# DAS (Dylan) — Artist Roadmap 2026-2029
## From 517 Monthly Listeners → 1 Million by Age 30

---

## PHASE 1: Foundation
**Timeline:** January 2026 → March 1, 2026

| Metric | Target |
|--------|--------|
| Starting Listeners | 517 |
| Goal | 3,000 - 5,000 |

**Actions:**
- Consistent release schedule
- Build initial fan base
- Establish brand/presence

---

## PHASE 2: Collab Grind
**Timeline:** March 2026 → June 2026

| Metric | Target |
|--------|--------|
| Starting Listeners | 3-5K |
| Goal | 10,000 |
| Method | 6 collaboration attempts |

**Actions:**
- **6 Collab Attempts** — reach out to artists in similar/adjacent genres
- **3 Singles** pushed for label release:
  - Target Labels: **Cyclops Records**, **Deadbeats**, **Bitbird**, **Ophelia (Seven Lions)**
- Goal: Get at least one single signed to a label

**Why Collabs Work:**
- Cross-pollinate fanbases
- Build relationships for later (festival stage appearances)
- Label attention from joint releases

---

## PHASE 3: Festival Season 1
**Timeline:** Summer 2026 (June - September)

| Metric | Target |
|--------|--------|
| Listeners | 10K+ |
| Goal | Exposure + Industry Networking |

**Opportunities:**
1. **Play collab live on stage** — Join a collab partner during their set
2. **Discovery Project slots** — Apply for emerging artist programs
3. **Label side-stage takeovers** — If released on a label, play their stage

**The Real Goal:**
- Get noticed by a **mid-to-large artist** who wants support acts
- Build relationships with booking agents and managers
- Create content/moments that grow social presence

---

## PHASE 4: Tour Support
**Timeline:** Late 2026 → Early/Mid 2027

| Metric | Target |
|--------|--------|
| Starting Listeners | 10K |
| Goal | 30,000 by start of 2027 |

**What Happens:**
- Mid/large artist invites Dylan on tour as **opening act**
- Nightly exposure to new crowds
- Fan base grows organically from live shows
- Merch sales begin generating revenue
- Social content from tour = algorithmic boost

**Key Milestone:** 30K monthly listeners by January 2027

---

## PHASE 5: Booked Era
**Timeline:** 2027 (Full Year)

| Metric | Target |
|--------|--------|
| Starting Listeners | 30K |
| Festival Status | Early slots (afternoon) |

**What Happens:**
- Dylan starts getting **real festival bookings** (not just Discovery/side stages)
- Playing earlier slots but ON the main lineup
- Building festival resume

**THE BIG MOVE — Mid-2027:**
# 🔥 SOPHOMORE ALBUM DROP 🔥
- Major, sought-after second album release
- Timed with touring momentum
- Label backing + marketing push

**Result:** Massive growth from the **trifecta:**
1. Touring regularly
2. Festival appearances
3. Sophomore album with label support

---

## PHASE 6: Night Slots + Headlining
**Timeline:** 2028

| Metric | Target |
|--------|--------|
| Festival Status | **NIGHT SLOTS** |
| Tour Status | **OWN HEADLINING TOUR** |

**What Happens:**
- No longer support act — Dylan IS the draw
- Festival promoters booking for prime evening slots
- **Own headlining tour** (not opening for anyone)
- Agent negotiating higher guarantees
- Bigger production budget

---

## PHASE 7: Dream Collabs + Coachella
**Timeline:** 2028

**Dream Collaborations:**
- **Subtronics** collab
- **SVDDEN DEATH** collab
- Other major artists in the bass/dubstep scene

**Major Festival:**
- **Coachella** performance
- Global exposure
- Press coverage + documentary moments

---

## PHASE 8: The Goal — DAS 30
**Timeline:** End of 2028 → January 2029 (Dylan's 30th Birthday)

| Metric | Target |
|--------|--------|
| Monthly Listeners | **1,000,000+** |
| Festival Status | Major festival headliner/sub-headliner |
| Tour Status | Full headlining tours |

**Milestone:** Dylan turns 30 with 1M+ monthly listeners and legitimate headliner status

---

## Summary Timeline

```
JAN 2026     517 listeners
    ↓
MAR 1 2026   3-5K listeners
    ↓        [6 COLLABS + 3 LABEL SINGLES]
JUN 2026     10K listeners
    ↓        [FESTIVAL SEASON 1: Discovery, Takeovers, Play w/ Collab]
FALL 2026    Tour Support (Opening)
    ↓
JAN 2027     30K listeners
    ↓        [GETTING BOOKED - Early Festival Slots]
MID 2027     🔥 ALBUM DROP 🔥
    ↓        [BLOWS UP: Tour + Fests + Album]
2028         Night Slots + Own Headlining Tour
    ↓
JAN 2029     1M+ listeners — DAS 30 🏆
```

---

## Target Labels for Singles

| Label | Vibe | Key Artists |
|-------|------|-------------|
| Cyclops Records | Bass/dubstep | Various |
| Deadbeats | Bass house/melodic bass | Zeds Dead |
| Bitbird | Future bass/melodic | San Holo |
| Ophelia | Melodic dubstep | Seven Lions, Jason Ross |

---

## Success Metrics by Phase

| Phase | Listeners | Revenue | Bookings |
|-------|-----------|---------|----------|
| 1 | 517 → 5K | Minimal | None |
| 2 | 5K → 10K | Streaming only | Collab features |
| 3 | 10K+ | Small fees | Discovery/Takeover |
| 4 | 10K → 30K | Tour merch + fees | Support act |
| 5 | 30K → 100K+ | Album + touring | Festival early slots |
| 6 | 100K → 500K | Headlining tours | Night slots |
| 7 | 500K → 1M+ | Major headliner | Headline |

---

*Roadmap created February 2026 — Target completion January 2029*
