Music

India’s Azadi With Record Labels

Published

7 years ago

July 17, 2017

FWDmedia

FWD Life India’s Azadi With Record Labels

The new and independent record label!

Text: Devika V Menon Photos: Various Sources

You’re known as the ‘New Independent Record Label’. How does it feel?

We’re part of a few. There a bunch of new independent records labels who are doing some amazing work – like Consolidate (run by Rahul Giri aka _RHL) in Bangalore, Knowmad Records by Aazin and Kumail in Mumbai, Dasta and Jwala as well. The attention we’ve gotten is appreciated, but it also brings with it additional pressure (to match the audiences’ expectations) and we hope we can step up to the plate and deliver.

You’d partnered with Saavn to release Prabh Deep’s track. What gave you the idea to do so?

Saavn is one of the biggest music streaming services in the region today. They get what we’re trying to do, and it provided us with a good platform to promote Prabh’s music on. Internationally, such deals (for exclusive premieres, etc.) are common and we’re glad there’s a company that’s trying to bring that culture and support Indian independent artists here.

If you were to name three favourite tracks that you’ve discovered, what would they be?

As someone who’s covered this space as a journalist, I’ve been really impressed with a lot of artists in the region, especially within South Asian hip-hop. There’s a lot of unreleased Prabh Deep stuff that I know is going to stay with me for life. I think ‘Mere Gully Mein’ by Divine, Naezy and Sez is an important landmark for the genre and is a timeless classic. ‘Jawaab De’ by Faris Shafi in Pakistan is another one. The third track would have to be ‘Sura Target’ by a group called Jalali Set from Bangladesh.

What is your take on political music?

It’s incredibly important. Music and culture have always played a pivotal role in any social / political movement. It allows people to register their dissent against the issues facing their community and society at large. In India, we have an incredible history of political music that’s been lost or erased. From the freedom struggle to the Naxalbari movement, there’s always been a cultural element associated with these movements. It’s important to document and recognize them because it represents a voice that we usually don’t get to hear in our country. Today, this music comes from hip-hop artists across the country (from Kashmir, Imphal, Delhi, Mumbai, etc.) and groups such as Kabir Kala Manch and the Relaa Collective and it’s important that we listen to what these artists are trying to say because they represent a section of our society that is experience conflict, poverty, and injustice. These are the voices we’re trying to help and amplify.

Related Topics:Azadi Records FWD This Record Label

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