EDM Origins: Autolaser
May 21, 2025
May 21, 2025
Effin Embraces Duality on New Release, 'Bringing Me Down'
In May of 2024 I celebrated graduating with a Master of Arts in Communications by flying across the country to Charlotte, North Carolina to attend Breakaway Carolina. Also known as Breakaway: Another World. This was my first time in North Carolina and my first Breakaway event. Breakaway took place at the zMAX Dragway in a suburb of Charlotte called Concord. The two day festival featured iconic artists, memorable sets, and cool vendors as far as the eye could see. This was the perfect way to get to know an unfamiliar state and city that I have wanted to travel to for decades.
Breakaway is bringing their iconic brand to the valley this weekend in a collaboration with Relentless Beats and Celsius. The two-day festival will feature headliners Sofi Tukker, Gryffin, Two Friends, and The Chainsmokers. Supporting acts include Audien, Cyclops, and Levity. Local stars Afterparti and CASTI will help show off the bright spirits of the Arizona Rave Scene.
In celebration of this Breakaway x Relentless Beats partnership, I will cover highlights from my experience at Breakaway Carolina last year. ENJOY!!
Excision
Excision performed a double-headliner, gracing zMAX Dragway with his iconic visuals, intense pyrotechnics, and prehistoric vibes. His mixture of SUPER HEAVY dubstep and melodic collaborations with artists like WOOLI and Seven Lions made for a memorable closing set on both days. Day Two’s set was especially bonkers. Excisions reputation precedes him as he continues to make his mark on the scene after years of dedication.
Level Up
I saw iconic spooky dubstep producer Level Up for the first time at Breakaway Carolina. Her purple and blue-tinted visuals paired well with her gothic aesthetic and heavy production style. Her set ranged from heavy bangers, to surreal lullabies and everything in between. Level Up’s attention to detail expands far beyond her discography. Resulting in an incredible, one of a kind set that you simply must see for yourselves.
Levity/Alleycvt
Levity is scheduled to perform on Day Two of Breakaway Arizona and performed on Day Two of Breakaway Carolina. Making their inclusion in this article essential. Levity performed a wonky set consisting of wobbly mid tempo, House bangers, and iconic flips/remixes. The crowd was densely packed and everyone was dancing under the stage roof, shielding us from the NC humidity. Levity performed their iconic hit “Flip It” along with teasing their (at the time) upcoming collaboration with Alleycvt, “One For You.” Do not miss this iconic trio do what they do best.
Feline dubstep extraordinaire Alleycvt rocked the house on Day One of Breakaway Carolina. Also teasing, “One For You” during her set. She joined Levity on stage on the second day to massive cheers and screams from the crowd. Alleycvt performed several of her hits including “Religion,” “Back2Life,” and Zingara collaboration: “Remember Me.” Alleycvt’s visuals are always top notch and her Breakaway set was no exception. Keep up with Alleycvt using the links below.
Of The Trees
Last, but certainly not least, I will cover Of The Trees. This iconic artist is best known for his cerebral tracks and sets inspired by nature. His sound and aesthetic includes pleasant woodlands, glistening rivers, and plenty of wildlife. His atmospheric set was made even more impactful by the thick Carolina woods that could be seen in the distance. His nighttime set was complimented with bops like “The Owl Song,” an avian-inspired jam that is wildly experimental. The moon illuminated the dancefloor, as lasers cut across the thick Southern Air. Of The Trees and Alleycvt are two artists that I would travel across the country to see. Every set of their’s has blown me away. Traveling to see them is always worth it in spades.
Don’t miss Breakaway Arizona, taking place April 18th and 19th at Sloan Park Festival Grounds in Mesa, Arizona. The event doors open at 3:00PM with the show concluding at 10:00PM. Get your last-minute tickets HERE while supplies last!
Connect with Excision: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | SoundCloud
Connect with Of The Trees: Facebook | Instagram | X | Spotify | SoundCloud
Connect with LEVEL UP: Facebook | Instagram | X | Spotify | SoundCloud
Connect with Levity: Facebook | Instagram | X | Spotify | SoundCloud
Connect with ALLEYCVT: Facebook | Instagram | X | Spotify | SoundCloud
