As the unprecedented global pandemic COVID-19 has caused a sudden upheaval in our daily lives, the music industry has quickly united to fill the much-needed role of not only entertaining, but of becoming a source of comfort, joy, and inspiration. We all know music has the power to unite and this challenging time yields no exception.

Like many other businesses, our company quickly put together a creative action plan for our artists and clients which has been very effective in continuing to market and promote music during this time while also providing support and entertainment to fans. We’re encouraging them to focus on 3 pillars – CONNECT, CREATE & CAUSE.

If you consider yourself a true music lover and have a record player in your home the chances are you own most of these records on vinyl already. Of course, the act of collecting records is an extremely personal and the perfect vinyl list is impossible to create. However, in the spirit of curation we put together our collection of outstanding albums that all music lovers can appreciate, regardless of your preferences.

We hope you enjoy our list below of 50 albums we consider essential to own on vinyl in no particular order.

Andy Grammer is a multi-platinum selling recording artist whose career started as a busker on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, California. He signed to S-Curve Records in April 2010 and released his debut album that same year. That self-titled record included the hit singles “Keep Your Head Up”, “Fine by Me”, and “Miss Me”. Andy’s music was an immediate sensation, as he became the first male pop star in a decade to reach the Top 10 at Adult Pop Radio with “Keep Your Head Up” and “Fine By Me,” from his self-titled debut. His second album, Magazines or Novels, featured the triple-platinum smash “Honey, I’m Good,” which was one of the best-selling songs of 2015, and the certified gold anthem “Good to be Alive (Hallelujah).”

Andy is one of the generous and kindest professionals in the music business today truly focused on making a difference in this world. Read the interview where he talks with us about the persistence it takes to go from playing on the street to selling out arenas, the power of his positive songwriting, and so much more!

It’s a new year, and new opportunity for growth, both for yourself and your business.  As entrepreneure there are many challenges we face, but all challenges and obstacles provide a learning experience. Here are 10 Tips for Success that I’ve learned along the way that will hopefully help you in 2020!

Marty Maidenberg is a marketing consultant specializing in brand management and development for a wide range of artists and musicians.

In his 25+ year career in the music industry, Marty has worked for major label record companies, self-starter indies, and as an artist manager. His experience has been honed by building multimillion-dollar artist brands, managing global marketing departments, creating game-changing digital media strategies, and by initiating non-traditional, integrated marketing campaigns. In turn, he has helped to guide and advance the careers of some of the most well-known talent in the business.

Breakout country artist RAYNE JOHNSON mixes a little soul, and a little pop, with a whole lot of down-home goodness. The Loveland, Ohio native has been taking the country world by storm with his hit single “Front Seat” which is now being played on multiple radio stations nation-wide including WNSH New York, WSOC Charlotte, WKLB Boston, WUSN Chicago, KMNB Minneapolis, KKWF Seattle, and many others.

Dino Conard is the Program Director and On-Air personality for the iHeart TOP 40 Heritage Radio Station WQEN as well as others in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Dino also created, produced, and launched the first “Just Show Up Show” in Birmingham which has turned into one of iHeart’s flagship events and a favorite among music lovers throughout Alabama.

This weekend WQEN hosts another Just Show Up Show with a star studded line up including The Catching, Stephen Puth, Alec Benjamin, Echosmith, and Alessia Cara. For tickets and information visit: https://ihr.fm/2L5aNZ8

Malcolm Kelley and Tony Oller are MKTO. The pop, R&B, hip hop duo are best known for their smash hit, “Classic,” released in 2013 and peaked at #8 on Billboard’s Top 40 chart and #14 on Billboard’s Hot 100. The music video for “Classic” currently has over 119 million YouTube views.

Their self-titled debut album went #1 in Australia, #6 in New Zealand, #21 in Sweden and #31 in the US. The band has toured with Demi Lovato and Emblem3 (season 2 of The X Factor) and has performed on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Good Morning America and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Now following a two-year hiatus, MKTO is back with a new single, “Shoulda Known Better!”

Leading a new generation of soulful crooners, Paul Loren is a singer, songwriter, producer and consummate entertainer.  A native New Yorker, Paul was raised on the rich legacy of soul, classic pop, and the Great American Songbook and in those musical idioms he feels most at home. Taking elements from early R&B, jazz and Brill Building pop, he crafts his music with an ear towards timelessness.

Paul’s new release “(Gonna Take) A Little Time” is out today, listen now on Spotify! https://spoti.fi/2RwLpg0

Andrew Sykora, better known as “Syke,” is the host of “Syke & MJ in the Morning” on Long Island’s 106.1 BLI. His career in radio spans over two decades and shows no signs of slowing down. We talk with Syke about breaking into the business, the importance of social media and the role it plays in connecting with your audience, giving back to your community, and tomorrow’s much anticipated Summer Jam Concert!

The Queen of Disco, Gloria Gaynor, has had an incredibly impressive career spanning four decades… and there is no sign of her slowing down.

Gloria was born and raised in Newark, NJ. Upon graduation from high school, she began singing in NYC nightclubs and eventually found herself performing up and down the east coast. She was discovered, and signed her first recording contract with Clive Davis at Columbia Records. She later moved onto MGM/Polydor where many of her biggest hits were recorded. She has released 21 albums and 49 singles including Grammy Award winning hit "I Will Survive" which reached #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in 1979. She also saw success with "Never Can Say Goodbye," "Let Me Know (I Have a Right)," "I Am What I Am" and many others.

Today she releases her new Gospel album, Testimony, an album she created with a team of Grammy Award winning songwriters and producers in Nashville, TN. In celebration of Testimony Lakeside Entertainment Group talks with Gloria Gaynor about her storied career and the challenges she overcame on her path to success.

Kevin Rudolf is an American musician, songwriter, director, and record producer. He is best known for his certified triple platinum 2008 hit “Let It Rock” featuring Lil Wayne. Born and raised in NYC, Rudolf picked up his first guitar at age 11. Soon after he started recording, writing, producing, and playing all of the instruments by himself. Rudolf was signed by Madonna to her Maverick Records imprint and released his first album in 2001. He later signed to Cash Money Records and released his following 2 albums. Rudolf was the first non hip-hop artist on the Cash Money label. Rudolf is also an accomplished songwriter having crafted multiple hit records for DJ Khaled, Keith Urban, Cobra Starship, Flo Rida, Selena Gomez, Gavin Degraw, Leona Lewis and many others.

Tim Sampson, a lifelong resident of Memphis, is the Communications Director for the Soulsville Foundation. The nonprofit organization operates the STAX Museum of American Soul Music, STAX Music Academy, and The Soulsville Charter School. Tim has been involved with the foundation since day one. He is particularly passionate about providing a better life through the power of music to Memphis’ youth living in poverty or at high risk. Tim is also the founding editor of The Memphis Flyer newspaper, former editor of Memphis Magazine, and author of the book All Mimes Must Die.

Chord Overstreet is an actor, singer-songwriter and musician born best known for playing the role of Sam Evans in the FOX comedy-drama television series, Glee. In early 2018, Chord announced a new project, OVERSTREET. The alt-pop-rock group released their first single, “Wasted Time”. Their second single, “Carried Away” garnered over 1,700,000 streams on Spotify. OVERSTREET plans to release their debut EP this summer in the form of singles – kicking it off with “All Nighter” which is out now. OVERSTREET is currently on the road with The Score and Lostboycrow

We The Kings is one of the most successful pop-rock touring bands of the past fifteen years. From headlining Vans Warped Tour and The Bamboozle Roadshow Tour, to sharing the stage with Simple Plan, All American Rejects, Boys Like Girls, All Time Low, and countless others, We The Kings has logged thousands of miles and played to fans all over the world.

In celebration of spring, new beginnings, and opening day for Major League Baseball, Lakeside Entertainment Group is proud to announce the launch of their new project, Lakeside Entertainment Blog.

The Lakeside Entertainment Blog showcases leaders from all walks of life, including top level executives in music and sports, entrepreneurs, artists, writers, producers, and other influential and inspirational figures in pop culture.  

The blog will be regularly updated with interviews, music, photos, videos, articles, useful tips, advice, and other exclusive content.  The focus will be on sharing stories of leadership, overcoming obstacles, and personal and professional growth through the lens of music, sports, and entertainment.

We hope you enjoy it and truly appreciate all of the support!