A Sound Passed Down Through Generations: An interview with Jordan Frye

Jordan Frye is no stranger to finding inspiration in the unconventional. Raised in the coastal town of Ventura, California, his early years were steeped in the free-spirited culture of surfing and skateboarding, paired with a steady soundtrack of ’90s indie rock legends like Oasis and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Frye began writing songs at just 10 years old, driven by the creative pulse of his environment and the musical influence of his father, a drummer from the ’70s.

Now, with his new single “Wildflower” making waves on the Hot AC Chart,  Spotify’s New Music Friday, and SiriusXM’s Life with John Mayer, Frye is emerging as a powerful new voice in pop with indie roots. In the interview ahead, Frye opens up about the personal and creative forces driving his music, the journey from behind-the-scenes, and what’s next as his sound continues to break through.

Breaking Through the Noise: Kyle Levinsohn on Building Artist Careers at UTA

Kyle Levinsohn’s journey through the music industry is one rooted in passion, persistence, and a deep commitment to artist development. A New Jersey native with an early love for music, Levinsohn began his career nearly a decade ago. In this interview, Levinsohn shares insight into what sets UTA apart, the evolving challenges of the live music landscape, and how he identifies long-term potential in emerging talent.

Finding Strength in Sound: How Toby Lightman is Advocating for Women in Music

Toby Lightman’s journey in the music industry is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and unwavering dedication to artistic independence. From the unexpected moment at her high school graduation that revealed her vocal talent to landing a major record deal and earning praise from Rolling Stone and Billboard, Lightman’s career has been defined by breaking barriers. Sharing stages with legends like Prince and Rob Thomas, she proved her ability to captivate audiences with her soulful voice and raw storytelling. Yet, beyond the spotlight, Lightman’s evolution as an artist has been driven by a deeper purpose—taking control of her own sound and empowering other women to do the same.

Ryan Seacrest Foundation Adds Industry Leaders to Prestigious Industry Advisory Committee

Lakeside Entertainment Group is proud to announce that the Ryan Seacrest Foundation has added Dan Pearson to its prestigious Industry Advisory Committee.

"It's an honor to be part of this esteemed committee of industry professionals. I've worked with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation Team for years, and I'm proud to support their important mission in a greater capacity through this new role. It's truly inspiring to see how The Ryan Seacrest Foundation is dedicated to uplifting pediatric patients. Their entertainment and education initiatives at Seacrest Studios in children's hospitals nationwide are making a significant difference." – Dan Pearson

The Art of Independence: Marc Scibilia on Music, Business, and Staying True

Marc Scibilia kicks off the US leg of his World Tour this week in Austin, marking another milestone in a career defined by resilience, authenticity, and a deep connection to life’s most profound moments. From his early days breaking into the industry with his song “How Bad We Need Each Other” to his viral success with “More to This”, Marc Scibilia has consistently created music that resonates on a personal and universal level. In this interview, he reflects on the defining moments of his career, the struggles and triumphs of being an independent artist, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. From navigating the financial challenges of the music industry to the importance of creative collaboration.

The Hustle Never Stops: How DJ Skribble Shaped the Sound of a Generation

DJ Skribble is more than just a DJ—he’s a pioneer, a visionary, and a living testament to the power of perseverance in music. From his early days scratching on makeshift turntables in Queens to becoming the face of DJ culture on MTV, Skribble has carved out a legacy that spans decades, genres, and global audiences. His journey is one of raw talent, relentless hustle, and an undeniable love for music, bridging the worlds of hip-hop and electronic dance music like few have ever done. Whether it was touring with Public Enemy, spinning at legendary New York clubs, or bringing DJing into millions of living rooms through television, Skribble has always been at the forefront, pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to be a DJ.

The Evolution of Disco Fries: Remixes, Original Hits, and the Future of Dance Music

From their early days as college roommates experimenting with sync music to becoming a platinum-selling dance duo, Disco Fries—Nick Ditri and Danny Boselovic—have carved out a dynamic career in the electronic music scene. Their signature blend of blown-out basslines and classically inspired melodies has captivated fans worldwide, earning them the support of industry giants like Tiësto, Hardwell, and David Guetta. What started as remixing hits for artists like Flo Rida, Katy Perry, and Britney Spears soon evolved into a passion for original music, leading to chart-topping success with tracks like their recent Billboard Dance #1 hit, Concrete Heart with VASSY. Their collaborations with Tiësto, including co-producing Wasted, further solidified their impact on the global dance music landscape.

“People Want Real”: Billy The Kidd on Emotion, Music, and Making Connections

Billy The Kidd is a name synonymous with personality-driven radio, deep connections with listeners, and an undeniable passion for music. From his early days hustling in Detroit to landing his first big break at Hot 100 in Dallas, Billy’s career has been defined by hard work, adaptability, and an unwavering love for the craft. Over the years, he’s become one of the most recognized voices in radio, making a seamless transition from DJ to morning show host, all while building lasting relationships with both his audience and some of the biggest names in the industry.

In this exclusive interview, Billy reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his career, from learning under radio legends like Kidd Kraddick to his unexpected success as an artist with DF Dub. He shares insights on what makes a great interview, the emotional power of music, and how he’s navigated challenges like the loss of mentors and the ever-changing landscape of the industry. Whether you’re an aspiring broadcaster or a longtime fan, his story is a testament to the power of persistence, passion, and staying true to yourself.

Changed For The Better: Casey Kaplan Discusses Redefining the Bedford and New Canaan Magazine

Sometimes, the most unexpected opportunities lead to life-changing endeavors. For the President of Bedford & New Canaan Magazine, stepping into this role was a serendipitous mix of timing, family collaboration, and a shared vision. What began as a dinner-table discussion during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic transformed into a creative venture that reimagined a beloved local publication. This week, we talk to Casey Kaplan about her journey to taking the helm of Bedford & New Canaan Magazine, working alongside her father, and how they’ve turned a small-town magazine into a sophisticated celebration of their community.

Leading the Future of Music Distribution: An Exclusive Interview with STEM’s Leadership

The music industry is evolving faster than ever, and at the forefront of this transformation is STEM, a distribution company committed to empowering artists with innovative tools, transparent data, and creative autonomy. In this exclusive interview Kristin Graziani, President, and Seth Farber, General Manager, share their insights into the ever-changing landscape of music distribution, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how they’re helping artists navigate their careers while retaining ownership and control over their work. With a focus on innovation and adaptability, STEM is shaping the future of artist development and distribution in a fiercely competitive market.

Inside the Magic of Pop Girl Summer with AJA!

Fresh from her European/UK tour opening for Charlotte Sands, 20-year-old Toronto-born pop artist, AJA has shown no interest in slowing down. Having made a name for herself when she was just 16 years old, her previous smash single “Red Button," received acclaim from the likes of Billboard, Clash, Consequence, The Line of Best Fit, Dork, Spin and Flaunt.

Her newest release, the irresistible upbeat anthem, “Little Black Dress” joins her catalogue of hits, filled with dynamic vocals and infectious energy. “Little Black Dress” tells a story of self-confidence, with AJA describing it as “being proud of who you are and feeling empowered by the choices you make. In an interview with the LEG team, AJA opens up finding inspiration for "Little Black Dress”, touring in Europe, and all things confidence!

Behind the Hits: Multi-Platinum Songwriter & Producer, Sam Hollander on Crafting Timeless Music

As one of the most renowned, multi-platinum songwriters and producers in the game, Sam Hollander has written and produced for the likes of Panic! At The Disco, One Direction, Fitz and the Tantrums, Weezer, Katy Perry, blink-182, Ringo Starr, Def Leppard, Carole King, Billy Idol, Jewel, Train, Tom Morello and Gym Class Heroes amongst many others. To date, he’s achieved 22 US Top 40 Hits, as well as 10 Number 1's, 10 top fives, and 87 Top 10 chart positions globally. His songs have been streamed over 7 billion times, and in 2019, he held the #1 position on the Billboard Rock Songwriters Chart for nine weeks, a year-end record. Sam has also been chosen to be on Variety's Hitmakers list, as well as being named Rolling Stone's Hot List Producer of the Year.

This week we share an exclusive interview with Sam Hollander and Maxwell from Z100 New York.

Bailee Madison Talks New Music, Pretty Little Liars, and more with Maxwell!

Already known for her numerous acting and musical roles, multi-talented artist Bailee Madison released “Chiller”today, the follow-up summer single to her debut release “Kinda Fun”. 

As an in-demand actress, Madison is currently starring in the globally renowned franchise and critically recognized reboot Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin. She first gained acclaim in the film Bridge To Terabithia and the physiological war drama Brothers. She’s continued to garner many notable roles, such as Just Go With It, The Strangers: Prey at Night, the fantasy film North Pole, Wizards of Waverly Place, Good Witch, and more. With the 2021 Netflix musical hit A Week Away, she has seamlessly immersed herself into the world of music, a passion that has always been in her heart to pursue. 

To celebrate the new release we share Bailee Madison’s recent interview with Maxwell from Z100 New York.

Erik Bradley: 30 Years of Music and Milestones

Erik Bradley began his career in the music industry as the Music Director at B96 in October 1993, and has since expanded his expertise, notably becoming the Music Director at 104-3 JAMS, and later advancing to Audacy Brand Manager in 2023. Erik's professional journey has included significant contributions to top 40 stations in Los Angeles, Miami, Las Vegas, and Dallas, as well as earlier radio programming roles in Charlotte, NC, and Kansas City, MO. In this interview we talk with Erik about his legendary career in the music industry spanning 30 years.

Embracing Legacy & Innovation: A Country Artist's Journey from Independent Roots to Streaming Success

With over 162 million global streams, genre-bending artist and songwriter Levi Hummon is continuing to gain traction via social platforms, impressive playlisting and a knack for writing hit songs. No stranger to success, Levi grew up under the bright light of fame by way of his father, Marcus Hummon, a Grammy Award winning, Hall of Fame songwriter who penned hits like “Bless The Broken Road” and “Cowboy Take Me Away.”

We talk to Levi about his journey through the music industry, his latest release featuring Walker Hayes, and signing with Jonas Group Entertainment!

25 Years of 98 Degrees: Insights, Advice, and Holiday Hits!

98 Degrees, the legendary boy band, releases “The First Noel 2023” today. This re-imagined holiday classic is currently Top 20 on the Holiday Charts and TOP 25 on the Mainstream AC Radio Chart with Lakeside Entertainment heading up the campaign. The group also recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with a successful sold-out tour this past fall.

98 Degrees is an internationally acclaimed, multi-platinum, multi-award winning, and nominated vocal group comprised of brothers Nick and Drew Lachey, Jeff Timmons, and Justin Jeffre. The group has sold over 15 million albums worldwide with 4 Top 5 Billboard charting radio singles, including mega-hits such as “The Hardest Thing,” “I Do (Cherish You),” “Because of You,” and the number one hit single featuring Mariah Carey called, “Thank God I Found You.”

98 Degrees share the unique experience of recording their holiday single "The First Noel" while on tour, and reflect on the nostalgic significance of their Christmas music, marking 24 years since their first holiday album. They also share insights into their music and reflect on the past 25 years of success.

The Art of Amplification: LANY on Elevating Music with Striking Visuals

“XXL'' is the third single off LANY’s latest album, a beautiful blur. The song generated over 2.5 million streams in the first week and is approaching 10 million total streams to date. “XXL” marks the first National Pop Chart Debut for the multi-platinum pop rock band being worked by Lakeside Entertainment Group.

LANY reflects on the transformative role of the internet in expanding their music's reach & facilitating international tours and share the importance of visual storytelling to elevate their music.

Behind the Mic: Unveiling the Voice of Z100's Maxwell

You can catch Maxwell on the world famous Z100 in New York, weeknights from 6-10pm and on iHeartRadio’s heritage Top 40 radio station, WNCI 97.9 in Columbus, OH. He is also heard on over 180 radio stations across the globe on the syndicated “Most Requested Live, with Romeo” show as the premiere guest interviewer. Conducting interviews with stars like Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga, Harry Styles, and more, he has proven to be one of the most sought after in the industry. A true friend of the stars. Teaming up with Nick Cannon on the “TeenNick Top 10 Countdown”, Maxwell has acted as co-host for the television show and also entertains on Nick Radio, Nickelodeon’s go-to for “All The Hits & All The Slime!”

In this feature, Maxwell details his ascent in the radio industry, from humble beginnings in San Luis Obispo to becoming a prominent voice on Z100, highlighting milestones like working with influential personalities and memorable interviews with music icons. Emphasizing authenticity in broadcasting, he shares insights from hosting major events, curating hit playlists, and navigating challenges, while also offering a glimpse into his off-air life and the importance of staying genuine for budding radio professionals.

JONAS ENTERTAINMENT GROUP LAUNCHES RED VAN RECORDS

Jonas Group Entertainment (JGE) and the company’s founder Kevin Jonas Sr. have launched the Nashville-based Red Van Records, under the leadership of CEO Phil Guerini.

The label’s first signing is Nashville singer-songwriter Levi Hummon, who’ll release his first song under the label on Oct. 27, with a new version of his Walker Hayes collaboration “Paying For It.” Dan Pearson‘s Lakeside Entertainment Group will provide label services for Red Van Records.