard, Treydey moves with a rhythm all his own. That control—the seamless transitions, the precisely timed drops—was ingrained in him long before he ever laid hands on a mixer. “My time in the military gave me a mindset of professionalism and punctuality that I still carry to this day as a DJ,” he says. Six years in the Air Force forged his unshakable discipline and his ability to execute under pressure. The same focus that once had him executing high-stakes missions now keeps his sets razor-sharp, his beats hitting with military precision. For Treydey, Breakaway Dallas is more than just another festival slot— a return to the city that built him. “Being a part of Breakaway Dallas is special to me because I have deep roots here. So during my set, I hope to display who I am as an artist and bring great energy for those supporting me,” he says. The massive Breakaway stage isn’t just a platform—it’s a launchpad. It is a space for him to tell his story, not through words, but through earth-shaking bass, hypnotic synths, and transitions so smooth they feel like gravity shifting.  From Air Force regimentation to festival-stage domination, Treydey’s journey is still unfolding—each bass drop a battle cry, each set a new mission. “Dallas built me,” he says. But now, he’s not just a product of the city—he’s shaping its future. When he steps onto the Breakaway stage, it’ll be a homecoming, a declaration, and a sonic explosion that cements his place in the pulse of Dallas’ electronic legacy.

Controlled chaos is the best way to describe Henry K. From the meticulous precision of Gundam model building to the raw energy of the skatepark and the carefully crafted sonic explosions of his DJ sets, Henry K is a master of controlled explosions. Now, Breakaway Dallas  will be the most enormous detonation yet.  Flashing neon arrows scrolled across the screen, demanding precision, speed, and rhythm. Henry K, a fifth-grade maestro of the dance pad, stood transfixed, feet tapping frantically to Dance Dance Revolution  on a PlayStation 2. "I was stuck in a trance and could not stop playing while everyone was outside," he recalls. The machine pumped a relentless blend of high-energy techno, bass-heavy remixes, and breakneck BPMs. The metallic scent of warm electronics filled the room, and every step Henry hit in sync with the music sent a jolt of adrenaline through him. It wasn't just a game-it was an awakening. Dance Dance Revolution's soundtrack burrowed deep into his soul, later fusing with UGK's syrupy sound, speed garage's skittering percussion, and hardstyle's raw aggression. That night, he walked away sweaty, exhilarated, and unknowingly set on a path defining his sonic identity.  Henry K blends trap, hardstyle, UK garage, and happy hardcore, flipping expectations on their heads. Basslines rumble, synths soar, and crowds bounce. He treats every set like a controlled detonation: timed, placed, and impactful. "It's all a social experiment," he says, "make what you love, play what you want."  He thrives on controlled chaos. Trap pulses and hardstyle drops are all timed for seamless mixing. His sets build like a film, not a sprint. "It's a roller coaster," he adds. "Start slowly, simmer, then crank it." Dallas rarely hears Henry K's raw, high-voltage sound. Like opening for Control Freak , performing felt less like a set and more like a homecoming - instincts took over. "It was amazing," he said. "I was in my natural element." He tested unreleased tracks, gauging the crowd's reactions. Each set fuels the next, pushing him to experiment and stretch the limits of what a DJ could be.  Henry K assembled intricate Gundam models long before he fine-tuned basslines and layered synths. Each piece demands patience - a trait that mirrors the precision he pours into his music. "It's all about patience," he says. "I spent a lot of time by myself growing up, which helped me learn much about patience and where it's due." The same obsessive attention to detail guides his production process. "That's how it is with producing. I always go for the smaller details because I want it perfect."  When he's not crafting miniatures or beats, he is outside, skating - another practice in persistence - falling, scraping up his hands and knees, popping right back up. "As for skating, every time you fall, you just keep trying until you get it right," he says. The mindset carries over to his career. He'll keep refining and pushing forward if now isn't his time. "I'm just going to keep doing me until it is." Breakaway Dallas offers the perfect playground for his bold risks and genre-smashing. "It's about the ride," he says. Years in the rave scene taught him the difference between forgettable and lasting sets. "I know good from bad," he says, "Take risks, don't look back. Some won't like it, but someone will stay on that ride." Releasing music matters. A resonant track can change everything. Henry K understands that traction is about impact. And that's what Breakaway Dallas represents: an opportunity and a launchpad.  "I'm grateful for participating in the nation's largest touring festival alongside other Dallas-based DJs," he says. "I'm hoping this gives us exposure to the Breakaway team. That way, we can play in other states."  With eyes set on bigger stages and broader audiences, Henry K envisions this year as a breakthrough year - one where his music lands on major labels and his name moves from local lineups to festival main stages. Each track he releases, every set he plays, builds toward something more significant. "I see it as a way to make a name for myself as a small artist and to reach the potential I want," he says. "The sound I'm pushing out might draw attention elsewhere."  He knows the right ears are out there. It's only a matter of time before they tune in. And as that sound reverberates into the Breakaway Dallas crowd, one thing is clear: Henry K's movement has only just begun.

The decks hum to life, a thumping bass resonates as DEA takes control.   The crowd, a sea of anticipation, surges forward as her hands dance across the controls. The music explodes—hard-hitting, fluid, effortless. It's a stark contrast to just two years ago, when she sat, uncertain, in a DJ class, struggling to find the right button. Now, she's sharing stages with industry titans. DEA is all about mixing tracks and her life. For nearly a decade, she poured herself into the corporate grind, and continues to do so to this day - but back-to-back DJ sets on the weekend offset back-to-back meetings during the week. “In January 2023, after a 10.5-hour Saturday meeting and finishing an 80-hour work week, I set out to find some balance,” DEA said. Burnout had settled into her bones. She craved something that would spark creativity in her day job again. DJing felt like the perfect escape. The Fast-Track to DEA’s Meteoric Rise Since her first gig in April 2023, her passion has propelled her through a whirlwind of club sets, festival slots, and supporting renowned acts like Loud Luxury  and MADDS , even an impromptu back-to-back with DLMT . But the road from bedroom to stage wasn’t always smooth - her early gigs were trial and error. “A few months in and less-than-stellar gigs later, I realized - turns out you’re not an expert DJ after a six-week class,” DEA admits. That realization pushed her back into the classroom, enrolling in The DJ School Dallas’ intermediate 102 course, taught by Titan and Souljah , to sharpen her skills. “Two years later, I’m still learning new things daily!” It wasn’t just about the technical precision; it was about feeling the crowd, reading the energy in the room, and dropping the bass at the right time. Learning through experience mattered, but structure training made a world of difference. “I love that The DJ School made us play in public at a club for our graduation,” she recalls. “It’s a great way to get your foot in the door with local talent agencies and promoters.” That real-world experience gave her confidence and placed her directly in front of the right people, proving she could hold her own behind the decks. And now, she’s on a trajectory that shows no signs of slowing down. Using Music As A Lifeline Growing up as an introvert, DEA found sanctuary in music. Frequent moves turned her into a perpetual “new kid,” a cycle that made classrooms feel like battlefields and lunchrooms a maze of unfamiliar faces. But music? That remained a constant. “Growing up, I moved around a lot, and as an extreme introvert, being the new kid was tough! Oftentimes, I turned to music to feel some sense of consistency and familiarity.”   That connection ran more profound than just pressing play on a stereo. Music was in her blood. “My Father shreds on the electric guitar, and he first taught me how to read music around the same time I was learning to read words.” Before she could fully grasp the weight of a book, she could already decode the language of notes and rhythm.  Her early influences painted a picture as eclectic as her upbringing - RuPaul , Green Day , Madonna , and eventually EDM. “My earliest memories include singing my favorite songs, ‘Cheerio Girl' (i.e., ‘Material Girl’ by Madonna ) and ‘Supermodel (You Better Work)’ by RuPaul at the top of my lungs. I credit my diverse, ‘genre-dimensional’ music taste to the extraordinary environments and people I’ve encountered throughout my upbringing.” That genre-fluidity would later become a defining trait in her DJ career.  DEA Does Breakaway Playing Breakaway Dallas  is a milestone for DEA. The festival, packed with heavyweight international artists, marks her first major festival slot. But something else matters more beyond the thrill of seeing her name on the same lineup as industry giants. “It feels surreal to be part of my first festival alongside big-name, internationally recognized artists, but I feel even more honored to experience it with a kickass group of humble and deserving local talent!” The Dallas DJ community thrives on collaboration, and she’s stepping onto that stage for every local artist grinding their way up. That’s why she’s pushing hard to get as many people through those festival gates as possible. Her code, DEADOESBREAKAWAY,   offers 10% off your ticket purchase . She may even land a spot on the main stage! But beyond her numbers, her goal remains simple. “My number one goal for Breakaway Dallas is to give at least one person the opportunity to forget about life’s obligations for even just a few minutes and be present in the music, similar to what music does for me.” Whether it’s a bass drop that sends shivers down someone’s spine or a melody that sparks an old memory, she wants her set to be a moment of escape.  DEA’s journey didn’t unfold according to some master plan - it exploded into existence, one unexpected step at a time. “I fully expected to take the six-week 101 beginner class to learn the basics and have something fun to do in my spare time, but I had no idea I was about to embark on a transformational adventure that would take me to unimaginable places and fundamentally change my life for the better.”  What started as a casual curiosity turned into something much bigger - a career, passion, and a calling that has pushed her past every limit she thought she had. Now, she stands behind the decks, the pulse of the music surging through her fingertips as the crowd moves in sync with every drop, build, and perfectly timed energy shift. Their cheers, the sea of raised hands, and the bass rippling through the air reflects what’s inside her. Full of possibility and living hard.

Photo Credit: Mike Kirschbaum Forget the funnel cakes and carnival rides; Fair Park  is about to electrify! On April 4th and 5th, the historic Dallas grounds will transform into a neon-drenched sanctuary as the Breakaway Music Festival  makes its grand Texas debut. Renowned for its thunderous EDM lineups and immersive, otherworldly experiences, the festival arrives as Texas’ appetite for EDM peaks.  As the nation’s fastest-growing independent music festival, Breakaway’s expansion to 12 cities this year, with Dallas as a cornerstone, signifies a monumental convergence. Since its 2016 start in Columbus, Ohio, Breakaway has evolved into a multi-state phenomenon, sculpting dancefloor utopias from ordinary spaces. Now, it sets its sights on Texas and promises to inject its signature seismic energy into the state’s vibrant festival scene. Will its footprint etch itself in the Texas festival circuit? Dallas might have found its next can’t-miss, heart-pounding event if its history in other cities proves anything. Why Dallas?  Dallas plunges headfirst into electronic music. It’s an EDM epicenter, where neon lasers and 808 beats are as integral to the city’s soundscape as its celebrated barbecue joints and upscale boutiques. Demand is high, with after-hours warehouse raves and packed clubs hosting international headliners. Dallas has a fertile EDM foundation with venues like It’ll Do , The Green Elephant , Deep Ellum Art Co , and RBC  vibrating with underground house, techno, and bass. At the same time, SILO , Stereo Live , Southside Ballroom , and The Factory in Deep Ellum are essential stops on international tour circuits. Festivals like Ubbi Dubbi  and Lights All Night  have demonstrated the city’s appetite for colossal, euphoric EDM events.  Breakaway’s Co-Founder, Adam Lynn,  says, “We’re excited to bring Breakaway to Dallas. The energy of Dallas is electric, and we know the fans will bring an incredible vibe.” Additionally, Breakaway’s National Promotions Manager, Duncan Harris,  notes,   “While many associate Texas with country music, the EDM scene has grown rapidly in Dallas, and we are honored to be putting on an event for electronic music fans.” Fair Park, a sprawling 277-acre landmark  steeped in history, is set to become an EDM playground this year. Initially constructed  for the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition , this iconic venue has hosted everything from world fairs to legendary concerts. Now, it’s poised to welcome thousands of dance music enthusiasts for an unforgettable, transcendent weekend. Fair Park’s prime location, just minutes from downtown Dallas, makes it a logistical paradise for festival goers, offering easy access via car, DART light rail, or rideshare.  “ We are honored to bring Breakaway Dallas to such a historic venue,” Duncan says. “Attendees can expect three phenomenal stages across the festival grounds: our Main Stage , Launch Pad Stage , and the Silent Disco Stage , ensuring a diverse and immersive electronic music experience for everyone in Dallas.” The 2025 Lineup & What To Expect Photo Credit: Breakaway Prepare for a sonic tsunami as Breakaway Dallas unveils its exhilarating lineup, headlined by EDM titans Zedd , Slander , Afrojack , Gryffin , and Louis the Child . Zedd will ignite the stage with his signature razor-sharp synths, bone-shaking drops, and anthemic singalongs, envisioning thousands of voices uniting in a chorus of “Clarity.” SLANDER, known for their fusion of chest-quaking bass and heart-rending melodies, will deliver a performance that feels like a weightless, euphoric descent. Afrojack will crank up the BPM and deliver a high-energy set of classic anthems and electrifying remixes to keep the crowd moving. Gryffin will weave a tapestry of warm, soaring melodies that will lift the crowd to ethereal heights. And Louis the Child, the purveyors of feel-good energy, will paint the night with their dreamy, iridescent beats. Photo Credit: Meg Blair Beyond the headliners, Breakaway Dallas will showcase a rising star constellation of rising stars, promising to become your next obsession. From Jackie Hollander ’s velvety underground house grooves to LAYZ ’s face-melting, bass-drenched dubstep, the festival promises a dynamic, genre-bending journey. Keep an ear out for KREAM , TroyBoi , ACRAZE , Dallas-based artist Kenzi Sway , and many more. Breakaway Dallas offers a comprehensive EDM experience catering to every taste. Whether you crave high-octane, mainstage anthems, the hypnotic pulse of underground house, the seismic jolts of hard-hitting dubstep, or the emotionally resonant waves of future bass, you’ll find it all at Breakaway.  Breakaway Dallas Lineup What Makes Breakaway Different?  While the main stages throb with the energy of renowned headliners, Breakaway’s heart beats most vigorously in its dedication to local artistry. This commitment shines brightest at the festival’s Silent Disco . In this haven, 50 to 60 local DJs command the decks, proving the Texas EDM scene’s readiness for the spotlight.  “Playing the Breakaway Music Festival is an exciting opportunity to connect with some of the best local DJs and unite in our shared passion for the city,” John Wayne says.  For rising DJs like Javi Barahaüs , this moment is a dream realized. “Playing my first music festival feels surreal, a dream I’ve chased discovering electronic music in 4th grade,” he says. “Sharing a lineup with artists like Afrojack, Zedd, and Zomboy, whose tracks shaped my love for the genre, feels like a full-circle moment.” Breakaway Dallas Silent Disco Lineup Unlike traditional stages, the Silent Disco  empowers the audience, each festival-goer equipped with glowing headphones, choosing their DJ by switching channels. “It’s awesome that Breakaway connects the local DJ scene,” says DJ Ari . “Playing at the Silent Disco is a fun way to test your skills alongside other DJs, and the audience’s control over their experience adds a special energy.” This direct artist-listener connection creates a deeply personal experience. Castle Nova sees it as an opportunity to showcase Dallas’ hidden gems. “Playing the Silent Disco  at Breakaway Dallas means a lot to me,” he says. “Sharing the lineup with friends means good vibes and a chance to show people what Dallas locals offer.” For many artists, the Breakaway stage signifies a milestone.“Being considered for Breakaway’s Silent Disco  is a testament to how far I’ve come,” says Mal Blanc . “Playing at a festival is a lifelong dream realized, a step towards a bigger future.” Monstax echoes this sentiment: “Nothing is impossible with passion! The Silent Disco  experience creates a deeper connection with the artist’s music, free from distractions.” From seasoned veterans to rising stars, each DJ brings a story of persistence, passion, and community. Casie Farrell  says, “Each bring their unique flavor, spirit, and energy to the stage. It will undoubtedly be a crowd favorite, and we’re all ready to bring it!” What You Need To Know Before Attending Breakaway Dallas Before immersing yourself in the music, secure a ticket. This year, Breakaway introduces a futuristic twist: cryptocurrency acceptance, aligning with the innovative spirit of EDM. “EDM is one of the fastest-growing genres,” says Duncan, “so it’s fitting to accept the fastest-growing payment form.” Whether you prefer Bitcoin or traditional methods, purchasing your pass now is essential. Photo Credit: Breakaway Breakaway offers diverse ticket tiers: General Admission (GA)  for standard entry, with access to all main performances; VIP  for elevated viewing, expedited entry, and exclusive lounges; and Ultra VIP  for bottle service, backstage passes, and artist meet-and-greets. Check out ticket options here . For out-of-town attendees, consider these nearby hotels: CANVAS Hotel Dallas , Lorenzo Hotel , Element Dallas Downtown East , and the Home2 Suites by Hilton Dallas Downtown at Baylor Scott & White. Airbnb and group rentals are also excellent options. Utilize rideshare services to avoid parking challenges near Fair Park. With its ever-growing fanbase, Breakaway’s arrival feels destined. The festival’s expansion into Texas marks a strategic move into one of the nation’s fastest-growing EDM markets. If this debut meets expectations, Breakaway Dallas could become a staple event.  “We cannot wait for this debut year, and more importantly, for the years to come in Dallas,” organizers affirm. “We hope to become synonymous with the live music community in Texas.”