Join us for an electrifying episode with Reed Stark, the BMX professional rider and kendama virtuoso who’s redefining the boundaries of fear and creativity. Reed dives into his adrenaline-fueled journey, from his first BMX tricks to mastering the art of kendama, and how these passions have shaped his innovative mindset. Discover how Reed has seamlessly woven kendama into the vibrant tapestry of the EDM including how he taught Boogie T and Subtronics, and his insights on conquering fear and failure.

Reed also opens up about the transformative power of teaching, learning, and his exhilarating transition into DJing and music production. The episode crescendos with the heartwarming tale of his Mardi Gras engagement to his now-fiancé.

Reed also shares his vision and efforts for his new non-profit, the Try Again Foundation. From encounters with luminaries like Paul Stamets and Lee Reynolds at Burning Man and Texas Eclipse to the magic of creating unforgettable moments, Reed’s stories are a testament to the power of passion. He also delves into the significance of superfoods for a healthy lifestyle and the profound impact music has had on his life.
Tune in for a rollercoaster of inspiration, creativity, and fearless living!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
02:12 Reed's Journey in BMX and Kendama
04:29 The Impact of BMX and Kendama on Reed's Mindset
06:35 Overcoming Fear and Failure
09:22 The Power of Teaching and Learning from Others
10:23 Introducing Kendama to the EDM World
14:03 Reed's Transition into DJing and Producing Music
15:19 Finding Impact Outside of the Computer
18:21 Reed's Engagement during Mardi Gras
26:54 Creating Epic Moments and Memorable Experiences
30:25 Meeting Influential Figures at Burning Man and Texas Eclipse
34:48 The Power of Individual Hobbies and Activities
39:17 The Try Again Foundation: Bringing Communities Together
45:06 The Influence of Music on Jesse's Life
52:07 Houston Rap and DJing
53:48 The Impact of Music Shows
54:35 Embracing the Process of Learning



Connect with Reed Stark
https://www.instagram.com/youscaredstiff
https://www.youtube.com/@reedstark
https://soundcloud.com/reedstark
https://www.tryagainfoundation.org/
https://www.facebook.com/youscaredstiff
https://Tiktok.com/reedstark

Watch

Reed Stark: Kendama, Courage, and Killing the Game

Bio:
Austin native Jesse Brede has been setting dance floors afire with his original take on multi-genre bass-music since 1998, but his industry savvy doesn’t stop there. The self-taught entrepreneur has tried his hand and succeeded at nearly every endeavor in the business. From founding his own record label and talent agency to the practical application of video and sound technologies, Brede has become a staple in the bass community. 

Brede ventured into a new territory of music production in 2009, where he came to fully embody the definition of multi-genre bass music. Brede’s composition and DJ sets continuously defy the limits of any one particular category. An avid storyteller behind the decks, he has become notorious for affecting the emotions of listeners while teasing with expectation. Brede has shared the stage with a group of artists as diverse as his sound, such as Deadmau5, The Glitch Mob, Skrillex, Kaskade and Bonobo at highly-esteemed events. He has also established quite the reputation with appearances at Euphoria Camping and Music Festival, Great North Festival, Insomniac’s Nocturnal Festival and Art Outside. 

Brede founded Gravitas Recordings in 2011, a record label and creative collective that serves as a platform for artists to showcase their work. The label’s mantra is “Doing Good with Good Music”, making it more than just a music platform, but also an outlet to fulfill philanthropic initiatives. In true Brede fashion, the brand refuses to be compromised by genre limitations and continues to raise money for various charitable causes through different compilations. Gravitas has worked with over 300 artists to release over 110 EP, albums, and compilations. The brand’s primary focus is to release quality music that is accessible to anyone with Gravitas’ signature “pay-what-you-want” business model.

Jesse is also the owner of Lion’s Share Digital, a full-service digital media and web development firm that has worked with a plethora of clients in the music industry and beyond. In January 2014, Brede founded Pivotal Agency, a booking and management agency, with Cole Jones where he manages Beats Antique, CloZee, and Cristina Soto. 

In 2017, Jesse launched Gravitas Create which is a music production education platform and community. 

A true master of his art, Brede makes his work appear as effortless as play. He finds fulfillment in assisting and serving others, and his integrity speaks for itself. Expansion seems to be the universal theme when contemplating Jesse’s fierce future vision, as he would like to see all facets of the creative world represented in his daily life.

A Path Unfolding explores the journey of artists including their trials, triumphs, and lessons along the way. Jesse Brede hosts this deep dive into how to build a creative life. Our initial guests include Balkan Bump, ill.Gates, AHEE, Cloudchord, and Chad Cisneros of Tritonal.

Bought my first DJ controller in 2019 just to chop and screw songs I couldn't find on Youtube (peep my first few tracks on here). Started producing music about a year later. Making music feels like riding BMX - pure freestyle. Laying music I've made over BMX video edits feels like peak creative flow. Check my Instagram to see some of these projects. Hope you enjoy, but it doesn't really matter if you don't. Bienvenidos al sonidos de safari mane.

Demos Go Here: gravitasrecordings.com/demos

Want your music featured on our playlists? https://gravitas.fanlink.tv/playlist

Artists:
@CloZee
@savejofficial
@zingaraa
@Somatoast
@LilFish-1
@JesseBrede
@jgtmusic
@OfTheTrees
@ZebblerEncantiExperience
@Mrbillstunes
@Au5
@AHundredDrums
@AmpLive
@Ahee
@orenda
@comisar
@High-Step-Society
@akriza
@Edamame
@Mindex
@Chamberlainyeah
@MeganHamiltonMusic
@Dissolv
@basstemple
@buzzjunior
@DavidStarfire
@Supersillyus
@hello_yes
@floretloret
@ethnoglobal
@tribone29
@woofax
@willdabeastofficial
@slynk
@deemsterbeats
@jasonleechmusic
@Soohan
@TheSotoSinger
@VoloVibes
@Minnesota
@Electrocado
@Esseks
@Marvel-Years-Official
@WolfeWolf
@VokabKompany
@ill-esha
@BosaVibes
@GovindaMusic
@Cloudchord
@MorilloMusic
@BasslineDrift
@cofresimusic
@Cualli
@AMB
@dysphemic0
@TheDigitalConnection
@TemploMusic
@Perkulat0r

Gravitas Music is an Austin, TX based record label and creative collective that serves as a platform for international artists to showcase their work. The mantra of the multi-genre electronic music label, "doing good with good music," has become a way of life. 

Since its inception in 2011, Gravitas boasts over 220 releases from a selection of producers worldwide. Fueled by its passion to give talented musicians and visualists a platform to share their work, the company strives to give back to the community by raising money for various charitable causes through compilation albums. 

Beyond its philanthropic initiatives, the brand focuses on releasing quality music accessible to anyone via Gravitas’ signature “pay-what-you-want” delivery model. 

Our music is available as Pay What You Want downloads here: http://music.gravitasrecordings.com/

Demos: http://gravitasrecordings.com/demos
Licensing: License@GravitasRecordings.com

Reed Stark: Kendama, Courage, and Killing the Game

A Path Unfolding with Jesse Brede