MUSIC
is the answer...
Let There Be House started life as a podcast in 2013 and was fronted by DJ, Glen Horsborough, who was at that time also working at events for the well known Hed Kandi brand. Blue Sky Equity were introduced to the brand in 2014 and since then the journey has been monumental. Jamie now holds the position of Non Executive Chairman and Investor with a 12 strong team also supporting the brand.
Under a new parent company, In It Together Promotions Ltd which was set up to manage the business, Let There Be House (LTBH) has become one of the fastest growing names in the house music genre, and now comprises two record labels - Let There Be House Records and In It Together Records, an online merchandise store, a roster of in-house DJs who play for the brand across the UK and beyond, has a strong social media following, millions streams of its music and has held number one positions on iTunes for its albums. Under Jamie's guidance the brand continues to grow from strength to strength.
Even during the current pandemic, the brand has been holding live streaming events every Saturday with the team and guest DJs.
In 2017, Blue Sky Equity started working on a consultancy basis with Defected - the world's leading house music brand.
Simon Dunmore's Defected is the greatest success story of UK dance music. For 20 years it has been dedicated to the finest in house, from its label and numerous associated imprints, to its events and festivals. Still, it hasn't all been plain sailing - Defected has traversed choppy waters to become the super brand it is today.
Initially working on strategy, structure and growth development plans, Jamie Watkins then joined the company as their Chief Strategy Officer and Non Executive Director in 2018. Now a key member of the Defected team, Jamie works with the company on a strategic level, leading some key projects on data, voice technology, innovation and wellbeing. Jamie works alongside the board and closely with Wez Saunders, MD, to ensure the company's sustained growth and development. A strategy session in 2017 led by Wez and Jamie helped embed a new culture and lead strategic change which has proved to be very successful, thanks to a great team that has ensured strategy is embedded into daily business life. Whilst strategy is a commodity available to all, execution of this is an art and Defected is proof that when a team is aligned with clear responsibilities, vision and shared goals then the sky really is the limit.
During the pandemic Defected also led the way online with its Virtual Festival Sessions. Positioned as a 'the virtual rave which connected the world', the results were staggering - 18.5 million views, 100 million + views, a 1 billion + organic PR reach and an average watch time of 33 minutes. Truly a team effort, Defected was united and hugely successful in bringing its music to its community.
In 2020, after initially acquiring Escape Music Festival In Swansea, Jamie joined forces with the team and invested in the company - then known as Climax Live, to take a role as a Non Executive Director. Working with them on their strategy, marketing, content and creative approach, Jamie also offers invaluable industry insights as a result of his existing knowledge in the field . With over 25 years spent in the music world, and prior experience of the event in Swansea, he has an inbuilt passion to bring back the magic to the event.
Rebranding under the Escape Records name this year, it's not just the Escape Festival that the company is known for. Together the Escape Team brings a range of festivals to Wales, including Colour Clash, Party at the Park, Inside Out and more. The company also recently announced a brand new three day festival, 'In It Together' which will take place in June 2022, putting Wales firmly on the festival map. A newly launched Escape Records record label is also already proving a success within the industry.
Despite the impact and challenges of Covid-19, the team has weathered the storm well and is once again bringing amazing live events to its community.