Meet Leonard James Thompson III of M.A.N.D.A.T.E. Records Inc. in Kearny Mesa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leonard James Thompson III.

Leonard James, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My story begins in 1995, when my wife and I were inspired to launch an artist friendly label. When my talented wife, Evangel, was offered several opportunities to sign as an artist to various record labels, she and I decided to create a label of our own. Why would we do that? Well, because we needed an artist-friendly platform that would allow Christian artists an opportunity to combine their talents and love of ministry. For five years, M.A.N.D.A.T.E Records, Inc. was a home-based business where we began with building a state-of-the-art recording studio. We purchased several superb pieces of equipment that came together to allow us to control the cost of production for our artists. See, we knew that if we could control our production cost, collect everything need for the commercial location we’d soon acquire, and save money by being at a home-based location, we would set ourselves up for a bright beginning. Our label was then launched with a stable of five recording artists; M.A.N.D.A.T.E. was the new sound of Urban Gospel Music with a Southern California “Diego” vibe. From that point, we began building and expanding our platform. Although we had an abundance of opportunities to perform inside of churches throughout the entire West Coast, we had a deep desire to reach more people, outside of four walls. That’s when we began an inspirational journey to build more. They say “if you build it, they will come” so we began to do just that: build. We passionately work to create tours and events that draw people to the love of God. That is how we are able to spread The Gospel into the streets and through the world. Today M.A.N.D.A.T.E Records, Inc. is successfully located in a commercial building in San Diego. We have an incredible, state-of-the-art recording studio and every single day we are dedicated to Making A Necessary Difference at The End.

Has it been a smooth road?
Anything that is worth having is worth working for. The road that we traveled was like going on a journey across the country. Our key to success is that we have always been open to change and have been flexible enough to stay relevant in an ever-growing and ever-diversifying music industry. One of the biggest hurdles that all businesses have is being undercapitalized and to that extent we have created strategic partnerships to underwrite our steady growth. Like any road, you have your bumps and turns but this journey has made us who we are today and we would not change anything about it.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
M.A.N.D.A.T.E. Records Inc. is a record label with a wide range of industry services including marketing & promotions, artists booking & management and event production. The founders of M.A.N.D.A.T.E. Records are Christians who have sought to expand their relativity in the music industry by stepping out on faith to produce artists and music that share the same goals for change in the world of music.

The M.A.N.D.A.T.E. Records team’s shared belief in Jesus Christ and strategizing pursuit to go beyond the restrictions of tradition, have paved the way for the record label brand to lend its contribution to the ever-changing sound of music. M.A.N.D.A.T.E. is an acronym that perfectly represents the vision and purpose for the company’s existence, “Making A Necessary Difference at The End” is the goal after every project, event, production and collaboration. Although its primary function as a record label has sought to develop and produce artists with a life-changing message, the organization is not limited to Christian music. M.A.N.D.A.T.E. has also recently explored the vast musical world of Jazz by producing Jazz music festivals and artists. Believing to be the change they want to see in today’s world, M.A.N.D.A.T.E. creates, innovates and motivates the trailblazers of today and tomorrow to not just talk about change, but be the change they desire to see.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I would say that San Diego will be the second coming in the music industry. We have a bevy of talented artists, of all genres here, and a strong base of music lovers so I would answer yes to the question. 

Contact Info:

• Address: 8333 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
  Suite 200 San Diego, California 92111
• Website: http://mandaterecords.com
• Phone: 858.650.3190
• Email: info@mandaterecords.com
• Instagram: mandate_records
• Facebook: MandateRecords
• Twitter: MandateRecords

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