We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Danielle Mcmillan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Danielle , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
At THE RLMG, our mission is to build a global community that elevates and supports artists through collaboration, innovation, and empowerment. We believe in the power of music and creativity to connect people, crossing boundaries and fostering a sense of unity. Our goal is to create a space where artists from all genres and backgrounds feel heard, understood, and equipped with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-evolving industry.
What makes this mission meaningful for us is our deep understanding of the challenges artists face today. We are artists ourselves, and we’ve seen firsthand how traditional systems can overlook individuality, creativity, and artistic freedom. By offering artists a platform where they retain control over their work, we aim to provide a sense of ownership and pride in their craft. THE RLMG was created to be a home for artists who want to build their legacies while staying true to themselves, working alongside like-minded creatives, and contributing to a larger, interconnected community of talent.
This mission is not only about producing great music but also about fostering lasting relationships, innovative collaboration, and personal growth for each artist. We believe that when artists thrive, their communities thrive, and that’s the impact we seek to make with THE RLMG.
What it means to me:
As the CEO of THE RLMG, our mission holds profound personal meaning to me because it reflects the culmination of my life’s journey, passions, and experiences. Music has been an intrinsic part of who I am since childhood. From learning classical piano at the age of five to serving as a lead singer and choir director in my church, music has always been a driving force in my life. It’s not just a form of expression; it’s a way of connecting with people, uplifting communities, and inspiring change. Over the years, I’ve seen how music transcends barriers, and my journey has shown me how essential it is to create spaces where artists can thrive both creatively and personally.
My love for business also runs deep. I’ve had the opportunity to work in luxury retail, where I developed a passion for leadership and entrepreneurship, eventually rising to executive levels. Learning how to balance the artistry of music with the rigor of business management has shaped my vision for THE RLMG. I’m passionate about not only nurturing talent but also empowering artists with the tools and knowledge they need to take control of their careers. This mission stems from my own experiences of navigating industries where creatives often get overlooked or undervalued. I’ve seen the potential of what artists can achieve when they are given the right support, and that’s what drives me every day—to create a platform that truly honors their voices.
One of the most meaningful aspects of THE RLMG for me is our focus on community and like-mindedness. In my work, I’ve seen the impact that comes from bringing people together, whether in a choir, a band, or a collaborative business setting. I know the power of unity—when artists, producers, and visionaries come together with a shared purpose, the result is magic. I’ve built THE RLMG on that principle of collaboration and mutual respect, ensuring that every artist feels like part of a family. We’re not just a record label; we’re a global community of creatives pushing each other to grow and succeed.
This mission resonates so deeply with me because I’ve lived through the challenges that many artists face today. I understand the frustrations of fighting for ownership and recognition, the isolation of trying to build a career without the right connections, and the vulnerability that comes with putting your art into the world. That’s why I’m so committed to making sure our artists at THE RLMG are supported in every aspect—from their creative development to their financial success. I want them to not only survive in the industry but to thrive in it, without sacrificing their integrity or vision.
Building THE RLMG has been a calling for me. My experiences, both personal and professional, have shaped the purpose that fuels our mission. I believe that when artists are empowered, they become powerful catalysts for change in their communities, and I feel called to be a part of that transformative process. I want to leave a legacy that extends beyond myself—a legacy where artists are truly valued, their art is celebrated, and their voices are amplified on a global scale.
THE RLMG represents everything I’m passionate about—music, community, and empowering others to achieve their fullest potential. This isn’t just about making hits or building careers; it’s about creating something lasting and meaningful for the artists, the industry, and the world. I’m incredibly proud of what we’re building, and I’m driven every day by the knowledge that this mission is so much bigger than me—it’s about making a real difference in the lives of artists and the communities they touch.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Danielle Stephens McMillan, and I am the CEO and visionary behind THE Record Label Music Group (THE RLMG). With 28 years of experience in the music and entertainment industry, my journey into this space has been a blend of passion, hard work, and a deep-seated belief in the power of music to change lives. I am currently attending Full Sail University, pursuing a degree in entertainment business to refine my skills and take my knowledge to the next level. I’ve always believed in lifelong learning, and this education is helping me marry my hands-on experience with the latest industry trends and business practices.
My path into the music industry began at an early age. I grew up surrounded by music, learning classical piano when I was just five years old, which laid the foundation for a lifetime love affair with music. I’ve been fortunate to experience multiple facets of the industry, from performing to artist management, label ownership, and music production. Over the years, I developed my craft as a singer, songwriter, and composer, which led me to work with a variety of artists and creatives, helping them realize their visions while refining my own. This passion for music naturally led me to create THE RLMG, a platform where I could extend my love for business, community-building, and artistry into a mission-driven record label that not only produces music but fosters an environment where artists can thrive both creatively and professionally.
At THE RLMG, we offer a comprehensive suite of services, including artist development, music production, brand-building, and strategic marketing. Our goal is to not only help artists produce great music but also to teach them the business side of the industry, empowering them to take control of their careers. We sign artists from around the world, giving them access to an international network of creatives, producers, and industry professionals. We run songwriting camps, offer in-house production for both audio and visual projects, and are even building a live concert series from our studio, which gives artists a stage to showcase their talents. Our label is unique in that we embrace artists from all genres and aim to create lasting relationships with our talents, allowing them to retain ownership of their work. We make sure our artists receive 80% of royalties and regain their masters after their contract term, which sets us apart in an industry where these benefits are rare.
What sets THE RLMG apart from other labels is our focus on community, collaboration, and artist empowerment. We’re not just here to release albums; we’re here to build artists into global brands that leave a lasting impact. Our artists sign with us for three-year deals, committing to producing 30 songs in that time, but beyond the music, we’re investing in their personal and professional growth. We teach them how to build sustainable careers and help them navigate an often complex and confusing industry. Our team is dedicated to creating spaces where creativity flourishes, and every artist we work with knows that they’re not just another name on a roster—they’re part of a family that genuinely cares about their success.
One of the biggest problems we solve for our artists is ownership and control over their creative output. Too often in this industry, artists get caught in deals that strip them of their rights or tie them to contracts that do not reflect their long-term interests. At THE RLMG, we are determined to flip that script. We give artists the resources, knowledge, and platforms to take control of their music, their image, and their business, ensuring they maintain full ownership of their creative works and intellectual property.
I am particularly proud of how we’ve expanded THE RLMG’s reach globally. We work with artists from Brazil, South Africa, Canada, the UK, and more. This diverse network has allowed us to push the boundaries of what’s possible creatively and connect different sounds, cultures, and perspectives. Our upcoming holiday compilation CD, which will feature artists from all genres—including gospel, jazz, R&B, and world music—is an example of the innovative projects we are leading. THE RLMG also prioritizes creating new music categories, such as Lifestyle Music and Thanksgiving music, which open fresh avenues for creative exploration and audience engagement.
Personally, I am most proud of the community we’ve built and the artists we continue to nurture. I’ve worked hard to bring together like-minded individuals who are passionate about pushing boundaries and creating art that resonates on a global scale. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that THE RLMG is more than just a record label—it’s a movement. We are reimagining what it means to be an artist in today’s world, giving them the tools to control their destinies, while ensuring that their voices and stories are heard.
My background, both in music and business, has uniquely prepared me to lead THE RLMG. I’ve experienced the highs and lows of this industry firsthand, which fuels my desire to make it better for the next generation of artists. Through our work, we are bridging the gap between art and business, empowering creatives to own their work and build legacies that will last for generations to come. We are shaping the future of music, and I’m incredibly excited about what lies ahead for our artists and our label.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
There was a significant pivot I made in my life and career that shaped who I am today as both a business leader and creative entrepreneur. Early on, I started in the music industry as a background singer, which eventually led me to pursue my own artist career and even record an album. I was passionate, talented, and deeply committed, but I lacked the necessary knowledge, resources, and backing to manifest my dreams fully. As a result, I grew weary of the industry and its challenges and decided to step away, feeling as though I wasn’t fully equipped for the journey at that time.
When I left music, I transitioned into the retail industry and rose to high-level leadership positions, achieving remarkable goals that validated my business acumen. I found success in this space, but it wasn’t where my soul was meant to thrive. For a while, I tried to convince myself that I could run from my purpose in music, but the calling was too deep to ignore. I began to pivot back toward the industry because, for me, it was the only way I could truly live, move, and have my being in this world. Music brought light to what I was meant to do—what God had chosen me to bear witness to and dominate here on earth.
My journey back into the industry wasn’t just about music; it was about knowledge, fulfillment, and a stronger sense of purpose. I realized that my past pivots, while necessary for my growth, were based on a lack of understanding of who I truly was and what I was meant to contribute. As I returned to music, I did so with more wisdom and insight, becoming more solution-oriented. I was no longer just an artist but a leader determined to create an environment where others would have the support and resources I once lacked.
This pivotal shift in my life is what drives me as CEO of THE RLMG today. It’s not just about the music but about community, empowerment, and the belief that every creative deserves the opportunity to thrive with the right tools and backing.
Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.
At THE RLMG, we’ve created a unique and powerful internal ecosystem for everything we do—essentially, we manufacture our own product by leveraging the collective talents, resources, and shared services within our team. This structure was born from a realization that everyone in the room had a duality to their gifts and skills. Each person brought more than one offering to the table, which allowed us to produce high-quality creative works entirely in-house, from concept to output.
When I first started building THE RLMG, I didn’t have the immediate vision of manufacturing everything internally. Initially, I thought I’d have to seek outside support to fulfill the various needs of running a label and creating a full slate of music, content, and creative works. However, as I spent more time with my team, I began to see that every resource we needed was already in the room. From audio production to visual content creation, artist development, and business management, our team had all the skill sets required to execute our projects. It made sense to invest in ourselves rather than outsource these services.
One of the key lessons I’ve learned along the way is that manufacturing internally not only strengthens the organization but also enhances the sense of ownership and pride within the team. Everyone becomes deeply invested in the product because they are a part of every stage of its creation. This structure allows us to maintain full creative control, which is essential for producing work that reflects our brand’s mission and values. It also helps us move more quickly, pivot when necessary, and adapt to changes or challenges without waiting for external vendors or partners.
The decision to create our internal ecosystem wasn’t just about efficiency—it was about sustainability and empowerment. We built an environment where every resource, tool, and creative service we needed was already available. We nurture our own talent and allow the team to wear multiple hats, which has helped us grow stronger as a unit and develop a deep sense of community and shared purpose. By manufacturing everything ourselves, we’re not just creating products; we’re building a long-term investment in the future of our brand and the individuals who make it possible.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @d_a_n_i_elle._
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellemcmillan/
- Other: The website is being developed. We are just getting started within the past four months and have been mainly underground. If they come to my IG page, all my pages are in my bio and hopefully by time this is published. My website is there also.
Image Credits
Album Covers: V. Rose Lens Productions by V. Rose
Danielle headshot: Ama Serapheona of Flutterfly Media