Myles Shear is shaping the future of entertainment, one groundbreaking venture at a time: as the CEO and Co-Founder of Palm Tree Crew, he’s crafted a diverse empire that spans music management, record labels, festivals and lifestyle brands. From co-founding Palm Tree Records with his longtime friend, the world-renowned DJ Kygo, to overseeing a roster of award-winning artists, Shear’s influence in the electronic music world is profound.
With the success of Palm Tree Management, Palm Tree Holdings and the Palm Tree Music Festival, Shear continues to redefine what it means to build a modern entertainment empire. After opening Palm Tree Club in Orlando and the most recent opening of Palm Tree Club in Miami last weekend (December 21, 2024), Myles Shear speaks to Elite Traveler to reflect on his journey and the exciting road ahead.
[See also: A Miami Guide: Where to Eat, Sleep and Be Seen in 2025]
Tell us about the journey of Palm Tree Crew Holdings: From its founding to the opening of these new clubs.
Myles Shear: Kygo and I came together to found Palm Tree Crew Holdings in 2020 as a way to combine our passion for music and tropical aesthetics with innovative and synergistic business ventures. What began as a few strategic investments and a fledgling music festival quickly expanded to a global festival and events ecosystem, a diversified merchandising licensing business, a $100m-plus investment platform and now the launch of the first two hospitality venues in 2024 [opening Palm Tree Club in Orlando and Miami] – with more to come in 2025.
Over just a few years, Palm Tree Crew has grown from a passion project into a globally recognized lifestyle brand and ecosystem, embodying our vision of blending music, hospitality and strategic investment with a relaxed, tropical spirit.
Why did Palm Tree Crew Holdings decide to expand from live events into the hospitality space?
The heart of Palm Tree Crew has always been about creating unforgettable experiences and bringing people together around the world. As we established our entertainment and lifestyle platforms, we found that our audiences wanted more from Palm Tree Crew – they wanted places to go to get the Palm Tree Crew experience year-round. Expanding into hospitality was a natural evolution for the Palm Tree Crew brand, and we’re thrilled to add these immersive experiences to our growing ecosystem.
How do you ensure brand cohesion across such diverse sectors – music, hospitality, apparel and investments?
We have a clear vision of who Palm Tree Crew is and what we represent – curating unique experiences with incredible crews of people, delivering laidback (tropical) but exceptional hospitality service. Whether it’s a Palm Tree Music Festival, a product collaboration, a consumer investment or a hospitality venture, every decision we make is filtered through this lens. This approach helps us remain true to our ethos while driving value for both our customers and partners across all sectors.
With properties in Miami and Orlando, and possible plans for more, how does each location reflect the Palm Tree Crew ethos?
Each Palm Tree Club location is thoughtfully designed to blend the laid-back luxury of a topical oasis with the vibrant energy of live entertainment. With the festivals, we have worked hard to produce experiences that feel similar in overall vibe with vastly differing backdrops – from the snowy mountains in Aspen to summer in the Hamptons.
Whether our customers are visiting our Miami hotel and restaurant or dining at our Orlando restaurant, they’ll find tropical-inspired décor, coastal cuisine and the signature live entertainment that defines the Palm Tree Crew experience. Each property incorporates unique touches and offerings that reflect the spirit of its city – such as Orlando’s rooftop lounge and Miami’s bayside views. No two Palm Tree Club experiences are entirely alike, ensuring every visit offers something new and unforgettable.
What do you think makes the Palm Tree Crew lifestyle resonate with so many people globally?
Palm Tree Crew is all about easygoing, but high-energy fun with your crew – whether that’s your friends, family, colleagues or people you meet through PTC. We make everything about bringing your crew and enjoying a unique, shared experience.
We’re not elitist or private: You don’t need a membership to get in, but there is a feeling of belonging when you’re at a PTC event or venue. Even if you don’t know a single person, from the minute you walk in you feel as if you’re at home. Everyone from every walk of life collides and co-exists at Palm Tree Crew.
What excites you most about the future of Palm Tree Crew Holdings?
What most excites us is how the continued growth of PTC, with new events and hospitality venues to come, will allow us to bring our customers more ways to engage with our world of fun, music, entertainment and shared experiences.
What is your long-term vision for Palm Tree Crew Holdings as a global lifestyle brand?
Our vision is for Palm Tree Crew to continue growing as a global lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality brand, bringing our mission to people and cities around the world through festivals, partnerships and hospitality. We’re looking to continue building a brand, in Palm Tree, that becomes synonymous with crews of good people, incredible music, approachable and delicious food, consistent and familial hospitality, and an overall sense of easy-going fun.
With the recent Palm Tree Club openings, establishing Palm Tree Crew as a leader in hospitality is a top priority. We aim to become a global name that customers trust and return to time and again.
Can you share any exciting plans or announcements on the horizon for Palm Tree Crew Holdings?
2025 is going to be a huge year across the Palm Tree Crew ecosystem. You can expect new partnerships, property openings and, of course, incredible global music festivals (returning locations and new). I can’t say more at this time, but know that you’ll be seeing more from Palm Tree Crew very soon.