About

Who is Wide Awake?

Who is Wide Awake?

Wide Awake isn’t just an event - it’s a movement.

A safe space where creativity is found in community.

A place where artists, musicians, poets, and dreamers come together to share their craft and make their voices heard. We’re all about bringing real people into the spotlight and empowering them to chase their dreams - no matter how big, wild, or unconventional they may be.

Born in Baltimore, we’re on a mission to build a platform for everyone. Wide Awake is where you come to learn, grow, and connect with others just like you. Whether you're a seasoned artist or someone just starting out, this is your place to show up, share your story, and be celebrated.

Wide Awake is here to empower you - to help you take risks, find your tribe, and create work that inspires the world. Because when one of us rises, we all do. So, if you’re ready to take your creativity to the next level and be a part of something bigger than yourself, Wide Awake is the place to be.

Who is Wide Awake?

Meet The Team

Jae Brooks

Jae Brooks

CSD | Certified Bean

Jae Brooks

Jae Brooks

CSD | Certified Bean

Jae Brooks

Jae Brooks

CSD | Certified Bean

Jae - Creative Strategy Director | Certified Bean

Jae is the mastermind behind our event flyers, branding, and those colors that make you stop and say, “Wow.” When it comes to first impressions, he’s got it locked down. Jae’s worked with major labels and artists worldwide, but what really drives him is the creative process itself - the collaboration, the experimentation, and the behind-the-scenes moments you don't see.


Born in Saint Agnes and raised on Ravens football, Jae’s creativity took off in unexpected ways - from making fan graphics to building his own music and developing his creative identity. But his Wide Awake story starts when he lived with 4 other stinky dudes in Winston-Salem, NC - where he met Phil, the next guy on our roster. (No dishes were ever done, by the way. But Jae survived, and here we are.)

Meet Phil. He’s the guy you meet for 10 minutes and end up spilling your heart out to. He connects with people on a level that makes you feel heard and understood. And at the same time, he’s got that creative fire that can turn any idea into something real.


Phil’s not just about ideas - he’s about action.


With over 2 million Spotify streams and a successful independent music career, he’s seen firsthand what it takes to make it. He’s also worked with global companies on animation projects, but the real purpose behind everything he does is simple: helping others rise. Phil’s driven by his faith and a passion to build up other creatives and their brands.

Phil - CEO | Visionary | Certified Yapper

Phil Lee

Phil Lee

CEO | Visionary | Professional Yapper

Phil Lee

Phil Lee

CEO | Visionary | Professional Yapper

Together, We Thrive

Together, We Thrive

Building Wide Awake from scratch hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it. Phil and Jae are the dream team that’s taking this movement to the next level.

Together, they’re creating a space where artists don’t just survive - they thrive.

At Wide Awake, we don’t just put on an event - we’re building a community of creators, hustlers, and dreamers who are all here to learn, grow, and elevate each other. We believe in the power of connection, empowerment, and supporting each other every step of the way. So, if you’re ready to be part of something real, come join the movement.

Apply to perform, become a sponsor, or a brand ambassador.

Join the Wide Awake community. Connect with more creatives.

Experience Wide Awake for yourself. Events come and go, don't miss this!