What began as an idea several years ago by New Found Glory guitarist and local transplant Chad Gilbert, and finally manifested into an inaugural event last year at The Factory at Franklin’s Liberty Hall, breakfast-themed punk rock and alternative day fest BreakFEST was an absolute blast in its first year, and we’re thrilled to see the event return for year two, hopefully the start of an annual tradition, on June 2!
A novel concept (you can read more about the inspiration and backstory in our interview with Gilbert from last summer) BreakFEST is a great way to bring fans of pop punk, emo, alternative, and everything in between together in the daytime, to enjoy great tunes and great food, and this year’s lineup once again boasts a stellar mix of old and new acts along with a few locals, with New Found Glory, Real Friends, Hawthorne Heights, Mae, The Early November, Microwave, Jetty Bones, H.A.R.D., Love You Later, and Doll Skin all set to perform. Plus, with great local venders like Frothy Monkey, Honest Coffee, Five Daughters, High Brow Coffee, Tiny Little Donuts, Mojo’s Tacos, Juice Bar, Triple Crown Bakery, Muletown Coffee, and Ruby Sunshine all announced as well, the breakfast side of BreakFEST warrants just as much excitement.
To help you get ready for this year’s event, we’ll be highlighting a different performer each day until BreakFEST weekend, with daily Artist Spotlight features (similar to what we’re also doing ahead of Bonnaroo). So, whether you’re checking in on an old favorite or discovering a new one, you’ll arrive ready to rock and prepared to sing along! And finally, for more about all things BreakFEST, including a helpful FAQ section, be sure to check out the event’s website.
BreakFEST is an all ages event, and, as the concept would suggest, it kicks off early, with doors set to open at 8 a.m. You can still get GA tickets for less than $40, or upgrade to $100 VIP, which grants you special balcony seating, a separate bathroom and bar, special entry, and some freebies like a t-shirt and poster. Food and beverage are not included in the price of admission, but there will be a well-curated selection of local goodies that are well worth the cost.
Get your tickets right here if you haven’t already, and keep reading to learn more about the lineup in our BreakFEST Artist Spotlight…
LEARN
The brainchild of 20 year old LA raised musical artist Lexi Aviles, who’s been splitting her time in Nashville in recent years as well, Love You Later is a project that only made an introduction two years ago with the release of first single “Lost in Los Angeles,” but has since earned the young singer millions of streams, prominent playlist spots, and positive critical buzz. Channeling a dreamy, indie pop sound with an earnest and confessional thematic weight, and an unabashed love for synth-drenched, indulgent ’80s nostalgia a la Bleachers (even her photos and visual aesthetic feel gloriously retro), Aviles released her debut EP, How Many Nights Do You Dance with Tears in Your Eyes?, last year, compiling her first three singles and two new tracks, and making even more of a ripple in the blogosphere.
A truly homegrown effort, Aviles’ material for Love You Later is authentically bedroom pop, crafted alone, recorded in a garage with the help of a producer friend, and self-released, but, nonetheless, has already propelled her to some exciting early success, landing a gig opening for One Republic in Honolulu, as well as a debut at SXSW last year (and return this spring), along with a handful of national dates and some events with Sofar Sounds. More recently, Love You Later has released a couple of new singles (with the promise of another EP on the way), and has been increasingly active around town, notably hosting a super cool birthday show and release party for her hypnotic track “Harder on Myself” back in January at Mercy Lounge, and a recent “Haw Yee Disco” party at Rocketown. An exciting addition to Nashville’s indie scene, Love You Later might be the most pop without the punk artist on the BreakFEST lineup, but she’s nonetheless an extraordinary talent who brings a super cool bit of variety to the bill.
LISTEN | “Jokes On You”
LISTEN | “Lost in Los Angeles”
CONNECT
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More from BreakFEST | Site | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram