WORCESTER—A global electronic music duo with Grammy hardware and one of dubstep’s biggest names are set to headline Worcester’s Breakaway Mass festival next weekend.
The Chainsmokers, known for chart-topping hits such as “Closer” and “Don’t Let Me Down,” join Subtronics, DJ Diesel and ISOxo atop a 21-act lineup for the Sept. 5-6 event at the Palladium Indoors and Outdoors. Organizers announced the full lineup Wednesday, calling it one of the most ambitious music weekends of the year for the city.
Breakaway Mass, presented by CELSIUS, brings together 17 national touring artists alongside four Massachusetts DJs: Beau Cruz, Breakbomb, Rivas and RLPZ. Social media personality Bobby Hendrickson of @DJLoversClub is set to host.
“In addition to stellar lineups, Breakaway elevates the festival experience with The Launch Pad presented by White Claw Surge and a Silent Disco featuring local artists and onsite experiences,” organizers said in a release.
The Chainsmokers — Alex Pall and Drew Taggart — have been mainstays in electronic dance music for a decade, racking up a Grammy, two American Music Awards and seven Billboard Music Awards while topping the charts with albums “Memories…Do Not Open” and “World War Joy.” In 2019, Forbes named them the world’s highest-paid DJs.
Subtronics, the stage name of Philadelphia-based producer Jesse Kardon, has built a devoted following through his bass-driven sound and festival appearances. His 2022 debut album “FRACTALS” reached No. 4 on Billboard’s Dance/Electronic Albums chart, while his 2024 follow-up “TESSERACT” showed his range across genres from drum and bass to hip-hop fusion.
Other artists on the Worcester lineup include ALLEYCVT, Audien, BONNIE X CLYDE, Cyclops, Dombresky, LAYZ, Mersiv, Myles O’Neal, OddKidOut, Oppidan, Shima, SIDEPIECE, Ship Wrek and Westend.
Breakaway, billed as the nation’s fastest-growing independent music brand, has expanded to 12 U.S. cities this year, including Dallas, Phoenix, Atlanta and Philadelphia. Worcester is the lone New England stop on the tour.
Sponsors for the festival include CELSIUS, White Claw, McDonald’s, Jimmy John’s, RYTHM Premium Cannabis, Jose Cuervo: Devil’s Reserve, Tito’s, and more. Organizers said onsite partners are going to “activations, branded bars and more engaging opportunities to add to the immersive fan experience.” That surely means fans can expect to enjoy Tito’s cocktails, White Claw seltzers, Jimmy John’s slices and maybe even some Big Macs.
Breakaway Mass is also among a dozen Breakaway festivals this year to accept cryptocurrency as payment. How progressive is that?
All tickets, including two-day GA, VIP, Ultimate VIP and Space Deck Terrace tickets, along with Space Deck tables, are available here.
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