ITV

Category: Music and Youth

  • Spotify partners with Warner Bros and DC to launch new audio series on Batman

    Spotify partners with Warner Bros and DC to launch new audio series on Batman

    Mumbai: Spotify India has announced its new original audio series titled “Batman Ek Chakravyuh” – a Hindi adaptation of the audio streaming platform’s global audio series “Batman Unburied.”

    The audio series premieres globally  on 3 May with nine international adaptations, including the original English-language script for the US, and localised versions developed for India, Brazil, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, and Mexico.

    “Batman Unburied” is the first project to debut as part of Spotify’s global multi-year agreement with Warner Bros and DC. The partnership will leverage DC’s vast library of iconic characters in new Spotify podcasts to unite fans around the world in an unforgettable audio experience.

    “‘Batman Ek Chakravyuh’ takes listeners on a journey where the characters inhabit the mind and linger long after the tale is over,” said the platform in a statement.

    The all-star cast for “Batman Ek Chakravyuh” includes Amit Sadh (as Batman), Sharib Hashmi (as The Riddler), Shweta Tripathi (as Barbara Gordon), Anangsha Biswas, Aseem Hattangady, Ashwin Mushran, Danish Hussain, Pooja Gor, Rajat Kapoor, Sarika and, Vrajesh Hirjee. Bringing David S Goyer’s creation to life in India is Mantra Mugdh, the director of the audio series.  

    While commenting on the announcement, Spotify India head of podcasts Dhruvank Vaidya said, “’Batman Ek Chakravyuh’ has been specially created for our local listeners and establishes new frontiers in audio storytelling for India. It brings an all-time favourite Super Hero to millions of listeners in India. Through our partnership with Warner Bros and DC, we have the unique opportunity to take Batman deeper into the market. Today, 1 out of 4 Spotify users in India listens to podcasts, and we hope that this spine chilling soundscape masterpiece, which tells the transcendent story of the one and only Bruce Wayne, brings his fans to Spotify.”

    “It has been absolutely thrilling to take on the mantle for a superhero such as Batman, that too in audio and with Spotify. You can expect nothing short of an epic, cinematic audio thriller, the likes of which India has never heard before. Voicing Batman was an experience in itself and I am glad we get to show our audience a re-imagined caped crusader,” asserted the actor Amit Sadh.

    “I am a fan of David Goyer’s Batman films and his tight plot brings out the different shades of Batman’s story so well. To have the opportunity to portray Barbara Gordon in the audio series written by him is truly special. Barbara Gordon is such an inspirational firebrand, a go-getter who knows what she wants and will stop at nothing to get that. It has been a fun experience voicing her in Batman Ek Chakravyuh.” said actress Shweta Tripathi Sharma.

    “Batman Ek Chakravyuh” is a psychological thriller that takes listeners on a new journey deep into the mind of Bruce Wayne, introducing a slew of dark twists and turns with a number of classic Batman super-villains. When audiences meet Bruce Wayne he is a forensic pathologist, working in Gotham Hospital and tasked with examining the victims of The Harvester, a gruesome serial killer preying on Gotham City’s citizens. Not only will Wayne be forced to face his own mental demons, but he will also have to overcome them to save the citizens as his alter-ego, Batman.

    Listeners can also stream the English version of the podcast featuring Winston Duke as Bruce Wayne surrounded by an A-list cast that includes Hasan Minhaj, Gina Rodriguez, Jason Isaacs, and Lance Reddick.

  • Sahas Malhotra named as CEO of JioSaavn

    Sahas Malhotra named as CEO of JioSaavn

    Mumbai: JioSaavn has appointed entertainment industry veteran Sahas Malhotra as its new CEO. With his appointment, the music company aims to continue providing enhanced holistic audio experience to consumers, it said.

    “In this role, Malhotra will be based out of the company’s headquarters in Mumbai and lead its endeavors in a constantly evolving and exciting Indian market,” said the statement.

    Before joining JioSaavn, he was associated with Amazon Music as a director. He brings on board an experience of twenty four years in the entertainment industry, in building teams, film marketing, music P&L management, licensing, media planning, music publishing and product management.

    Over the years, Malhotra has also worked with renowned industry players like Sony Music India and Tips Industries. At Tips Industries, Sahas was leading the business at Tips Music and marketing for Tips Film production, in addition to leading extensive marketing verticals for the business.

    As the director of digital and new business at Sony Music India for  over 12 years, he successfully led his team to achieve revenue targets in the fast-changing entertainment industry. In addition, Malhotra also led Sony Music India’s digital P&L and mentored teams across media planning, media buying, promotions, marketing alliances and new business development departments.

    His impressive track record also includes extensive understanding of mobile value-added services, online music, online video marketing, syndication, media planning & buying, music publishing, TV, print & radio marketing, social media marketing, online advertising and film marketing.

  • Viacom18 launches promo for music platform ‘KaanPhod’

    Viacom18 launches promo for music platform ‘KaanPhod’

    Mumbai: Viacom18’s youth, music and English entertainment cluster has launched a promo film for its recently announced artist label and music platform ‘KaanPhod.’  

    The new division will offer language-agnostic music-centric content across multiple digital as well as major audio streaming platforms including Hungama, Wynk, Amazon Prime, Spotify, Jio Saavn, Resso, and YouTube.

    ALSO READ | Viacom18’s YME cluster launches new business division ‘KaanPhod’

    “KaanPhod, aims to be the number one destination for artists and music discovery,” said the statement. “Music enthusiasts can dive into all things music – from original tracks of emerging artists, unscripted shows, to documentaries on renowned music personalities, international music trends, masterclasses and even live jam sessions with India’s favourite artists.”

  • JetSynthesys, Warner Music launch podcast for women of South Asian diaspora

    JetSynthesys, Warner Music launch podcast for women of South Asian diaspora

    Mumbai: Digital entertainment and technology company JetSynthesys and Warner Music India have come together to launch “EkWomen,” a podcasting and networking platform for women of the South Asian diaspora. The podcast is available on audio streaming platform – Spotify.

    “EkWomen” is conceived and produced by JetSynthesys’ Medha Jaishankar (BBC World former producer and Reliance Entertainment consultant) and Monika Patel (journalist/host Midday, Uppercrust, and JetSynthesys’ Daily Hinduism video series and Mata Monique podcasts).

    The podcast addresses a lacuna in the podcast world by creating a global sisterhood through uplifting stories of the struggles and successes faced by diaspora women of South Asian heritage. In the next phase, it plans to add community building and on-the-ground networking sessions across several countries including India.

    The interviewees include – “Chopped” show judge and chef Maneet Chauhan; celebrity make-up artist and entrepreneur Shalini Vadhera; ClassPass founder, dancer, and novelist Payal Kadakia; yogini and novelist Ira Trivedi; Teach For India founder Shaheen Mistri; leading UK Muslim female comic Shazia Mirza; Kama Sutra expert, storyteller, and mythologist Seema Anand; philanthropist and humanitarian Meera Gandhi; artist Sujata Bajaj, Pulitzer award-winning journalist and Dean of Berkeley School of Journalism Geeta Anand, and author, activist and academic Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.

    “At JetSynthesys, we have always aimed at building social communities, not just to bring people together, but to connect thoughts and ideologies. We are extremely delighted to join hands with Warner Music India once again to launch ‘EkWomen,’ providing strength and support to South Asian diasporic women aiming to overcome challenges and achieve their dreams,” says JetSynthesys vice-chairman and MD Rajan Navani.

    “The podcasts on the platform have been thoughtfully curated with stories of victories and struggles. We will soon bolster our other offerings on the platform to build a stronger network and a support system across the world,” he adds.

     “We are delighted to launch ‘EkWomen’ in association with JetSynthesys. The initiative focuses on building an inspiring ecosystem for millions of South Asian women and empowering them with a hope to create their own success stories,” shares Warner Music India MD Jay Mehta.

  • Warner Music, JioSaavn launch artist discovery programme ‘Spotted’

    Warner Music, JioSaavn launch artist discovery programme ‘Spotted’

    Mumbai: Warner Music India and JioSaavn on Tuesday announced the launch of ‘Spotted’- an artist discovery programme designed to provide a powerful launchpad for artists. The programme was launched in partnership with Rolling Stone India.

    As a DSP, JioSaavn will collaborate with Warner Music India, to be able to release audio and video content.

    ‘Spotted’ will discover new artists from the East, West, North, and South regions of the country each month, across Hindi, English, and Punjabi categories. In addition to aiming for maximum representation from all regions, the partners will also ensure all discovered artists be supported with a robust plan to get them noticed across the industry.

    April onwards, aspiring musicians and singers will be able to upload their original tracks on a microsite. The programme will discover one artist per month who will be chosen by industry veterans, namely -Salim Merchant, Divine, Jonita Gandhi, and Papon. “Every language, every city, every dialect has its own melody. I am keen to see what Spotted will discover in the coming months,” said the playback singer and composer Papon.

    The discovered artists will be featured on the Spotted playlist on JioSaavn and in Rolling Stone India stories. With this initiative, Warner Music India and JioSaavn will create a program that will add value to the growth of the audio industry in the country.

    “We are constantly looking for fresh sounds and exciting music to share with our readers. Spotted adds to our endeavour to bring independent talent into the spotlight and give them an opportunity to shine. We hope to create more opportunities for artists across the county,” stated Rolling Stone India spokesperson.

  • 9XM launches influencer-driven food show ‘9XM Ka Yum’

    9XM launches influencer-driven food show ‘9XM Ka Yum’

    Mumbai: Music channel 9XM has announced a new food show called “9XM Ka Yum” starting on 14 March at 5 p.m on 9XM, at 7 p.m on 9X Jalwa and 8 p.m on 9X Tashan.

    The show will feature some of India’s most popular food vloggers namely Harry Uppal, Chicken Leg Piece, Official Sahi Hai, Bhooka Sand, Sadi Gaddi. These vloggers will take you through an Indian street food journey exploring the cultural diversity of tastes and flavours. The show also offers insights into what it takes to be a successful content creator, said the statement.

    Besides featuring some of the most well-known food vloggers, the show will also serve a generous helping of humour from hosts – Bade and Chota. 9XM has conceptualised a signature “Yum” tune and interesting trivia to complement the show on TV.

    “Food and music are both happy spots for everyone,” said 9X Media chief programming officer Amar Tidke. “People bond over them as food and music are loved by family and friends. With ‘9XM Ka Yum’ we want to showcase the awesome work that’s being done by content creators from India and bring their amazing food stories to a larger audience. These creators are extremely popular amongst the youth and have a massive fan-following across the country. The ingredients of super-hit songs with bite-sized stories should work together for making a truly yummy dish!”

  • Indian superstar Diljit Dosanjh signs deal with Warner Music

    Indian superstar Diljit Dosanjh signs deal with Warner Music

    Mumbai: Diljit Dosanjh, widely known as the ‘Super Singh of Punjab,’ has announced a partnership with Warner Music, the first time he’s signed a deal with a major record company.  Dosanjh is one of India’s leading stars and has found fame as an actor, singer, songwriter, and television presenter. 

    Dosanjh will be working with Warner Music to amplify his global music career. He has forthcoming singles with Canadian rapper Tory Lanez and the Tanzanian star Diamond Platnumz, who announced his own partnership with Warner Music last year.

    He has starred in some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful Bollywood and Punjabi films of all time – appearing in the likes of “Honsla Rakh,” “Jatt & Juliet,” “Jatt & Juliet 2,” “Punjab 1984,” “Sardaar Ji,” “Super Singh,” “Sajjan Singh Rangroot,” “Shadaa” and “Udta Punjab.”

    Dosanjh also enjoys a parallel stellar music career. He has recorded 13 studio albums and established himself as one of Punjabi music’s biggest stars.  His 2020 album “GOAT” was featured on Billboard’sGlobal Chart and went Top 20 in Canada. His latest track “Lover” has already generated more than 68 million views on YouTube.

    “I’m delighted to be collaborating with Warner Music.  Together, we’ll take Indian music way beyond the usual diaspora audiences to the top of the global charts,” said  Diljit Dosanjh. “I’ve already started working with some of Warner Music’s artists from other countries and it’s proving an exhilarating creative process.  I’m just so proud to be playing my part in putting Indian music firmly on the global map.”

    Diljit Dosanjh’s manager Sonali Singh added, “Diljit Dosanjh is a cultural phenomenon.He has sold-out venues in the UK such as the SSE Arena, Wembley, the First Direct Arena in Leeds and the Birmingham Arena. Diljit’s growth as a global artist has been unprecedented and we’re hopeful that this partnership with Warner Music India will take us one step closer to making Diljit a global music star.”

    “Punjabi music has long been popular in India and it’s now igniting international interest. You don’t get many bigger names in the genre than Diljit Dosanjh and with our creative expertise and global marketing network, we can help him reach new audiences worldwide andbecome a truly global name,” stated Warner Recorded Music CEO Max Lousada.

    “Just signing this deal has been an exhilarating process.  From our first midnight meeting to pulling together two music videos in our first weekend of working together, Diljit brings a passion and creativity that draws you into his world,” commented Warner Recorded Music president – emerging markets Alfonso Perez-Soto. “We’ve already had our Indian, Canadian and Latin American teams working on his campaigns and our ambition for him is truly global.”

    Jay Mehta, Managing Director, Warner Music India, concludes: “We’re excited to partner with the versatile and supremely talented Diljit Dosanjh. He’s a true entertainer and has struck a chord with the audiences across the globe with both his acting and singing prowess – a true rarity.His songs are already a rage with anybody who enjoys Punjabi music across the globe.”

    The partnership is the latest landmark move from Warner Music India, which launched just two years ago in March 2020.  The company swiftly signed a licensing deal with Tips Music, which owns the rights to some of the most popular Bollywood films ever produced; founded the Maati label, dedicated to the fast-growing Indian folk music genre; signed several distribution deals focused on labels from India’s different cultural and linguistic traditions.  In the Punjabi music scene, Warner Music has signed partnerships with Ziiki Media and Sky Digital.  

    Warner Music India is growing its domestic roster of superstar and developing artists, hitting the headlines last month when it signed a partnership with Armaan Malik, setting up the Always Music Global label dedicated to homegrown talent, and arranging to release his non-film music.  The company has also had success with Warner Music’s international roster in India, helping the likes of Alec Benjamin, CKay, Dua Lipa and Masked Wolf storm the charts.

  • Shemaroo Bhakti unveils its ‘Mahashivaratri’ collection

    Shemaroo Bhakti unveils its ‘Mahashivaratri’ collection

    Mumbai: Shemaroo Bhakti, the devotional-focused vertical from the house of Shemaro, has unveiled a new collection of devotional songs on the occasion of Mahashivaratri. The fresh compilation has renowned singers Shankar Mahadevan, Anuradha Paudwal, and Samar Singh lending their voices.

    The Mahashivaratri collection includes ‘Shiv Tandav’ by Shankar Mahadevan, ‘Shiv Gatha’ – a compilation of short stories on Lord Shiva – sung by Anuradha Paudwal, and a new bhajan ‘Hum Hai Deewane Mahakal Ke’ rendered in Hindi by Bhojpuri folk singer and actor Samar Singh.

    This new collection can be accessed exclusively on the Shemaroo Bhakti YouTube channel.

  • Mirchi announces new show ‘Shape of You’ with Shilpa Shetty

    Mirchi announces new show ‘Shape of You’ with Shilpa Shetty

    Mumbai: Music and entertainment company Mirchi has announced its new show “Shape of You” with Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty as the host. The talk show on celebrity fitness will be available on Mirchi’s YouTube channel – Filmy Mirchi. 

    “Each episode of ‘Shape of You’ will feature Shetty in candid conversations with a B-town celebrity about their mental and physical transformation from the time they debuted till the present day. It will also reveal their workout routines, and fitness mantras. Through the show, fans will get a sneak-peak into the lives of their favourite celebrities and their secret tips and tricks to stay fit,” said the statement.

    The show will be a star-studded series featuring popular artists from the industry including John Abraham, Jacqueline Fernandes, Masaba Gupta, Badshah, Shehnaz Gill, among others, it added.

    “Shilpa’s knowledge, experience, and jovial personality form the baseline for the show; we couldn’t have found a better fit,” said Mirchi executive president Nandan Srinath. “We are keen on witnessing the response that the show receives and hope to set new records with its success. Also, we are glad to have Pintola as presenting sponsor for the first-ever season of ‘Shape of You’ and wish to have a fruitful relationship ahead.”

    “My journey with fitness and wellness started over 15 years ago, and my involvement in it grew post giving birth to my first child,” remarked Shipla Shetty Kundra. “Over time I have realised the importance of health and fitness in my life, and I want to play the role of a catalyst in people’s lives who are looking to embark on this journey. Through ‘Shape of You’ and through the ‘Simple Soulful App’, I want to reach out to more people who want to pay attention to themselves as well as their health and wellness.”

    The show is presented by Pintola Peanut Butter and co-powered by Sofit. “‘Shape of You’ is an attempt to make a healthy difference in the lives of many. We will continue encouraging everyone to adopt a healthy lifestyle through our 100 per cent natural, high in protein, and zero preservatives products,” stated Das Foodtech head of marketing Anand Patel.

  • Hungama Artist Aloud launches app with Big FM India & Vimal

    Hungama Artist Aloud launches app with Big FM India & Vimal

    Mumbai: Hungama Artist Aloud, a platform that supports and promotes independent artists and content has partnered with Big FM India, alongside Vimal Bolo Zubaan Kesari as a special partner, to launch the Hungama Artist Aloud app. The app has been developed by D’Cafe.

    Spanning over 40 languages and 50+ genres such as pop, rock, hip hop, folk, indie, EDM, ghazal in music and multi-regional comedy talent, this hub for all independent artists across original content art forms will be available on Android and iOS and Hungama Artist Aloud Web.

    Right from its inception, Hungama Artist Aloud has endeavoured to present a platform for independent artists to showcase their talent and reach out to a wider base of listeners spread across the nation. With the genre’s popularity rising as independent artists carve their niche and fandom, the app, via the ‘Go Live’ feature will provide them with a democratic approach to perform live events anywhere, anytime and earn revenue, said the statement.

    “Right from the start, Hungama Artist Aloud has envisioned creating a tech-backed community for independent artists and their music to thrive. The idea behind the launch of the app is to promote independent talent globally, and to help them reach out to a diverse audience,” said Hungama Artist Aloud SVP Soumini Sridhara Paul. “Independent content has been on the rise and we are thrilled to present these talented artists with a platform that takes them to further heights. We are glad to take our vision forward alongside like-minded partners such as BIG FM India, Vimal – Bolo Zubaan Kesari, and the app developers, D’café. We thank them for their support as we look to create a wider fan base for independent content and the artists by leveraging their expansive reach and network.”

    With a view to fostering the relationship between artists and their fans, the ‘S2A’ (Subscribe to Artist) feature will allow users to buy a subscription to their favourite artist. In addition to receiving early access to content, these users will be the first to know, via notifications, when the artist whom they’ve subscribed to has uploaded new content. They will also receive one free live event pass that can be used anytime for any live event, within one month of the subscription.

    Apart from a platform to perform live and earn revenue, the Hungama Artist Aloud app will also aid independent artists with a host of marketing services.

    “Today, listeners are spread across platforms. Starting their day with radio, they subsequently move to other streaming platforms throughout the day. In such times, being ubiquitous is the need of the hour and we at Big FM, keep our listeners as the top priority,” remarked Big FM chief brand and digital officer Sunil Kumaran. “Our partnership with Hungama Artist Aloud is to expand our wings and venture into different avenues for our listeners and stakeholders. Through the new app, we will have a multi-format digital presence which empowers our listener base across 58 stations to engage with BIG FM in another fresh manner.”

    “It’s always fun to collaborate with a dedicated team. Hungama Artist Aloud made the experience all the more thrilling by being open to innovation. Being their technology partner has been an interesting journey for us. It has been a wonderful creative exchange that has fuelled our curiosity. We look forward to pursuing this partnership in the long run,” added D’café CEO Vineet Dhawan.