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India’s Azadi With Record Labels

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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.

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Introducing Hanumankind, Kerala’s Boundary-Breaking Rapper

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Have you ever envisioned a rapper from Kerala taking off similar pranks for a viral music video on the internet? That’s exactly what HanuMankind’s “Big Dawgs” has accomplished, racking up over 17 million views on YouTube and holding the 43rd position in the worldwide top music video chart right now. 

“Pushing culture baby, got that product you can’t measure,” is the official slogan of the “Big Dawgs.” Rapper HanuMankind, who was born in Kerala, wrote, sang, and performed the song that launched desi hip-hop on a worldwide scale. This newest Instagram success is causing social media influencers, music reviewers, and fans worldwide to go crazy.

The newest mega song, “Big Dawg” featuring Kalmi, is causing quite a stir among hip-hop fans worldwide. Texas is where Sooraj Cherukat, better known by his stage as HanuMankind, spent his formative years. He created the ideal combination of desi and global components in the ‘Big Dawg’ music video by incorporating sounds with a Texas flavour.

‘Big Dawg’ is a raw video with a South American flavour, shot in Ponnani, Kerala, a coastal district. It has a desi swagger and an explosive punk vibe that is hard-hitting due to its South Indian location. It is Instagram-worthy thanks to its intense drumbeats, gritty graphics, heart-pounding moments, and deft editing.

With songs like “Rush Hour,” “Genghis,” and “Go To Sleep,” HanuMankind is becoming one of the most prominent names in popular hip-hop. ‘Big Dawgs’ has now catapulted him to an unparalleled level as an industry innovator.

 

Bijoy Shetty is the director of “Big Dawgs,” and Kalmi of Brown Crew Productions is supporting the film. The main rider, Sulthan Sheikh, Moor Saleem, Muhammad Shadab Ansari, and Kashish Sheikh all perform the tricks.

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Ashwin Bhaskar I Making Waves In The K-pop Universe

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The limelight is nothing new to the 27 year old Singer-Songwriter Malappuram native, Ashwin Bhaskar who went crazy viral last year for his insane dialogue remix – Perfect Ok. He is back and is making waves in the world acclaimed K-pop music universe as well.

Ashwin has released a cover collaboration of the Korean hit single Tattoo with the original singer herself – AleXa and is racking up raging views. The music video currently Trending #24 on YouTube Music is a huge shoutout to all the K-pop die hard fans right here in Kerala and we couldn’t be prouder!

Watch it here:

Checkout his music on Spotify and his latest single Story In A Nutshell.

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The Upcoming and Released Album Calendar

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It’s nearly impossible to keep up of everything that’s coming out each year, with more music being released every year. The options are seemingly unlimited, ranging from pop to hip-hop to alternative to K-pop to country, not to mention vinyl, re-releases, and collectible editions.

Check out these upcoming and released Albums-

Sept 3-

Drake, Certified Lover boy

Sept 10-

Diana Rose, Thank You

September 17-

Daughtery, Dearly Beloved

September 24-

Diddy, Off the grid Vol 1

October 1 –

Lady Gaga and Tony Bennet, Love for sale

October 8-

Lala Lala, I Want the Door to Open

 

Words by: Malavika Venugopalan

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