E40: Breakaway Music Festival featuring LEESH
On this week’s City Limitless® podcast, we dove into the vibrant energy of Breakaway Music Festival, held at Sloan Park in Mesa. We were joined by Duncan Harris, Promotions Manager for Breakaway, and LEESH, a rising EDM star and Mesa local, to discuss the festival's journey and impact. Duncan Harris explained that Mesa's Sloan Park was a strategic choice for Breakaway. Its expansive layout provided an ideal setting for the large-scale festival, but it was Mesa's dynamic energy and supportive community that truly captured the organizers' attention. Their vision extended beyond a mere tour stop; they aimed to cultivate a unique, community-rooted music experience. As Duncan stated,
"We saw the potential here to create something truly special, not just another stop on a tour, but a genuine music experience rooted in the community."
A significant feature, benefiting both Breakaway and local artists, was the prominent Silent Disco stage. Duncan highlighted how this innovative setup fostered an intimate atmosphere and showcased local talent. "It created a unique, intimate experience that differentiated Breakaway,” he noted. This localized touch resonated with attendees, allowing them to discover new artists. Duncan added, "While the main stage drew big names, the Silent Disco offered variety. It made the festival more diverse and appealing to a wider audience, creating a full-day experience from start to finish."
Breakaway was also active in nurturing the local music ecosystem, as Duncan detailed the festival's efforts in orchestrating networking events and artist connections. For local DJs, the festival facilitated introductions to venues and promoters, establishing Breakaway as a launchpad for their careers. The goal, he emphasized, was to build a sustainable local scene, even arranging spontaneous back-to-back sets between local and top artists.
LEESH: Main Stage Lights
Our guest, Brian Zucker, a proud Mesa local and DJ also known as LEESH, epitomized the festival's commitment to local talent. LEESH’s musical journey began in high school, as he explored beat-making software and the guitar, and later evolved into a DJing and producing career in college at Arizona State University.
And it was LEESH's path to the Breakaway main stage that was particularly inspiring.
As Duncan Harris explained, the festival offered a contest designed to elevate emerging talent: the individual who sold the most festival tickets would earn a main stage slot, mentoring, and promotional support. This challenge sought to identify dedication and hustle crucial for music industry success.
LEESH embraced this challenge wholeheartedly, seeing it as a vital opportunity to showcase his abilities. Ultimately, he earned the coveted main stage slot, and it was thanks to his genuine passion and relentless commitment to connecting with people that set him apart. His belief in music's transformative power resonated deeply with those he encountered.
Leading up to the festival, LEESH felt a mix of exhilaration and nervousness, but immense excitement overall. In preparation, he meticulously refined his set and crafted new tracks, ultimately delivering an unforgettable energy for Breakaway and the broader music scene.
For him, Breakaway was just the beginning. Looking ahead, LEESH envisions a future full of even more music, performances and collaborations. To follow along on his journey, you can find LEESH on Instagram, @djleesh, and listen to his electrifying tracks on Spotify, YouTube, and all major streaming platforms.
This insightful conversation illuminated Mesa's growing prominence in the music world. Our thanks to Duncan Harris and LEESH for sharing their experiences. If you want to hear more about Breakaway and the artists that bring this festival to life, Be sure to check out our full interview on the City Limitless® podcast for more. You won’t want to miss it!
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