Meet Brayden Massie | Record Label Owner and Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brayden Massie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brayden, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My work life balance has drastically changed a lot over time, especially in the last 10 years. During this time period, my life has been more about work than “life” simply because these last 10 years have been massive building blocks to my future (College, Grad School, business owner etc.). There have definitely been times where the “life” aspect has dominated my time in the past, but it has definitely been in the minority in terms of where my balance usually lies. I feel like any entrepreneur probably empathizes with the idea that life just always feels like work, and even when you’re not working, there’s always that voice in the back of your head telling you that there’s something you could be doing to positively advance your entrepeneurial endeavor. So, as of now I feel like my life is definitely more on the side of “work” than it is on the side of “life”.

How do I think about work life balance? Well some people are workaholics and some people are lazy, but I think balance for everyone is subjective. I think “balance” is more of a feeling than anything. I say this because some people work a ton and are able to have longer periods of time off without the feeling of “I should be doing something right now”, whereas some people are always taking time off but living with the feeling of “I should be doing something right now”. Some people use schedules and other tools to mitigate having to work too much on any given day as well, creating balance throughout their regular weeks. Whatever kind of worker you are, though, I think if you’re able to enjoy your leisure time without an overwhelming amount of guilt related to your “work”, then you’ve probably found a good balance between your work/life relationship. I personally think that finding this balance, even though it can be very difficult, is imperative to enjoying both work and life to the fullest.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
To answer the first part of the question, if I could come up with one thing that I feel sets me a part from others, in regard to my art, is being myself whenever I create. It sounds super cliche, but in all reality, there’s only one of me in the world, and the way I hear/create/curate music is unique to me. It goes for anyone else putting their soul into whatever creative craft they choose to be a part of; everyone always has an opportunity to show the world how they see art from their perspective, and I think that’s what makes art and creativity so beautiful. All people use the same tools/colors/sounds, but everyone’s creation always has a unique flair if they’ve poured themselves into it.

To answer the second part of the question, I got where I’m at today through the blessings that my parents have given me paired with tons of hard work and dedication. I was lucky enough to be able to go to college, play football, get a degree, and then further that education at two more institutions, one for a graduate degree. Through all of those experiences, I was taught valuable lessons by my teachers and peers that were around me constantly. These places equipped me with knowledge that I then paired with work ethic. I’m definitely not perfect by any means, but I’d like to say I’ve at least tried my best to be consistent in whatever I am passionate about. This consistency has allowed me to help build a small dance community with my best friends while also putting on incredibly talent producers who always end up being homies. I think creating this community, no matter how small it may currently be, is something I am the most proud of for sure. Being surrounded by positive, uplifting people and good music is everything to me.

To continue, one important lesson I’ve learned along the way through this whole journey so far is that integrity is gold. Even though that’s always been stamped in my brain from my mentors, seeing it make or break relationships in the professional world is definitely a whole different experience. Being a person of your word, following through, communicating, and being empathetic, yet respectful to yourself, are a few things I think go into integrity. I can’t tell you how much those things have allowed us to attract the right kind of people into our professional circle.

Lastly, if I could let the world know one thing about my brand or story, it’s that we’re all about the music and the producers that make it. Again, cliche, but in this industry there’s the business side of things and then there’s the music side. The business side provides us essentials, like money, in order to feed ourselves, but the music side is that thing we choose to do because it makes us feel alive. Music can even make connections that could provide us, indirectly, with business opportunities. Ultimately, our brand, community, and my personal brand are really trying to emphasize the importance of eclectic, underground, yet high quality house and techno.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If a friend of mine was visiting my area for a week, I’d for sure plan at least one day at Disney. Plenty of people don’t like Disneyland, which is totally understandable, but I think an evening at Disney can be an absolute blast. Having a chocolate masterpiece from the Ghirardelli Factory while watching fireworks is always a “border line core memory” with the right people around you.

Another thing we’d do is hit the beach. I’m assuming they’re coming around the summer, so I’d definitely fit in a beach day. If they came during the winter, we’d likely drive up to mammoth and ski for two days or so and maybe fit in a beach day as well (perks of SoCal). In between, or after, all of those things, I’d likely plan a night out in LA to see some music. Depending on the vibe of the friend visiting, I’d even toss out the option to go camping somewhere if they were down.

In regards to food places, there are a few musts that I’d make my friend try. The first and foremost place we would eat is Abbeys Texas Barbecue off Miramar Road in San Diego. One of my best friends and his family own the restaurant, and they easily make the best Texas Style BBQ in SoCal. After that, I’d likely take them to Roscoe’s chicken and waffles one morning for breakfast as well. Roscoes to me is always a treat because I’m a die hard fried chicken guy, and the way they serve up everything with a hint of sweetness always hits the spot. The last “must” would be Snooze. Snooze is a breakfast chain that is in a couple cities outside of CA, but it’s just to die for in my eyes. Their Cinnamon Roll and Blueberry Danish pancake absolutely wreck me in the best way. They also have a Chile Verde Benedict that is made with a small stack of mini tortillas for the base instead of an English muffin. For me, its a must try if you haven’t yet because it’s literally the only entree I eat there it’s so good.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The first shoutout goes to my dad. Not only has he always believed in me, but he has also always been an example of what it means to be a man of success, integrity, dedication, hard work, respect, and confidence. My dad has helped give me a life that I am truly lucky to live, and I’ll never take that for granted. Love you pops!

The second shoutout goes to both Icon Collective and Berklee. These schools are where I learned what it meant to be a music producer. They’ve not only provided me with a plethora of knowledge, but they’ve also provided me with friends, teachers, and some amazing mentors. The time that I spent at these institutions completely shaped who I’ve become over the last 5 years. So, thank you to all of the teachers, mentors, and friends who I have met at these schools; I wouldn’t be who I am right now without all of you!

Website: www.moveforsol.com

Instagram: @mass_e_music

Twitter: @mass_e_music

Image Credits
Daniel Meza