The exec guided BoyWithUke and keshi to global success
Artist manager James Dai has launched independent “artist studio” and label Soka Records.
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.”
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.
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.
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.”
