Building Takeover: A Night of Movement and Music in Columbus: Breakaway Pre Party

• Rainbow_Rocks
• April 12, 2026
• Sponsored Collaborations, Sponsored Content
• #IndependentJournalism, #LGBTQIA, #RainbowRocks, Bodi, Breakaway Music Fest, EDMOhio, Flurry, Jag, Nik Ryan, Obi, Tano, The Cave
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Written/Photographed: By Kyle / Rainbow Rocks

LGBTQIA+ Independent Journalist, Digital Producer

March 28th, 2026

The Columbus electronic music scene witnessed a significant cultural landmark on March 28 at 122 E Main St. Organized by EDMOHIO, The Cave Sessions, and Bodi, the “Building Takeover” was more than just a typical club night; it was framed as a communal movement designed to unite the city’s dance music enthusiasts.

The event, which kicked off at 9:00 PM, featured a dual-room experience that allowed fans to drift between two distinct sonic environments: The Cave and Bodi.

The Social Media Narrative: “One Soul Purpose”

Leading up to the takeover, the organizers utilized social media to establish a clear ethos for the night. Rather than focusing solely on the “hype,” the messaging centered on mutual respect and shared energy. Key posts highlighted the following mission:

“This has always been about bringing people together… A movement where everyone shares one soul purpose on the dance floor. Be kind to others. Treat people how you’d want to be treated. And most importantly… let’s dance.”

This grassroots approach was bolstered by a heavy-hitting partnership with the Breakaway Music Festival 2026, signaling a formal bridge between Columbus’s underground talent and the mainstream festival circuit.

The Lineup: A Deep Dive into the Talent

The “Run of Show” showcased a meticulously curated list of Ohio’s finest producers and vibe-curators. Social media spotlights on each artist helped build anticipation:

The Cave Stage

• Mike James: Known for playing everything from tech-house to techno, Mike was celebrated as a veteran “life of the party” with upcoming spots at Breakaway Ohio.
• Mitch Mantra: Representing Akron, Mitch was praised for creating “music for the soul,” with a high-energy EP on the horizon.
• Tano: At just 21, Tano is touted as one of Ohio’s best young producers, having already shared stages with legends like Shiba San and Matroda.
• Nik Ryan: Focuses heavily on production, with his K.E.T. remix surpassing 40k streams and new releases on The Sun Grooves Records.
• Jag: A newcomer inspired by “true tech,” Jag earned respect for his dedication to supporting local shows and pushing local tracks.

Bodi Stage

• Serene Dion: A versatile artist who has played across the US, Serene is a community pillar who recently helped organize a massive 2,000-person “science rave.”
• Soka: Highlighted as a performer whose art must be felt. His production is described as true, fresh, and deeply rooted in the “TRIBE” collective.
• Flurry: A “vibe curator” who recently launched a new label to pave the way for the next generation of talent.
• Sebastian Fabrice: Born in Europe and based in Columbus, Sebastian is known for his signature European house and minimal tech-house sound.
• Obi: A founder of Defiant Frequencies, Obi was recently selected to play Breakaway Ohio, cementing his rise in the local scene.

A Summer of Momentum

The “Building Takeover” served as a critical launching pad for the 2026 season. With several artists on the bill officially announced for Breakaway Ohio and the Azure Day Party, the event confirmed that the Columbus electronic scene is currently experiencing a powerful, producer-led renaissance.

By the end of the night, the message remained clear: the local community is no longer just watching the movement—they are the ones driving it.

The Underground Electronic Dance Music Scene in Columbus, Ohio, reached a new crescendo on the night of March 28, 2026, at Breakway Music Festival Pre Party, as local breakout artist Jag delivered a heartfelt performance at The Cave During The Building Takeover. Nestled on East Main Street in Downtown Columbus, Ohio, The Venue provided an intimate, atmospheric backdrop for a set that solidified Jag’s reputation as a rising force in the EDM Ohio Community.

Following his set, Jag sat down for an exclusive interview with Kyle/RainbowRocks for RainbowRocks.Space to discuss his rapid ascent, his philosophy on music, and what the future holds for his evolving sound.

Emerging Jag Electricfies the Night at The Cave

From Graduate to the Decks

Jag’s journey into the professional DJ world is a relatively recent one. After graduating from school in May 2025, he decided to turn a lifelong passion for Music into a Career.

“I’ve always loved the music… I finally was like, you know what, I’m going to pursue this,” Jag shared. “I finally found something I’m passionate for and that I can pursue in a sense of future opportunities”.

His connection to the local scene was forged through networking and a chance meeting with Joey of EDM Ohio, a prominent figure in the Ohio EDM circuit. After attending a show at The Cave, Jag introduced himself to Joey, leading to a friendship built on mutual support and gear sharing. This organic relationship eventually led to the invitation to perform at The Cave—a milestone Jag described as a “cool whole situation” supported by his family and friends.

A Sound for Every Generation

One of the most striking aspects of Jag’s performance was the diversity of the audience. While EDM often caters to a younger demographic, Jagg noted that his parents were in the crowd enjoying the music just as much as the college-age attendees.

For Jag, this inclusivity is the ultimate goal. He believes music should be a unifying force, regardless of age or background.

• The Mission: “I just want everyone to be united by the music and dance,” Jagg explained.
• The Energy: He emphasizes the importance of the performer’s energy, stating that if you want the crowd to engage, you have to “get into it” yourself.

Looking Ahead: Breakaway and Beyond

As Jag looks to the future, he is focused on refining his “true sound”. He expressed significant excitement for the upcoming Breakaway Festival Lineup, viewing it as an opportunity to be a “student of the game”. By exposing himself to new genres and artists, he hopes to bring fresh influences back to his own productions.

Upcoming Plans for Jagg:

• Local Residency: Continuing to play at local bars and “speakeasies” around Columbus.
• Club Circuit: Working with Joey to secure more high-energy club shows.
• Collaborative Growth: Working alongside fellow Ohio DJs like Nick Ryan, Tano, Mitch, and Mike James to grow the local community.

The Power of Community

Jag’s philosophy is rooted in the idea of collective growth. He credits the established DJs in the Ohio scene for their willingness to provide tips and support to newcomers.

“The best part about it is they’re here to help, they’re here to grow… we’re not going to do it solo,” he said. This spirit of inclusivity and collaboration is what Jag hopes will define the next chapter of EDM in Ohio.

Building Takeover: A Q&A with Joey of EDMOhio and Tano.

On the vibrant evening of March 28, 2026, the energy in downtown COLUMBUS was electric as fans gathered at BODY and THE CAVE for the BREAKAWAY MUSIC FESTIVAL pre-party. Amidst the high-octane atmosphere, KYLE of RAINBOW ROCKS sat down for an exclusive Q and A with TANO and JOEY of EDM Ohio to discuss music, the power of community, and the upcoming festival season.

The performance was a testament to the thriving EDM scene in COLUMBUS, leaving the crowd energized and eager for what’s to come at the BREAKAWAY MUSIC FESTIVAL.

TANO, an up-and-coming artist with deep roots in the OHIO scene, shared his perspective on the importance of representing local talent. He acknowledged the wealth of skilled DJS in the area and expressed his commitment to pushing the boundaries of his craft while ensuring his audience always has a memorable experience.

JOEY with EDM Ohio, a key figure in the Local Music Community and a staunch supporter of TANO’S work, highlighted the growth they have seen in the scene. He noted that TANO’S dedication to production and his ability to connect with people on a personal level have been instrumental in his rising popularity and his well-deserved spot on the BREAKAWAY lineup.

A significant portion of the Interview was dedicated to the inclusive nature of the OHIO EDM scene, particularly its relationship with the LGBTQIA+ community. TANO reflected on how early experiences at underground raves and major festivals like LOST LANDS taught him the true meaning of PLUR: PEACE, LOVE, UNITY, and RESPECT.

The artists expressed a shared desire to revitalize these core values within the modern festival experience. TANO believes that the spirit of PLUR is a vital component of the EDM culture that must be championed and brought to the forefront, especially at large-scale events like BREAKAWAY.

JOEY with EDM Ohio expanded on this sentiment, emphasizing that their events are a space where everyone is welcome. “It doesn’t matter who shows up to our events. We’re accepting of everyone,” he stated, underscoring their mission to build a community that celebrates diversity and artistic expression.

As the conversation turned toward the upcoming festival, TANO and JOEY offered practical advice for first-time attendees. They stressed the importance of staying safe and looking out for one another, encouraging fans to remain aware of their surroundings and stay connected with their groups.

In addition to safety, they encouraged fans to embrace the spirit of discovery. JOEY’S advice for the festival was simple yet profound: “Go out of your comfort zone, go see an artist you haven’t seen before.” This philosophy of exploration is what they believe drives the scene forward and allows new talent to flourish.

TANO also shared exciting news about his upcoming music, teasing a summer filled with new releases. He has already shared a collection of new tracks. He has even more unreleased material ready to be showcased at his upcoming performances, promising an “insane summer” for his growing fan base.

The interview concluded with a sense of optimism and excitement for the future of EDM in OHIO. TANO’S parting words, “Watch out for me, baby! I’m coming in hot!” perfectly captured the ambition and energy that he brings to his music and his community.

As the pre-party continued into the night, it was clear that the efforts of artists like TANO and leaders like JOEY are shaping COLUMBUS into a premier destination for dance music. Their focus on inclusivity, safety, and high-quality production is setting a new standard for the local and regional EDM scenes.

The partnership between RAINBOW ROCKS and these local visionaries highlights the power of media to amplify the voices making a difference in the community. This exclusive look into the minds of TANO and JOEY with EDM Ohio provides a glimpse into the passion and dedication that fuel the vibrant music culture of OHIO.

With the BREAKAWAY MUSIC FESTIVAL on the horizon, the anticipation is palpable. The community that TANO and JOEY are helping to build is ready to bring the energy of the pre-party to the main stage, celebrating the music and the unity that define the EDM experience.

In a world that can often feel divided, the message of PLUR and the inclusive environment fostered by these artists offer a beacon of hope and a reminder of the transformative power of music. As TANO and JOEY with EDM Ohio continue their journey, they carry with them the spirit of OHIO and a commitment to making every event a celebration of togetherness and sound.