Meet Zackary Shreves | Co-Owner of Doubtless Productions & Head Mixing Engineer

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

Hi Zackary, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Collin and I first crossed paths at Arizona’s Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences. Even after graduating, we kept in touch, and our shared passion for music and creativity only grew stronger. During the pandemic, we came up with this crazy idea of starting our own record label. At first, I was hesitant. The timing felt uncertain, and there were a lot of unknowns. However, we quickly realized we had the chance to make a real difference in our local community by helping up-and-coming artists get their music out into the world.

When we founded Doubtless Productions, our thought process was simple but powerful: we wanted to be as transparent as possible while providing a platform for small and independent artists to showcase their music. In an industry that can sometimes feel overwhelming or exclusive, we wanted to create something accessible and supportive.

In any business venture, it’s crucial to define what you and your company stand for. For us, it was always about empowering artists, fostering a sense of community, and staying true to our values. That brings me to what I believe is the second most important thing when starting a business: surrounding yourself with a trusted team. You need people who believe in your vision and are ready to pour their heart into it, making that vision their own.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career has been anything but conventional, but that’s what I think sets me apart. I started my journey at Arizona’s Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences, where I met my business partner, Collin. Even after graduation, we stayed in touch and continued to share our mutual passion for music. During the pandemic, when many people were grappling with uncertainty, we saw an opportunity to create something meaningful. That’s when we decided to start Doubtless Productions, a record label focused on helping independent artists get their music out into the world.

Starting a business during such a chaotic time wasn’t easy. There were many challenges—financial stress, building a team, navigating the ups and downs of the industry—but we were driven by the belief that we could make a positive impact on our community. We knew that helping small and emerging artists share their music in an authentic way was our purpose. We didn’t let obstacles stop us. Instead, we worked hard, built relationships, and stayed committed to our vision.

What I’m most proud of is seeing how far we’ve come in a relatively short period of time. Our work has already had an impact on local artists, and we’re excited to keep growing and helping more talented individuals find their voice. But what I’m really passionate about is the sense of community we’ve created—an environment where people can be themselves and feel supported in their artistic journeys.

Along the way, I’ve learned many valuable lessons. One of the most important is the significance of trust. Building a business is all about surrounding yourself with people who believe in your vision and are willing to invest in it, not just with time but with their hearts. The second lesson has been resilience. It’s easy to get discouraged when things aren’t going as planned, but overcoming those challenges and learning from them has been crucial to our growth.

Ultimately, what I want the world to know about Doubtless Productions is that we’re about more than just business. We’re about supporting and empowering local artists, staying true to our values of kindness, honesty, and community, and making a real difference in the music industry.

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?
Day 1: Downtown LA – Food, Art & Good Vibes
Kick off the trip with a killer breakfast burrito from Wake & Late—trust me, it’s worth it. Then, wander through Little Tokyo, check out the Japanese American National Museum, and pop into some cool shops. In the afternoon, swing by the Arts District for a slice of pie at The Pie Hole (because why not?). Wrap up the day with dinner and wine at Good Clean Fun, a laid-back spot with great vibes and solid food.

Day 2: Hollywood & Griffith Park – Classic LA
Start the day with a sunrise hike up to Griffith Observatory for those insane city views. After that, do the classic Hollywood tourist things—walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame, check out the handprints at TCL Chinese Theatre, and snap some pics. In the afternoon, hit up the Hollywood Museum for some old-school movie history. For dinner, go for an old-school Hollywood experience at Musso & Frank Grill, a legendary steakhouse that’s been around forever.

Day 3: Beach Day – Santa Monica & Venice
Time to hit the coast! Spend the morning soaking up the sun on Santa Monica Beach, then grab lunch at The Albright on the pier. Afterward, rent some bikes and cruise down to Venice Beach, where you can people-watch, check out street performers, and maybe even see some bodybuilders flexing at Muscle Beach. End the day with dinner at Gjelina on Abbot Kinney—easily one of the best spots in town.

Day 4: Culture & History
Get a little artsy today. Start at LACMA (don’t forget to snap a pic at the Urban Light installation), then head downtown to The Broad for some cool contemporary art. After that, explore Olvera Street, the oldest part of LA, and grab some tacos while soaking in the historic atmosphere. Finish the day with dinner at El Paseo Inn, a classic Mexican restaurant that’s been around forever.

Day 5: Universal Studios – Theme Park Fun
If you’re gonna do a theme park, make it Universal Studios Hollywood. Spend the day hopping on rides, doing the studio tour, and maybe grabbing a Butterbeer at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. After a full day of fun, head to Saddle Ranch Chop House on Sunset Blvd for dinner—good food, big portions, and even a mechanical bull if you’re feeling adventurous.

Day 6: Pasadena – Gardens & Chill Spots
Slow things down with a visit to The Huntington Library & Gardens—it’s one of the most beautiful spots in LA. After that, grab lunch at Union in Old Town Pasadena, a cozy little Italian place. Spend the afternoon at Norton Simon Museum, then treat yourself to a fancy dinner at The Raymond 1886, a historic restaurant with craft cocktails and a cool, intimate vibe.

Day 7: Shopping & Farewell
Wrap up the trip in style. Stroll down Rodeo Drive (even if you’re just window shopping), then grab lunch at The Ivy, a spot that’s always buzzing with celebs. In the afternoon, head up to The Getty Center for some art, breathtaking views, and one last chill moment before heading home. End the trip with a memorable dinner at Spago, Wolfgang Puck’s famous Beverly Hills restaurant.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely—without a doubt, my biggest shoutout goes to my mother, Christina Rodriguez. She has always been my greatest supporter and my main source of inspiration. From a young age, she encouraged me to pursue my passions, never allowing any obstacles to stand in my way. The values she instilled in me—being kind, caring, and true to myself—are principles I carry with me every day, both in my personal life and at Doubtless Productions.

Her unwavering belief in me has been a constant motivation, and I can honestly say that everything I’ve achieved is a direct reflection of the foundation she helped lay for me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her love and support.

Website: https://www.doubtlessproductions.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doubtlessproductions?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zackaryshreves/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=doubtlessproductions

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DoubtlessProductions

Image Credits
credit: Tyler Shreves