ArtistDirect News
James Dai Launches Soka Records, an Artist Studio-Label Hybrid in Los Angeles
James Dai, a 28‑year‑old music executive, announced the launch of Soka Records on May 28, 2026. The new venture is headquartered in Los Angeles and is described as an “artist studio” that combines record‑label functions with a long‑term, hands‑on development model.
Dai’s career began as a manager for the rising singer‑songwriter Keshi, and he later produced the project BoyWithUke. According to the launch announcement, his work has generated 9 billion global streams and earned eight RIAA Gold and Platinum certifications. He has also guided artists to sell‑out shows at Madison Square Garden and Los Angeles’ Kia Forum and to place albums in the Billboard 200 Top 30, most recently with Gabriel (2022) and Requiem (2024).
Soka Records is positioned as a studio‑label hybrid that prioritizes creative development over the distribution‑and‑marketing focus that dominates the industry today. In a statement released with the launch, Dai said, “As the music landscape grows to be increasingly focused on distribution and marketing, I want to offer a different approach that prioritizes creative development.” He added that the model is “almost like a return to tradition. Taking inspiration from classic developmental labels like Motown while using updated marketing practices.”
The label’s roster currently includes emerging artists Karlo Gutierrez, Kassie, Cleffy, Yel, and Chezile. The company’s website notes that it “doesn’t just sign artists – we build them.” The stated goal is to create a space where new talent can hone their craft, develop a distinct artistic voice, and appeal to a global audience. The approach echoes Motown’s historical focus on nurturing the unique niche of each artist.
Dai earned his music‑industry credentials after attending Soka University in Orange County. He later worked under Kerry Gordy, the son of Motown founder Berry Gordy, at Motown Records. That experience, combined with his own success as a manager and producer, informed his vision for Soka Records.
Soka Records’ launch announcement did not include a release schedule, but the company’s stated mission is to build a generation of artists who will influence what music looks like and feels like on a worldwide scale. The label’s hybrid model, which blends studio resources with label infrastructure, is intended to provide artists with the tools and guidance needed to sustain long‑term careers.
In summary, James Dai has moved from a successful career as a manager and producer to founding an independent record label that emphasizes holistic artist development. Soka Records, launched in Los Angeles on May 28, 2026, aims to combine the tradition of artist‑centric labels like Motown with modern marketing practices, with a roster of emerging talent and a vision of shaping the future of global music.
Dai’s career began as a manager for the rising singer‑songwriter Keshi, and he later produced the project BoyWithUke. According to the launch announcement, his work has generated 9 billion global streams and earned eight RIAA Gold and Platinum certifications. He has also guided artists to sell‑out shows at Madison Square Garden and Los Angeles’ Kia Forum and to place albums in the Billboard 200 Top 30, most recently with Gabriel (2022) and Requiem (2024).
Soka Records is positioned as a studio‑label hybrid that prioritizes creative development over the distribution‑and‑marketing focus that dominates the industry today. In a statement released with the launch, Dai said, “As the music landscape grows to be increasingly focused on distribution and marketing, I want to offer a different approach that prioritizes creative development.” He added that the model is “almost like a return to tradition. Taking inspiration from classic developmental labels like Motown while using updated marketing practices.”
The label’s roster currently includes emerging artists Karlo Gutierrez, Kassie, Cleffy, Yel, and Chezile. The company’s website notes that it “doesn’t just sign artists – we build them.” The stated goal is to create a space where new talent can hone their craft, develop a distinct artistic voice, and appeal to a global audience. The approach echoes Motown’s historical focus on nurturing the unique niche of each artist.
Dai earned his music‑industry credentials after attending Soka University in Orange County. He later worked under Kerry Gordy, the son of Motown founder Berry Gordy, at Motown Records. That experience, combined with his own success as a manager and producer, informed his vision for Soka Records.
Soka Records’ launch announcement did not include a release schedule, but the company’s stated mission is to build a generation of artists who will influence what music looks like and feels like on a worldwide scale. The label’s hybrid model, which blends studio resources with label infrastructure, is intended to provide artists with the tools and guidance needed to sustain long‑term careers.
In summary, James Dai has moved from a successful career as a manager and producer to founding an independent record label that emphasizes holistic artist development. Soka Records, launched in Los Angeles on May 28, 2026, aims to combine the tradition of artist‑centric labels like Motown with modern marketing practices, with a roster of emerging talent and a vision of shaping the future of global music.