Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesse Brede.
Hi Jesse, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I moved to Austin, Texas in 1998 to go to the University of Texas for computer science and business. While attending UT, I fell in love with electronic music and became an active DJ and promoter.
While at college, I began working for Josh Baer’s first company, Skylist, which was at the forefront of email marketing. I graduated UT in 2003 and in 2004, I left Skylist to work for Blastro Networks as their site director. Blastro was one of the first companies in the video-on-demand space, and we were essentially the MTV of the internet, helping to pioneer the video preroll and serving millions of videos and ads.
In 2011, I launched my record label, Gravitas Recordings, which has released over 220 albums, EPs, and compilations, and helped to launch the careers of several national touring DJs and performers such as CloZee, Of The Trees, AHEE, A Hundred Drums, and more. We’ve also raised over $75k for different charities which is where we got our slogan “Doing Good with Good Music”.
In 2012, I created a booking and management company, Pivotal Agency, to work alongside Gravitas.
In 2013, I launched Lion’s Share Digital, a full-service digital media agency that focused on branding, web, and marketing. Some of our clients have included KUKA Robotics, Keller Williams, Juan Lobo Tequila, Antone’s Record Shop, The Absolute Sound, True Harvest Farms, Forward XP, Arc Music Festival, Sana Benefits, and many more.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve been extremely lucky; all of my companies are bootstrapped and financially successful. Of course, like all ventures, there have been challenges.
Some of the struggles have been that artists and clients outgrow our services and either move on to more established managers, labels, or agencies. It’s always hard to see someone move on, but we are extremely proud of the work we’ve done to help our artists and clients be successful in their careers.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Gravitas is most known for helping to launch the career of CloZee. She consistently sells out massive venues and has blazed a trail with her music.
Lion’s Share Digital is known for our web design and the effective work we provide for our clients.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I’ve taken many risks. Launching 3 companies that are designed to work with each other is no easy task. Launching one company is a risk. Launching 3 is damn near insane. But the joy of seeing all three thrive and grow has been phenomenal.
When it comes to risk, it’s important to pick your punch. Once you decide to do something, go all in. Push all your chips in and don’t look back. Believing in yourself and your vision is everything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lionssharedigital.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/gravitasmusic
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessebrede/
- Twitter: https://x.com/jessebrede
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@apathunfolding
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/gravitas-recordings
