Dan Pearson is Founder and CEO of Lakeside Entertainment Group. Lakeside offers talent management, event production, and label services that include radio promotion, marketing, digital media, streaming, touring, merchandising, brand partnerships, and more.
Tell us about how you got your start in the music industry, and how it lead to the work you do today
I started a DJ Entertainment company when I was twelve with a childhood friend which later led to an internship in college at my local radio station WLIR Long Island. My first opportunity on the record side of the industry was in the Radio Promotion Department at Columbia Records. I then went on to work at Universal Motown, Virgin Records, and MTV Networks. I later transitioned to the indie side – and never left! I was the Northeast Regional for TVT Records, followed by Glassnote as their Head of Promotion and later was a key member of the re-launch of S-Curve Records where we had success with Andy Grammer, We The Kings, Tom Jones, and Duran Duran among others. From there I realized I wanted to take a shot at signing, developing, and breaking new music for my own company. It felt like the right time and the next natural progression.
Is there a success story or career milestone that you are most proud of?
I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve been able to grow and adapt through the years in a highly competitive and ever-changing industry. The launch of Lakeside Entertainment Group was certainly a major milestone for me and I’m very proud of how our team has been able to develop artists and offer incredible opportunities. Some of the bands we’ve had success with over the past few years include Lawrence, LANY, Charlotte Sands, Olivia Lunny, HARIZ, and Hayes Warner who is the newest artist on our roster.
Are there any projects you’re working on or company updates that you’re most excited about?
We’re really proud to be partnering with Jonas Group Entertainment on the launch of Red Van Records and our flagship artist Levi Humon. We’re also very excited about the success Lawrence is having right now. The band just wrapped up a nationwide tour with the Jonas Brothers and is coming off their debut hit “Don’t Lose Sight” which landed them a global sync placement with Microsoft. LANY has been another major priority for us and is currently the #1 independent artist on the POP Chart. Hayes Warner featuring Billy B + Kevin Rudolf “Just A Girl” is also a major priority for us right now and off to a great start with SiriusXM Hits 1 and others leading the way! We’ve had four independent artists on the POP Chart over the past 18 months and that’s something we’re very proud of.
Outside of your work in music, do you have any other hobbies/ particular areas of expertise/interest
It is certainly a challenge to find any time outside of work and parenting but some of my hobbies include playing the piano, basketball, attending car shows, traveling, and collecting all sorts of antiques from my travels.
Anything else to add? (Whether words of wisdom for other up and comers, a track that’s dropping soon
I can share a piece of advice my mother gave me early in life which has served me well, “There is no can’t, only can.”
Keep up with Dan and Lakeside Entertainment Group!