MUMBAI: The Indian music industry is constantly innovating and experimenting, in its zest to emerge as one of the leading music industries across the globe. From exploring digital platforms to mushrooming talents, the industry is grasping every given opportunity. One of the biggest record label today, Universal Music India accompanied by India’s premier Entertainment channel Vh1 and leading live music venue Hard Rock Café is all set to launch a pioneer initiative titled ‘Contrabands’ and contribute to the growth and development of the music industry.
Universal Music Group International (UMGI) is driving the initiative entirely, with the help of two partners. With an aim to discover, nurture and build a stage for Indie artists, Universal Music India has announced Contrabands for artists in India and South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation(SAARC).
Speaking with Radioandmusic.com, Universal Music India and SAARC MD Devraj Sanyal says, “The initiative is the birthing of a brand new platform dedicated to indie artists from our region of India & SAARC.”
The platform is a three way joint venture between Vh1, Hard Rock Café and Universal Music. “All three of us will discover, curate and eventually publish the most deserving indie bands with full loading that a premier artist commands today. The loading specifically entails recording a full length album, shooting high quality videos of the said artist with mainstream play on Vh1 and assured tours within the Hard Rock Cafe network and then beyond,” adds Sanyal.
The head honchos- Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd SVP and GM English Entertainment Ferzad Palia, Universal Music India and SAARC MD Devraj Sanyal and JSM corp co-founder and executive director Sanjay Mahtani, will unveil the initiative on 6 March at HRC in Mumbai. Lost stories are the first artist chosen for the initiative.
“Contrabands will be a unique and one of a kind platform in the world today. India is producing some serious talent and Contrabands will ensure they are given a fair chance to be seen and heard across the globe. Super talents is any may be exported to our global Universal Music Group International networks,” Sanyal says.