Vol. 20

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V13 Media Group

Life Finds A Way

Ever notice how life can chew up your best-laid plans and spit them right back out?

I had everything lined up—childcare, time blocked off—but as Jeff Goldblum says, ‘Life, uh, finds a way.’ And it did. By the end of the day, I was driving in circles trying to get my kid to sleep, hit traffic, picked up my eldest, and collapsed in shutdown mode.

The worst part wasn’t the exhaustion—it was the guilt. That gnawing voice that says, “You missed a post. You’re slipping. You’re failing.”

But something’s shifted.

Over the past four months, I’ve built a system that turns everything I consume—books, articles, podcasts, posts, newsletters—into a personal database of insights I can pull from when I sit down to write.

One of the game-changers that’s come out of this is Carol Dweck’s Mindset (shout-out to Garrett Neiles for the rec). Instead of spiraling when things go sideways, I’m learning to see chaos as a cue to recalibrate.

Sure, life’s throwing curveballs. But that doesn’t mean I’m off course.

Sometimes, showing up means pivoting, adapting, and giving yourself grace. Progress isn’t about a perfect streak—it’s about standing back up after life knocks you sideways.

Embracing the Chaos, Owning the Moment

When it gets truly dismal, I think of Chris Gonda, founder and CEO of V13 Media, who’s been a friend for over nine years now. Despite one of the hardest years of his life, he’s faced it all with resilience and grace. As he likes to say, “I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”

On January 31, 2023, we co-founded V13 Promotions—and now, we’re nearing two years of building something incredible.

The momentum doesn’t stop there.

This past fall, we began working with B Fabian, an Indigenous country artist introduced to us by Jarrid Lee—the first Indigenous country artist we ever partnered with and someone who set the bar high.

Jarrid’s introduction wasn’t just a referral—it was a connection rooted in culture, resilience, and storytelling. And B Fabian? He’s carrying that torch with a campaign that showcases his powerful voice and unwavering spirit.

Artists like B Fabian remind us why we do this—to amplify voices that deserve to be heard. And when it comes to energy and drive, our latest artists take things to the next level.

Take Kentucky and Ger Carriere, two of our newest signees. Both Canadian. Both completely different in sound and style. But they share something rare: an insane amount of energy, enthusiasm, and drive. Most artists take their time with the intake process, and that’s fine. But these two? They tore through it in record time.

And it wasn’t impatience—it was a collaborative spirit and growth-focused energy that made every step a joy.

Speaking of resilience, let me tell you about Devitalized. Their show in Richmond, Virginia, got canceled after the venue’s pipes froze. Total disaster, right? But instead of sulking, they hit up a Waffle House, befriended their waitress, snapped photos with her, and swapped stories into the night. They turned a canceled gig into an unforgettable memory.

The Rebirth of V13 V1D3O

While we’ve been growing, we’ve also been rebuilding something equally vital—V13 V1D3O. Why? Because for artists, video isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s how stories get told, fans get hooked, and careers take flight.

Leading the charge? Two absolute legends: Vanessa Silberman and Damian FitzGerald.

Vanessa is the force behind the Do It Yourself Motherf!&$r series—a no-nonsense guide packed with tips and advice for artists who want to take full control of their careers. Her episodes? Pure authenticity and grit, with insights you can’t fake, born from decades of experience from every side of this industry.

And Damian? The guy’s an interviewing powerhouse. Last year alone, he covered Download Festival and Slam Dunk, talking to a staggering lineup of artists—including Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave. And he didn’t stop there. He’s been cranking out more interviews like a man possessed. If there’s a band worth talking to, Damian’s already on it.

Of course, none of this would hit quite the same without the finishing touches—the sleek visual bumpers that bookend each video. Massive shout-out to Ryan Liberty Megan for creating our killer V13 bumpers, giving our content a signature style that sticks.

A Publishing Dream Come True

Then there’s V13 Press. This one’s personal. I’d been toying with the idea of launching a publishing wing for a while, but I didn’t know how—or when—it would come together. And then we crossed paths with Jay Lang.

Jay lives on a remote island in British Columbia and writes mysteries and historical fiction in the vein of Louise Penny and Agatha Christie. She’s a machine—12 novels in 3 ½ years. And her journey only began in 2019, when she started her university education. Thanks to the solitude of the pandemic, she emerged with an incredible body of work.

Jay came into our lives when we were still finding our footing with V13 Promotions. We wrote bios for her, published her EPK, and our relationship grew. Last year, she started writing her own column, Verse & Vision, where she shares insights into the publishing world. And she didn’t stop there—she brought us into contact with more authors and creators, expanding our reach and inspiration.

And on Halloween last year, V13 Press became a reality, completing the final piece of the V13 Media Group. After over a year of planning, we finally launched.

On a personal note, my own milestone—something I’ve dreamed of for over a decade—is tied to V13 Press. I can’t share details just yet, but trust me when I say it’s going to be crossing off the bucket list, and what I hope is the beginning of something major.

Embrace the Chaos

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or like life’s throwing you curveballs, take a breath. Adjust. Remember Chris’s words: “You’re exactly where you need to be.” It might not feel like it, but sometimes the chaos is exactly what shapes the path forward.

This year’s going to be special—and you’re part of it.

If this hit home, please share VIBRANT Revolt with someone who’d love it too. Every referral earns you perks—think early access, insider content, and surprises.

Thanks for being part of the V1LLAG3—you’re exactly where you need to be.

with Love & Logic,

— Lance