Lokion celebrates first decade, thanks Memphis with free music downloads

October 26th, 2010 | by Velma Orr |

“There’s joy in this anniversary and we want to share it with the world,” says Lokion president and CEO Megan Jones of her firm’s first 10 years.

Tradition holds that gifts of tin mark a tenth anniversary, but the decidedly nontraditional folks at Lokion have another metal in mind for celebrating their first decade:

Gold.

As in Memphis music gold.

Instead of receiving presents, though, for the next two days Lokion is giving them.

Beginning today, the branding and website design agency’s “10 X 10″ campaign will feature free music downloads by 10 local artists. The project is a melodic thank-you to the city Lokion calls home, said agency CEO and president Megan Jones.

“Memphis has nurtured us for so long that we wanted to do something special to show our appreciation,” Jones said. “Showcasing our fantastic music seemed like a perfect way to do that.”

The offer plays into the second annual “Memphis Means Music” week, sponsored by the Memphis Music Foundation. The free downloads showcase a variety of local artists and genres, said Pat Mitchell Worley, director of development and communications for the Memphis Music Foundation.

Contributing performers are Star & Micey, Yung Ke, Joy Whitlock, Lord T & Eloise, The Candy Company, Sid Selvidge, Joyce Cobb, Amy LaVere, Jeremy Stanfill and Teflon Don.

All of the artists are members of that organization, which is an advisory and career development resource for area musicians.

“This is a super-cool idea and a really creative way to offer exposure to some very talented Memphis artists,” Worley said. “We’re excited about partnering with Lokion in such a quality collaboration. It’s an automatic dose of creativity, Memphis-style.”

Creativity and ingenuity are foundational to Lokion, Jones said, dating back to the morning when she and her three business partners settled on the company’s name.

“We were sitting around in the IHOP on Union trying to come up with something short and imaginative, and of all things we started talking about the Norse god Loki, who was very popular with gamers and techies,” Jones said. “He was a bit of a scamp, but an entertaining one and not at all intimidated by other gods. We thought that would be a good way to portray ourselves, particularly coming after the hyperbole and exaggeration of the dot-com years.”

Lokion’s first decade has been characterized by steady expansion, growing from four workers in a small office space to occupying two full floors at 88 Union today and boasting satellite operations in other cities and about three dozen employees.

The firm’s longevity is significant, according to figures provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Statistics show that although 70 percent of new companies survive at least two years, only one-third are still in business a decade after opening.

“Obviously this company has developed a solid business model, and its leadership in a niche market is commendable,” said Walter Perry, state SBA district director. “The fact that they’ve survived and are thriving after 10 years is proof that success comes by offering great products and services that customers want.”

That’s exactly how Jones wants people to think of Lokion.

“The concept of being able to promote Memphis and give back to the community is the best way we can imagine to celebrate our tenth year,” Jones said. “There’s joy in this anniversary and we want to share it with the world.”

Downloads will be available beginning at 10 a.m. today and continue through the weekend. For details, visit online at lokion.com.

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