Breakaway Music Festival 2019

 

Breakaway Festival kicked off in Grand Rapids at the end of August with big name headliners like Kaskade, Louis the Child, Big Gigantic and Wiz Khalifa.

Day one (not pictured) was hosted by DJ Jay Vee, starting the weekend off right. Early performances included Super Future, Kar Pow, D-Wrex and Cookn.

Wax Motif released three hit singles this summer that made for a great live performance. His work with Warez on “Static Theory” as well as his collaboration with Diddy on “Divided Souls” is worth nothing.

Herobust and Troyboi were the perfect blend of hype to get the crowd ready for Louis the Child. The Chicago duo was no stranger to festivals this summer, playing to crowds at Lollapalooza and Tomorrowland. You can stream their Kids at Play EP here.

Finally, Kaskade took the stage to end day one. The grammy nominated producer released Redux 003 this year. The crowd was full of enthusiasm and energy for his performance.

Day two marked the finale of another successful weekend. After a couple hours of local DJ’s got the hot Grand Rapids crowd warmed up, Kid Quill took the stage. With perfect summer vibes and striking personality he captured the crowds attention quick which at this point had only seen DJ’s all day.

With the hill of Belknap park overlooking the festival grounds and stage there really is no better seat in the house than atop hill looking down. The crowd participation was in full effect prompting the Indiana native to swear that this was his favorite festival he has ever done.

Next up was Bryce Vine. The New York artist had a stand out performance of the day as his energy was infectious. Admittedly, I hadn’t known a lot of his music coming in but found myself singing along his whole set to every song. His catchy hooks and poppy beats along with the live band help make sure Michigan remembered their names.

Next was Breakaway mainstay Blackbear. Fresh off his latest single “Hot girl bummer,” bear felt right at home on the Breakaway stage. Always putting on a great show, the charismatic pop star took off with songs off his 2019 effort ANONYMOUS as well as hits like “do re mi,” and “idfc.”

Next was a bit of a pallet cleanser as electronic soul duo Big Gigantic took the stage for an epic set. Using the giant LED screens to their advantage their stage setup was just as much a part of the performance as the actual music. From epic drum solos to steaming sax solos, this one was fun to watch from the hill.

Wiz Khalifa started with a hype package spanning his whole career that no one could hear over the deafening screams of the audience as Wiz emerged. Playing hit after hit with everyone in the audience reciting every word. A stand out moment had to be when the screen displayed photos of the late Mac Miller and Nipsey Hussle as “See You Again” was performed.

All in all Breakaway knocked it out of the park yet again with energetic performers, a perfect venue and spot on stage design. Both Breakaway North Carolina on Oct. 4th and 5th and Breakaway Tennessee October 11th and 12th have yet to take place.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Kid Quill

Bryce Vine

Blackbear

Big Gigantic

Wiz Khalifa