Chris Stewart shares how he runs GRIDLIFE’s ‘Speed Meets Sound’ fest for car and music lovers
Chris Stewart, founder of motorsport series GRIDLIFE, shares organizational, management & research tools for running Speed Meets Sound
Monday, June 2, 2025
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Chris Stewart shares how he runs GRIDLIFE’s ‘Speed Meets Sound’ fest for car and music lovers
Chris Stewart, founder of motorsport series GRIDLIFE, shares organizational, management & research tools for running Speed Meets Sound
Monday, June 2, 2025
Like
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Chris Stewart shares how he runs GRIDLIFE’s ‘Speed Meets Sound’ fest for car and music lovers
Chris Stewart, founder of motorsport series GRIDLIFE, shares organizational, management & research tools for running Speed Meets Sound
Monday, June 2, 2025
Like
chris-stewart-shares-how-he-runs-gridlife-s-speed-meets-sound-fest-for-car-and-music-lovers
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Chris Stewart is a Chicago-based creative and founder of GRIDLIFE, one of the largest grassroots motorsports series in the world. A lifelong racing fan and music lover, he combined his passions to create a community-driven festival that blends racing, car culture, and live music. Before GRIDLIFE, Chris worked in the agency world as a Creative Director, leading teams focused on digital and physical experiences in the evolving social and tech space.
Chris Stewart is a Chicago-based creative and founder of GRIDLIFE, one of the largest grassroots motorsports series in the world. A lifelong racing fan and music lover, he combined his passions to create a community-driven festival that blends racing, car culture, and live music. Before GRIDLIFE, Chris worked in the agency world as a Creative Director, leading teams focused on digital and physical experiences in the evolving social and tech space.
Chris Stewart is a Chicago-based creative and founder of GRIDLIFE, one of the largest grassroots motorsports series in the world. A lifelong racing fan and music lover, he combined his passions to create a community-driven festival that blends racing, car culture, and live music. Before GRIDLIFE, Chris worked in the agency world as a Creative Director, leading teams focused on digital and physical experiences in the evolving social and tech space.
Chris Stewart is a Chicago-based creative and founder of GRIDLIFE, one of the largest grassroots motorsports series in the world. A lifelong racing fan and music lover, he combined his passions to create a community-driven festival that blends racing, car culture, and live music. Before GRIDLIFE, Chris worked in the agency world as a Creative Director, leading teams focused on digital and physical experiences in the evolving social and tech space.
Contributor
Chris Stewart
Chris Stewart is a Chicago-based creative and founder of GRIDLIFE, one of the largest grassroots motorsports series in the world. A lifelong racing fan and music lover, he combined his passions to create a community-driven festival that blends racing, car culture, and live music. Before GRIDLIFE, Chris worked in the agency world as a Creative Director, leading teams focused on digital and physical experiences in the evolving social and tech space.
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Contributor
Chris Stewart
Chris Stewart is a Chicago-based creative and founder of GRIDLIFE, one of the largest grassroots motorsports series in the world. A lifelong racing fan and music lover, he combined his passions to create a community-driven festival that blends racing, car culture, and live music. Before GRIDLIFE, Chris worked in the agency world as a Creative Director, leading teams focused on digital and physical experiences in the evolving social and tech space.
Read More
Contributor
Chris Stewart
Chris Stewart is a Chicago-based creative and founder of GRIDLIFE, one of the largest grassroots motorsports series in the world. A lifelong racing fan and music lover, he combined his passions to create a community-driven festival that blends racing, car culture, and live music. Before GRIDLIFE, Chris worked in the agency world as a Creative Director, leading teams focused on digital and physical experiences in the evolving social and tech space.
basecamp
basecamp
Project Management Tools
Project Management
We’ve tried every project management tool—most are too rigid, complex, or clunky. We always come back to Basecamp. It’s simple, flexible, and works with the way we run things. With teammates jumping in and out of events nationwide, it keeps us organized without slowing us down. Plus, it’s Chicago-built, and we like to keep things Midwest. Shout out to 37signals.
basecamp
basecamp
Project Management Tools
Project Management
We’ve tried every project management tool—most are too rigid, complex, or clunky. We always come back to Basecamp. It’s simple, flexible, and works with the way we run things. With teammates jumping in and out of events nationwide, it keeps us organized without slowing us down. Plus, it’s Chicago-built, and we like to keep things Midwest. Shout out to 37signals.
basecamp
basecamp
Project Management Tools
Project Management
We’ve tried every project management tool—most are too rigid, complex, or clunky. We always come back to Basecamp. It’s simple, flexible, and works with the way we run things. With teammates jumping in and out of events nationwide, it keeps us organized without slowing us down. Plus, it’s Chicago-built, and we like to keep things Midwest. Shout out to 37signals.
basecamp
basecamp
Project Management Tools
Project Management
We’ve tried every project management tool—most are too rigid, complex, or clunky. We always come back to Basecamp. It’s simple, flexible, and works with the way we run things. With teammates jumping in and out of events nationwide, it keeps us organized without slowing us down. Plus, it’s Chicago-built, and we like to keep things Midwest. Shout out to 37signals.
spinach-ai
spinach-ai
AI Tools
With tons of weekly calls, I don’t need to be on every one—but I still need the TL;DR. Spinach auto-summarizes meetings, highlights action items, and sends key takeaways to Slack or email. I can scan it in under a minute and keep things moving without slowing the team down.
spinach-ai
spinach-ai
AI Tools
With tons of weekly calls, I don’t need to be on every one—but I still need the TL;DR. Spinach auto-summarizes meetings, highlights action items, and sends key takeaways to Slack or email. I can scan it in under a minute and keep things moving without slowing the team down.
spinach-ai
spinach-ai
AI Tools
With tons of weekly calls, I don’t need to be on every one—but I still need the TL;DR. Spinach auto-summarizes meetings, highlights action items, and sends key takeaways to Slack or email. I can scan it in under a minute and keep things moving without slowing the team down.
spinach-ai
spinach-ai
AI Tools
With tons of weekly calls, I don’t need to be on every one—but I still need the TL;DR. Spinach auto-summarizes meetings, highlights action items, and sends key takeaways to Slack or email. I can scan it in under a minute and keep things moving without slowing the team down.
slack
slack
Workflow
Collaboration
Slack is our virtual watercooler and war room. We use it for everything—from quick Huddles to random pings, team check-ins, and even staying in sync with our partner companies. It keeps the flow going without needing to schedule a bunch of calls.
Even when we’re not in the same office (which is most of the time), Slack helps us stay connected and moving. It’s informal, fast, and just kind of the heartbeat of our day-to-day.
slack
slack
Workflow
Collaboration
Slack is our virtual watercooler and war room. We use it for everything—from quick Huddles to random pings, team check-ins, and even staying in sync with our partner companies. It keeps the flow going without needing to schedule a bunch of calls.
Even when we’re not in the same office (which is most of the time), Slack helps us stay connected and moving. It’s informal, fast, and just kind of the heartbeat of our day-to-day.
slack
slack
Workflow
Collaboration
Slack is our virtual watercooler and war room. We use it for everything—from quick Huddles to random pings, team check-ins, and even staying in sync with our partner companies. It keeps the flow going without needing to schedule a bunch of calls.
Even when we’re not in the same office (which is most of the time), Slack helps us stay connected and moving. It’s informal, fast, and just kind of the heartbeat of our day-to-day.
slack
slack
Workflow
Collaboration
Slack is our virtual watercooler and war room. We use it for everything—from quick Huddles to random pings, team check-ins, and even staying in sync with our partner companies. It keeps the flow going without needing to schedule a bunch of calls.
Even when we’re not in the same office (which is most of the time), Slack helps us stay connected and moving. It’s informal, fast, and just kind of the heartbeat of our day-to-day.
Social Media Tools
I use Instagram and TikTok mostly to see what’s bubbling up—both in car culture and the music space. It helps me get a feel for what people are into, what sounds are hitting, and what visual styles are sticking.
We’re constantly trying to evolve the GRIDLIFE vibe, and these platforms are like live mood boards. Whether it's livery styles, stage setups, or audio trends, a quick scroll usually gives me a few new ideas.
Social Media Tools
I use Instagram and TikTok mostly to see what’s bubbling up—both in car culture and the music space. It helps me get a feel for what people are into, what sounds are hitting, and what visual styles are sticking.
We’re constantly trying to evolve the GRIDLIFE vibe, and these platforms are like live mood boards. Whether it's livery styles, stage setups, or audio trends, a quick scroll usually gives me a few new ideas.
Social Media Tools
I use Instagram and TikTok mostly to see what’s bubbling up—both in car culture and the music space. It helps me get a feel for what people are into, what sounds are hitting, and what visual styles are sticking.
We’re constantly trying to evolve the GRIDLIFE vibe, and these platforms are like live mood boards. Whether it's livery styles, stage setups, or audio trends, a quick scroll usually gives me a few new ideas.
Social Media Tools
I use Instagram and TikTok mostly to see what’s bubbling up—both in car culture and the music space. It helps me get a feel for what people are into, what sounds are hitting, and what visual styles are sticking.
We’re constantly trying to evolve the GRIDLIFE vibe, and these platforms are like live mood boards. Whether it's livery styles, stage setups, or audio trends, a quick scroll usually gives me a few new ideas.
spotify
spotify
Digital Streaming Platforms (DSPs)
Concert Listings
We’re a small festival with one stage, so how the music fits together really matters. We’re not booking 50 artists across five tents—we’re curating a journey. Spotify helps us figure out what that journey feels like.
We build playlists as we go, using them to test out how artists sound next to each other. It helps us make talent decisions based on actual vibe, not just genre tags or metrics. Keeps the lineup tight and intentional.
spotify
spotify
Digital Streaming Platforms (DSPs)
Concert Listings
We’re a small festival with one stage, so how the music fits together really matters. We’re not booking 50 artists across five tents—we’re curating a journey. Spotify helps us figure out what that journey feels like.
We build playlists as we go, using them to test out how artists sound next to each other. It helps us make talent decisions based on actual vibe, not just genre tags or metrics. Keeps the lineup tight and intentional.
spotify
spotify
Digital Streaming Platforms (DSPs)
Concert Listings
We’re a small festival with one stage, so how the music fits together really matters. We’re not booking 50 artists across five tents—we’re curating a journey. Spotify helps us figure out what that journey feels like.
We build playlists as we go, using them to test out how artists sound next to each other. It helps us make talent decisions based on actual vibe, not just genre tags or metrics. Keeps the lineup tight and intentional.
spotify
spotify
Digital Streaming Platforms (DSPs)
Concert Listings
We’re a small festival with one stage, so how the music fits together really matters. We’re not booking 50 artists across five tents—we’re curating a journey. Spotify helps us figure out what that journey feels like.
We build playlists as we go, using them to test out how artists sound next to each other. It helps us make talent decisions based on actual vibe, not just genre tags or metrics. Keeps the lineup tight and intentional.
google-workspace
google-workspace
Workflow
Collaboration
Docs, Sheets, email, Meet—it’s not exciting, but it gets the job done. We’ve got driver lists, set times, call sheets, budgets, and a bunch of other moving parts. Having it all in one place and easy to access keeps everyone aligned, no matter what team they’re on.
It’s simple, it’s cloud-based, and it makes collaboration across departments way easier.
google-workspace
google-workspace
Workflow
Collaboration
Docs, Sheets, email, Meet—it’s not exciting, but it gets the job done. We’ve got driver lists, set times, call sheets, budgets, and a bunch of other moving parts. Having it all in one place and easy to access keeps everyone aligned, no matter what team they’re on.
It’s simple, it’s cloud-based, and it makes collaboration across departments way easier.
google-workspace
google-workspace
Workflow
Collaboration
Docs, Sheets, email, Meet—it’s not exciting, but it gets the job done. We’ve got driver lists, set times, call sheets, budgets, and a bunch of other moving parts. Having it all in one place and easy to access keeps everyone aligned, no matter what team they’re on.
It’s simple, it’s cloud-based, and it makes collaboration across departments way easier.
google-workspace
google-workspace
Workflow
Collaboration
Docs, Sheets, email, Meet—it’s not exciting, but it gets the job done. We’ve got driver lists, set times, call sheets, budgets, and a bunch of other moving parts. Having it all in one place and easy to access keeps everyone aligned, no matter what team they’re on.
It’s simple, it’s cloud-based, and it makes collaboration across departments way easier.
Job Boards
Communities & Networking Groups
LinkedIn keeps me connected to the automotive industry and the business side of things. It’s where I keep tabs on what our friends and partners are up to and stay in the loop with what’s moving in the space.
I don’t live on it, but it’s a key tool for relationship building and industry awareness—especially when you’re working in a world that crosses music, motorsports, and brand partnerships.
Job Boards
Communities & Networking Groups
LinkedIn keeps me connected to the automotive industry and the business side of things. It’s where I keep tabs on what our friends and partners are up to and stay in the loop with what’s moving in the space.
I don’t live on it, but it’s a key tool for relationship building and industry awareness—especially when you’re working in a world that crosses music, motorsports, and brand partnerships.
Job Boards
Communities & Networking Groups
LinkedIn keeps me connected to the automotive industry and the business side of things. It’s where I keep tabs on what our friends and partners are up to and stay in the loop with what’s moving in the space.
I don’t live on it, but it’s a key tool for relationship building and industry awareness—especially when you’re working in a world that crosses music, motorsports, and brand partnerships.
Job Boards
Communities & Networking Groups
LinkedIn keeps me connected to the automotive industry and the business side of things. It’s where I keep tabs on what our friends and partners are up to and stay in the loop with what’s moving in the space.
I don’t live on it, but it’s a key tool for relationship building and industry awareness—especially when you’re working in a world that crosses music, motorsports, and brand partnerships.
rostr
rostr
Collaboration
Analytics
Industry News & Trades
"We use ROSTR constantly. It’s the best resource in the music business." - Marc Geiger, Chairman and CEO @ SaveLive
Music industry professionals use ROSTR to build their network, discover artists, save time & stay in the loop.
Promoted-Listing
Promoted-Stack-Item
stack-launch
ROSTR
own
rostr-promoted-listing
Promoted
rostr
rostr
Collaboration
Analytics
Industry News & Trades
"We use ROSTR constantly. It’s the best resource in the music business." - Marc Geiger, Chairman and CEO @ SaveLive
Music industry professionals use ROSTR to build their network, discover artists, save time & stay in the loop.
Promoted-Listing
Promoted-Stack-Item
stack-launch
ROSTR
own
rostr-promoted-listing
Promoted
rostr
rostr
Collaboration
Analytics
Industry News & Trades
"We use ROSTR constantly. It’s the best resource in the music business." - Marc Geiger, Chairman and CEO @ SaveLive
Music industry professionals use ROSTR to build their network, discover artists, save time & stay in the loop.
Promoted-Listing
Promoted-Stack-Item
stack-launch
ROSTR
own
rostr-promoted-listing
Promoted
rostr
rostr
Collaboration
Analytics
Industry News & Trades
"We use ROSTR constantly. It’s the best resource in the music business." - Marc Geiger, Chairman and CEO @ SaveLive
Music industry professionals use ROSTR to build their network, discover artists, save time & stay in the loop.
Promoted-Listing
Promoted-Stack-Item
stack-launch
ROSTR
own
rostr-promoted-listing
Promoted
racer
racer
Industry News & Trades
At the end of the day, we’re a motorsports company first—and Racer.com is the go-to spot for staying plugged in. It’s the definitive source for what’s happening across the racing world.
Whether it’s daily results, industry news, or just keeping tabs on what teams and drivers are up to, it helps us stay connected to the culture we’re part of. It's a regular read.
racer
racer
Industry News & Trades
At the end of the day, we’re a motorsports company first—and Racer.com is the go-to spot for staying plugged in. It’s the definitive source for what’s happening across the racing world.
Whether it’s daily results, industry news, or just keeping tabs on what teams and drivers are up to, it helps us stay connected to the culture we’re part of. It's a regular read.
racer
racer
Industry News & Trades
At the end of the day, we’re a motorsports company first—and Racer.com is the go-to spot for staying plugged in. It’s the definitive source for what’s happening across the racing world.
Whether it’s daily results, industry news, or just keeping tabs on what teams and drivers are up to, it helps us stay connected to the culture we’re part of. It's a regular read.
racer
racer
Industry News & Trades
At the end of the day, we’re a motorsports company first—and Racer.com is the go-to spot for staying plugged in. It’s the definitive source for what’s happening across the racing world.
Whether it’s daily results, industry news, or just keeping tabs on what teams and drivers are up to, it helps us stay connected to the culture we’re part of. It's a regular read.
torkhub
torkhub
Ticketing
Our ticketing isn’t just GA tiers—we’re handling driver regs, comp licenses, car show entries, crew creds, transfers, and more. Off-the-shelf tools couldn’t keep up, so we partnered with TorkHub to build a custom platform tailored to how GRIDLIFE operates. It’s now the backbone of how we manage access and approvals all season long.
torkhub
torkhub
Ticketing
Our ticketing isn’t just GA tiers—we’re handling driver regs, comp licenses, car show entries, crew creds, transfers, and more. Off-the-shelf tools couldn’t keep up, so we partnered with TorkHub to build a custom platform tailored to how GRIDLIFE operates. It’s now the backbone of how we manage access and approvals all season long.
torkhub
torkhub
Ticketing
Our ticketing isn’t just GA tiers—we’re handling driver regs, comp licenses, car show entries, crew creds, transfers, and more. Off-the-shelf tools couldn’t keep up, so we partnered with TorkHub to build a custom platform tailored to how GRIDLIFE operates. It’s now the backbone of how we manage access and approvals all season long.
torkhub
torkhub
Ticketing
Our ticketing isn’t just GA tiers—we’re handling driver regs, comp licenses, car show entries, crew creds, transfers, and more. Off-the-shelf tools couldn’t keep up, so we partnered with TorkHub to build a custom platform tailored to how GRIDLIFE operates. It’s now the backbone of how we manage access and approvals all season long.
youtube
youtube
Video Platforms
YouTube is where our events live on. From full livestreams to bite-sized recaps, it’s how we connect with fans who can’t make it out or want to relive the weekend. It’s also a great tool for showing new partners what GRIDLIFE is all about.
youtube
youtube
Video Platforms
YouTube is where our events live on. From full livestreams to bite-sized recaps, it’s how we connect with fans who can’t make it out or want to relive the weekend. It’s also a great tool for showing new partners what GRIDLIFE is all about.
youtube
youtube
Video Platforms
YouTube is where our events live on. From full livestreams to bite-sized recaps, it’s how we connect with fans who can’t make it out or want to relive the weekend. It’s also a great tool for showing new partners what GRIDLIFE is all about.
youtube
youtube
Video Platforms
YouTube is where our events live on. From full livestreams to bite-sized recaps, it’s how we connect with fans who can’t make it out or want to relive the weekend. It’s also a great tool for showing new partners what GRIDLIFE is all about.
BONUS RESOURCE: Chicago
Explanation: We’re Midwest built, and even as our schedule expands across the country, we try to keep things as Midwest as possible. Chicago is a huge part of that—it’s where our offices are based (shout out Fort Knox Studios), and where we draw a lot of our energy and network.
Collectiv, our talent buyer, is also based here, and the city continues to influence how we work—resourceful, gritty, collaborative. Chicago isn’t just our HQ, it’s part of our identity.
BONUS RESOURCE: Chicago
Explanation: We’re Midwest built, and even as our schedule expands across the country, we try to keep things as Midwest as possible. Chicago is a huge part of that—it’s where our offices are based (shout out Fort Knox Studios), and where we draw a lot of our energy and network.
Collectiv, our talent buyer, is also based here, and the city continues to influence how we work—resourceful, gritty, collaborative. Chicago isn’t just our HQ, it’s part of our identity.
BONUS RESOURCE: Chicago
Explanation: We’re Midwest built, and even as our schedule expands across the country, we try to keep things as Midwest as possible. Chicago is a huge part of that—it’s where our offices are based (shout out Fort Knox Studios), and where we draw a lot of our energy and network.
Collectiv, our talent buyer, is also based here, and the city continues to influence how we work—resourceful, gritty, collaborative. Chicago isn’t just our HQ, it’s part of our identity.
BONUS RESOURCE: Chicago
Explanation: We’re Midwest built, and even as our schedule expands across the country, we try to keep things as Midwest as possible. Chicago is a huge part of that—it’s where our offices are based (shout out Fort Knox Studios), and where we draw a lot of our energy and network.
Collectiv, our talent buyer, is also based here, and the city continues to influence how we work—resourceful, gritty, collaborative. Chicago isn’t just our HQ, it’s part of our identity.
Other Stacks
Other Stacks
Other Stacks
Other Stacks
Show More
Show More
Show More
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Contributor
Chris Stewart
Chris Stewart is a Chicago-based creative and founder of GRIDLIFE, one of the largest grassroots motorsports series in the world. A lifelong racing fan and music lover, he combined his passions to create a community-driven festival that blends racing, car culture, and live music. Before GRIDLIFE, Chris worked in the agency world as a Creative Director, leading teams focused on digital and physical experiences in the evolving social and tech space.
Read More
Contributor
Chris Stewart
Chris Stewart is a Chicago-based creative and founder of GRIDLIFE, one of the largest grassroots motorsports series in the world. A lifelong racing fan and music lover, he combined his passions to create a community-driven festival that blends racing, car culture, and live music. Before GRIDLIFE, Chris worked in the agency world as a Creative Director, leading teams focused on digital and physical experiences in the evolving social and tech space.
Read More
STACK
Sidebar-Square
Stack-Pages
gamechanger
ROSTR
rostr-gamechanger
Promotion
STACK
Sidebar-Square
Stack-Pages
gamechanger
ROSTR
rostr-gamechanger
Promotion