Universal Music India (UMI) has announced an exclusive partnership with Anirudh Ravichander’s new independent label, Albuquerque Records.
The India division of Universal Music Group (UMG) will work with Albuquerque Records to release pop and hip hop music by Ravichander and future artists signed to the label.
The aim is to expand the artistic influence of the singer-composer, Ravichander, who is the most-streamed south Indian artist on Spotify. Anirudh is also a leading composer in the Tamil Original Soundtrack (OST) space, with global chart-topping successes ranging from Hukum and Vaathi Coming, to Monica, A23 Theme, Aaja Raja, and others.
Anirudh debuted as a composer in 2012 with his global viral hit, Why This Kolaveri Di, and has since amassed more than 13 billion audio streams across his over 770-plus tracks.
Anirudh represents the future of Indian music – bold, original, and with enormous potential
Devraj Sanyal
UMI has maintained a focus on south India, working closely to support and amplify the region’s four key south language markets (Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Telugu). The partnership with Anirudh plans to propel groundbreaking music from the region onto the global stage.
Devraj Sanyal, chairman & CEO, UMI; SVP Strategy, AMEA, said: “Anirudh represents the future of Indian music – bold, original, and with enormous potential. At Universal Music India, identifying transformative talent is our superpower, and this partnership reflects that belief. We’re proud to stand behind Anirudh as he embarks on his next chapter, and helps take more Indian music to the world.”
Ravichander added: “Albuquerque Records was built to be an artist-backed, homegrown label focused on nurturing independent talent and taking their sound to the global stage. Universal Music India’s leadership in pop and hip-hop made them the natural partner. I’m excited to champion the next wave of Indian independent voices and take them to audiences around the world.”
Sanujeet Bhujabal, managing director, UMI, commented: “Anirudh has long been a defining force in shaping the creative landscape beyond music. Alongside his stellar track record of innumerable hit songs for films, he commands a phenomenal fanbase that engages deeply with his creative output. Albuquerque Records represents Anirudh’s bold artistic vision in the world of pop and hiphop. True to his legacy of innovation, this partnership is set to establish yet another landmark creative space – this time for the emerging world of iPop and beyond."
PHOTO (L-R): Devraj Sanyal, UMI; Adam Granite, UMG; Anirudh Ravichander; Sunjeet Bhujabal, UMI
