Universal Music India has entered into an exclusive partnership with Albuquerque Records, the independent label launched by singer-composer Anirudh Ravichander. The deal will cover upcoming pop and hip-hop releases from Anirudh, along with music from artists signed to the label. The first release under the partnership is expected in early April and will feature Anirudh.
The collaboration is positioned as a long-term play to build Albuquerque Records into a platform for emerging artists, while expanding the global reach of Anirudh’s work. Universal Music India will work closely with the label on distribution and international rollout.
Since debuting in 2012 with Why This Kolaveri Di, Anirudh has grown into one of the most commercially successful composers from South India. His catalogue spans over 770 tracks and has crossed 13 billion audio streams, making him the most streamed South Indian artist on Spotify by total streams. Alongside this, he remains a dominant force in the Tamil OST space, with tracks such as Hukum, Vaathi Coming, Arabic Kuthu, Monica, A23 Theme, Aaja Raja and Aya Sher.
For Universal Music India, the partnership continues its focus on South Indian markets across Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Telugu music. It also strengthens its presence in pop and hip-hop, genres that are increasingly shaping the region’s mainstream.
Devraj Sanyal, Chairman and CEO, Universal Music India; 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.”
Anirudh Ravichander said: “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, Universal Music India, said: “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.”
