Founded in 2016 by Dan Pearson, the company has strategically expanded into multiple divisions: artist management and development, label consulting and promotion, event production, lifestyle and branding, and its philanthropic arm, the Lakeside Foundation.
✨A2IM Member Anniversary Series✨
Lakeside's Founding & History
Lakeside Entertainment Group takes an innovative, entrepreneurial approach to developing and breaking artists. With over twenty-five years of experience at both independent and major labels, thier team has launched and elevated artists across multiple formats and platforms.
Through comprehensive in-house label services, including radio promotion, A&R, distribution and release strategy, marketing, digital media, touring, and merchandising, Lakeside meets each artist where they are, crafting tailored strategies that drive growth and career-defining success.
Founded in 2016 by Dan Pearson, the company has strategically expanded into multiple divisions: artist management and development, label consulting and promotion, event production, lifestyle and branding, and its philanthropic arm, the Lakeside Foundation.
As Lakeside continues to evolve, their mission remains clear: to champion artists, push creative boundaries, and create a lasting impact through the power of music.
Highlights & Milestones Over The Years
Chart & Radio Impact: Over the past decade, Lakeside has landed numerous independent releases on radio charts across Top 40, Hot AC, AC, Country, Dance, Alternative, Holiday and more - supported by national airplay across iHeartRadio, SiriusXM, Audacy, Cumulus, Hubbard, Townsquare Media and other leading radio groups.
30+ chart debuts (all formats), 15+ Top 10 records (all formats), 5+ Top 10 Holiday hits, including #1s and most-played records
Notable charting highlights:
LANY “XXL”
- #1 Mediabase Independent Chart
- Top 20 Mediabase Pop Airplay Chart
Lawrence “Don’t Lose Sight”
- Top 25 Mediabase Pop Airplay Chart
- Top 40 Mediabase Hot AC Chart
- Top 20 Mediabase AC Chart
Charlotte Sands “Dress”
- #2 Mediabase Independent Chart
- Top 40 Billboard Pop Airplay Chart
- Top 40 Mediabase Pop Chart
Artist Development: Lakeside builds customized development strategies aligned with each artist’s individual goals. In 2023, the team championed pop-punk band senses across touring, release strategy, marketing, and fan-growth initiatives that expanded the band’s profile and ultimately led to a signing with Hopeless Records in 2024.
Touring & Live Strategy: In collaboration with key industry partners, Lakeside creates touring opportunities at every career stage - from early support slots to major arena runs. The team has secured domestic & international opening slots alongside artists including Jonas Brothers, JVKE, Jamie Miller, Charlotte Sands, Emei, Spencer Sutherland, Marc Scibilia, Mat Kearney, Echosmith, Jake Miller, Sheppard, Joshua Radin, and more.
Major Live Performances & Events: Lakeside has booked artists on some of the industry’s most influential stages, including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball, SXSW, CMA Fest, and Live in the Vineyard.
Industry Leadership + Philanthropic Initiatives: Committed to strengthening the music community, Lakeside actively supports organizations such as the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, Save The Music, and MusiCares. Through its partnership with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, Lakeside facilitates artist visits to hospitals, bringing music directly to patients and reinforcing its belief in music’s power to heal and connect. Founder Dan Pearson also serves on the Foundation’s Advisory Committee.
What does being independent mean to you?
Being independent means building something authentic from the ground up - making creative and strategic decisions on your own terms and proving that vision, hard work, and community can fuel success just as powerfully as big budgets or corporate backing. It’s about having the grit, resourcefulness, and determination to compete with the best in the industry without relying on a major system.
What is Lakeside most excited about for the future of the company?
We’re excited to continue developing and breaking independent artists, helping them build sustainable careers through creative and strategic label services. At the same time, we’re focused on strengthening existing partnerships and forming new ones that expand our artists’ reach and impact.
What has been the key to your company's success?
Our success comes down to the people behind it. We’ve built a team of passionate industry professionals from across different corners of the music business, all aligned around the same goal: helping artists grow and thrive independently. Over the past 10 years, our strong partnerships and long-standing relationships have also been a tremendous part of that success, along with a shared sense of determination and persistence that drives everything we do.
What sets you apart from other companies in this business?
We combine the best of both worlds: a seasoned, diverse team of industry veterans with decades of experience and deep, long-standing relationships, paired with young professionals who stay ahead of the latest trends. This unique blend allows us to craft campaigns that meet artists exactly where they are, leveraging our extensive network to achieve their goals while keeping strategies fresh, innovative, and competitive with the majors.
What advice would you give to an entrepreneur looking to launch their own music company or label?
Assemble a strong, diverse team of professionals whose experience spans all corners of the music industry. Build genuine, long-term relationships - these connections are the foundation of every successful campaign. And above all, outwork everyone else: dedication, persistence, and a relentless drive to learn and adapt will set you apart in this highly competitive business.
