Artist Manager James Dai Launches Indie Label Soka Records

Artist manager James Dai has launched independent “artist studio” and label Soka Records.

The ethos:

• Headquartered in Los Angeles, Dai says Soka Records employs a “hands on” approach inspired by classic artist development systems.

• It prioritizes “long-term artist development, artist identity, and infrastructure-building across music, visuals, performance, and community.”

The roster:

• Soka Records is currently home to singer-songwriter Karlo Gutierrez, EDM creator Kassie, Cleffy, and indie R&B songstress Yel.

• Soka is also credited with discovering and developing Chezile, whose single “Beanie” is approaching 1 billion streams.

Backstory:

• Dai began managing Houston-born singer-songwriter keshi in 2018, guiding him from 150-cap clubs to selling out Madison Square Garden and Los Angeles’ Kia Forum.

• Other management successes include BoyWithUke, Xavier Weeks and Chezile.

• Dai is stepping back from day-to-day management to focus on expanding Soka Records.

What they said:

• James Dai: “As the music landscape grows to be increasingly focused on distribution and marketing, I want to offer a different approach that prioritizes creative development. It’s almost like a return to tradition. Taking inspiration from classic developmental labels like Motown while using updated marketing practices.”