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Tag: A.R. Rahman

  • Tips Music turns up the heat with Tamil party anthem Mayangiren

    Tips Music turns up the heat with Tamil party anthem Mayangiren

    MUMBAI: If music is meant to move you Mayangiren might just have you dancing before you know it. Tips Music ltd. has dropped its latest Tamil track, Mayangiren, an all-out party anthem that promises to electrify playlists and pack dancefloors across the globe.

    Directed by Johnavan Lakshman Thomas, Mayangiren bursts with youthful energy, rhythm, and flair, a sonic celebration of freedom and fun. But the real magic begins when Luksimi Sivaneswaralingam takes the mic. The Toronto-born singer, who has previously worked with maestros A.R. Rahman and D. Imman, brings her signature blend of Western polish and South Asian soul to the song, creating a sound that’s as global as it is grounded. Her rich, emotive vocals glide over pulsating beats, lifting the song into instant earworm territory.

    The music, composed by Selojan Srivaratharasan, is an addictive cocktail of thumping percussion, slick synths, and joyous hooks, the kind that makes even the most reluctant dancer tap along. Selojan also mixed, mastered, and produced the track, ensuring that every beat lands with precision and punch. Complementing the sound is Sathyan Ilanko’s clever, relatable lyricism that captures the carefree thrill of letting go, losing oneself to rhythm, and embracing the chaos of a perfect night out.

    But Mayangiren isn’t just a track, it’s an experience. The accompanying music video, bursting with colour, choreography, and celebration, mirrors the song’s vivacity, turning it into a visual fiesta. With its sleek direction and youthful vibe, the video amplifies the energy of the track, making it impossible to resist replaying.

    Speaking about the release, Tips Music said the track embodies the label’s mission to amplify diverse voices and dynamic sounds from across India’s evolving music scene. Over the years, Tips has championed new-age artists who bridge cultural influences while keeping Indian music at the heart of their art and Mayangiren is a shining example of that ethos.

    In a musical landscape dominated by remixes and reboots, Mayangiren stands out for its originality and spirit, a feel-good anthem that’s equal parts desi groove and global pop sheen. With its pulsating soundscape and addictive rhythm, it’s tailor-made for road trips, rooftop parties, and weekend playlists alike.

    Now streaming across all major platforms and lighting up the Tips Tamil Youtube channel Mayangiren is ready to soundtrack your celebrations. So, turn up the volume, forget the world, and as Luksimi sings just mayangiren.

  • A.R. Rahman to serenade the Ganga in Varanasi

    A.R. Rahman to serenade the Ganga in Varanasi

    MUMBAI: The Ganga is set to hum to a new tune this November, one composed by none other than A.R. Rahman. On 29 November, NDTV Good Times will host Harmony by the Ganga at Namo Ghat, Varanasi, where the maestro’s melodies will meet the river’s timeless rhythm.

    Performing in Varanasi for the very first time, Rahman will bring his signature fusion of classical roots and contemporary sound to India’s oldest living city. The evening promises to be a spiritual symphony, where ragas, reverence and Rahman’s genius flow together in perfect harmony.

    Joining him on stage will be Jhalaa, a band handpicked by the composer himself. Their collaboration will create a musical bridge between tradition and modernity, filling the ghats with notes that echo long after the final chord fades.

    Preparations at Namo Ghat are already in full swing, with a grand stage, cutting-edge sound design and lights choreographed to complement the sacred setting. Every detail is being fine-tuned to ensure the night feels as immersive as the music itself.

    The event follows NDTV Good Times’ much-lauded Sonu Nigam by Dal Lake concert in Srinagar, which revived large-scale cultural celebrations in the Valley. With Harmony by the Ganga, the channel continues its journey of crafting landmark musical moments that unite art, heritage and emotion.

    When Rahman’s notes rise over the Ganga’s gentle flow, Varanasi will witness not just a concert, but a confluence of sound, soul and centuries of tradition.

  • Sanjay Subashchandran takes charge as chief operating officer at Vision Time and TrendLoud

    Sanjay Subashchandran takes charge as chief operating officer at Vision Time and TrendLoud

    CHENNAI:  Media and entertainment executive Sanjay Subashchandran has been named chief operating officer of Vision Time India and TrendLoud Digital India, bolstering his already deep involvement with the south Indian content and events scene.

    The dual appointment formalises a remit he has long straddled. At TrendLoud, where he has served as COO since 2020, Subashchandran built a creator economy powerhouse—launching 15 digital channels, producing 23 web series for major OTT platforms and locking in more than 1,000 influencer partnerships.

    A co-founder of TrendLoud in 2015, he previously headed the business for five and a half years, managing media activity for over 80 production houses and delivering 12,000 hours of television content across the south.

    Subashchandran has kept a parallel grip on Vision Time since 2013 as all-India head of media, marketing and content, where he strengthened channel management, drove revenue through strategic partnerships and created Singoo Candy Rush, an interactive children’s property.

    He is also director of the digital-promotion start-up PickMySlot and co-founder of Maximise Entertainment, an events outfit that has staged large-scale celebrity concerts and brokered endorsements for stars from A.R. Rahman to Vijay Sethupathi. Earlier, he ran VisionPro Event Management for 15 years, producing advertiser-funded shows and spectacles such as PepsiCo’s Ooh La La La music talent hunt judged by Rahman.

    With more than two decades in marketing, events and digital content, Subashchandran now consolidates his influence across Vision Time’s broadcast operations and TrendLoud’s fast-growing digital network.

  • Licence to thrill as Hoopr smash reshapes India’s music licensing game

    Licence to thrill as Hoopr smash reshapes India’s music licensing game

    MUMBAI: India’s content creators have been grooving without a licence until now. In a game-changing move for the booming creator economy, Hoopr has launched Hoopr Smash, a slick, self-serve music licensing platform that finally lets brands, agencies, and creators use hindi and regional tracks legally and affordably without hitting a sour note.

    This digital-first marketplace is shaking up the copyright jungle by giving creators instant access to music from one of the most iconic catalogues in Indian cinema: YRF Music, with over 1,000 blockbuster tracks. It also ropes in 17 regional labels and over 380 artists, from A.R. Rahman and Vishal-Sheykhar to Badshah, Bohemia, and Jasleen Royal, offering a library of more than 18,000 licensable tracks and counting.

    With India churning out 80,000 branded content pieces and 550,000 creators posting daily, music is often used with more enthusiasm than legality. As per industry estimates, 87 per cent of music use in content is wilfully violating copyright, bleeding the industry of a jaw-dropping Rs 3,600 crore annually. Hoopr Smash wants to plug that leak and fast.

    The platform works like an e-commerce checkout for beats. Users can license a track in under 15 minutes, choosing from bundles or per-track payments. Content is sorted by use case, mood, and moment, think Diwali jingles or wedding reels plus a live ‘Trending Tracks’ feature keeps brands tuned in to what’s hot. Whether it’s a mangalsutra ad or a monsoon campaign, there’s a song for every storyline.

    Commenting on the launch, Hoopr co-founder & CEO Gaurav Dagaonkar said: “As an artist, I have experienced the challenges of India’s fragmented music licensing ecosystem where even my own songs have been used without permission or payment. While brands want to license music the right way, they often find themselves navigating a complex and inconsistent process while trying to license songs. Licensing Bollywood music in particular has often been complicated, with unclear legal pathways and limited access for most brands. With Hoopr Smash, we are addressing this gap by building a transparent, accessible, and efficient platform that simplifies the legal licensing of popular Bollywood songs for all stakeholders. We envision Hoopr Smash becoming the go-to destination for ethical music licensing, empowering brands to create freely and fearlessly, while ensuring artists and music owners receive the value they truly deserve.”

    Adding to this Hoopr co-founder & CRO Meghna Mittal said “Hoopr Smash is designed to address the long-standing issues of Bollywood music licensing. After extensive research with 160 plus brands and agencies, we understood that there were some major pain points volatile pricing, long negotiations, and decentralized clearance processes. Smash eliminates this by displaying Bollywood music-trending updates in real time, offering intelligent track curation, and instant licensing, allowing brands to access popular tracks faster and stay legally compliant. The site offers affordable pricing and a seamless checkout experience, and ensures that artists and labels are dealt with fairly. This is a giant leap in building an open and sustainable music licensing infrastructure in India.”

    Commenting on this unique partnership Yash Raj Films Pvt. Ltd. vice president of digital & new media Anand Gurnani stated, “Hoopr’s technology presents an exciting opportunity for us to expand our reach to long-tail consumers and enhance the accessibility of our music catalogue. This partnership not only provides brands with seamless access to our extensive music catalogue but also streamlines the licensing process, ensuring efficient and compliant usage. We are confident that this collaboration will open up exciting opportunities for responsible brand engagement across short-form formats while helping us connect with wider audiences.”                  

    In a content landscape bursting with reels, remixes, and reaction videos, Hoopr Smash lands as a much-needed remix to India’s outdated music licensing scene. More than a tech tool, it’s a cultural clean-up. By marrying ease, legality, and fairness, Hoopr Smash might just be the soundtrack to a more ethical, efficient content future.

  • A.R. Rahman unveils the anticipated soundtrack of his immersive film Le Musk

    A.R. Rahman unveils the anticipated soundtrack of his immersive film Le Musk

    Mumbai: Renowned composer and Oscar-winning music maestro A.R. Rahman has released the highly anticipated soundtrack of his groundbreaking immersive film, Le Musk. The soundtrack with 12 soulful and varied tracks, launched globally today on Believe Music, promises to captivate listeners with a fusion of ethereal compositions that transcend boundaries, much like Rahman’s iconic body of work.

    Le Musk, an innovative sensory cinematic experience directed by A.R. Rahman himself, merges music, fragrance, and visual storytelling to immerse audiences in a new kind of film and narrative. The soundtrack, created to complement the immersive experience, features Rahman’s signature style — a blend of Jazz, Orchestra and eclectic elements combined with soulful melodies.

    Speaking about the soundtrack launch, award-winning composer A.R. Rahman said, “Music is the heartbeat of Le Musk. It carries the soul of the film, guiding the audience through an emotional and sensory journey. The film is a labour of a lot of hard work and love, where we tried to push the boundaries of how we use technology to create something truly immersive and I am thrilled to finally share this soundtrack with the world and offer a glimpse into the world we’ve created.”

    The Le Musk soundtrack takes listeners on an evocative journey, blending Jazz, orchestral, and world music influences to create an atmospheric soundscape. With tracks that echo the film’s story of love, memory, and sensory exploration, this album promises to be a one-of-a-kind listening experience for both long-time Rahman fans and newcomers.

    Collaborating on the 12 varied tracks with notable names, including Nora Arnezeder, Sana Moussa, Linda Lind, Mayssa Karaa, Hiral Viradia, Simona Gilbert, The Firdaus orchestra and the Budapest Orchestra, the soundtrack of Le Musk also marks the association with the award-winning music engineer Greg penny.

    Global Impact and Collaboration

    The album’s global release on Believe Music underscores Rahman’s vision to bring his innovative works to an international audience. Le Musk not only marks Rahman’s directorial debut but also sets a new standard for immersive storytelling. Speaking about showcasing the film to a larger world audience Rahman said “We are in the process of setting up immersive experience studios across the world to bring Le Musk to audiences the world over. The film would not have been possible if not for my team who worked tirelessly to push the boundary of what was known to be possible.”

    The Le Musk soundtrack is now available on all major streaming platforms via Believe Music.

  • A. R. Rahman, Alan Meyerson & Subhash Ghai announces as speakers for All About Music 2024

    A. R. Rahman, Alan Meyerson & Subhash Ghai announces as speakers for All About Music 2024

    Mumbai: All About Music, a B2B conference in the music industry, has released the initial lineup of speakers for the 8th edition, promising an exciting and diverse range of global music industry professionals, taking place on the 6th, 7th and 8th of August at Grand Hyatt, Mumbai.

    Some of the speaker names include the renowned composer and playback singer, A. R. Rahman, Subhash Ghai, Lisa Mishra, Andreea Gleeson (CEO, TuneCore). Grammy-winning sound engineer and mixer Alan Meyerson, Vivek Raina (Managing Director, Believe India), Marielle Jakobson (chief product officer, Embody) and artists – Sanju Rathod and Chaar Diwari amongst others.

    The official theme for All About Music 2024 is ‘Synthesis.’ Embracing change, fostering collaboration, networking and envisioning a sustainable future for the music industry! The 8th edition marks the beginning of a new life cycle for AAM. A chance to think long-term for the industry as a whole, and the role we hope to play in getting us there.

    Tickets for All About Music 2024 are now available on the Paytm Insider platform.

    Buy tickets here – https://bit.ly/3REFDsN  

  • NEXA Music Season 3: Celebrating the power of Indie music in India

    NEXA Music Season 3: Celebrating the power of Indie music in India

    Mumbai: Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) announced the launch of NEXA Music Season 3, a transformative platform celebrating the vibrant and diverse indie (independent) music landscape in India.

    Music is a cornerstone of the NEXA philosophy, embodying the brand’s belief in creating experiences that inspire. NEXA Music stands on the ‘Create. Inspire’ brand philosophy, caters to the connected, demanding, and evolved urban consumer.

    This season, NEXA Music forays into regional music in addition to English music, offering participating artists a unique opportunity to showcase their talent to a global audience alongside superstars such as King, Raja Kumari and Arjun Kanungo under the guidance of A.R. Rahman.

    Announcing the launch of NEXA Music Season 3, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd senior executive officer, marketing & sales Partho Banerjee said, “NEXA Music is about breaking boundaries and creating extraordinary experiences. With Season 3, we are embracing India’s rich and diverse musical landscape. With NEXA Music, our goal is to discover and nurture artists from every corner of the country, bringing their unique voices to the forefront. Under the spotlight of globally renowned musicians like Mr. A.R. Rahman, these artists will create original compositions that resonate globally. We anticipate an overwhelming response to NEXA Music Season 3 as we continue to offer the NEXA global experience.”

    Expressing his enthusiasm, A.R. Rahman commented, “India is a treasure trove of diverse musical talent. NEXA Music Season 3, in partnership with Qyuki, is an extraordinary initiative to unearth and celebrate both English and regional music from across the country. The last two seasons have given several artists access to global platforms for displaying their talent. I am delighted to be part of this journey and look forward to discovering exceptional talent that will bring the richness of Indian English and regional music to the world stage.”

    NEXA Music was created to promote and cultivate original indie music talent in India. Seasons 1 and 2 each saw the emergence of 24 standout musicians mentored by global music icon A.R. Rahman supported by Clinton Cerejo. The winners of each season saw their efforts culminating in the release of original tracks and music videos, amassing millions of views on YouTube and establishing a strong digital presence on leading audio streaming platforms such as Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Music.

    Building on the robust foundation of the last two seasons, NEXA Music Season 3 will embrace the rich tapestry of India’s diverse musical landscape. Besides English music, it will also spotlight artists who sing in regional languages, offering them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create and share their unique musical expressions on a global platform.

    Emerging artists from anywhere in India can submit their tracks on www.nexamusic.com to participate in NEXA Music Season 3. The jury comprising A.R. Rahman, NEXA, and Qyuki will shortlist contestants from all entries received. These contestants will be showcased at the ‘NEXA Music Lab’, which identifies and focuses a spotlight on their talent.

    NEXA Music Season 3 will continue to be anchored by its two foundational pillars: NEXA Music Lounge and NEXA Music Lab.

    ●    NEXA Music Lounge: The Lounge will showcase headline performances from top indie artists and winners of previous seasons, who will contribute their original compositions to elevate the NEXA Music platform. Season 3 will feature indie legends including Raja Kumari, King, and Arjun Kanungo in addition to the curator, A. R. Rahman.

    ●    NEXA Music Lab: The NEXA Music Lab is where selected participants will receive guidance from international music publishers alongside global music icon A.R. Rahman. Emerging artists will have a platform to showcase their original work, allowing for complete creative expression.  This ensures their original compositions and music videos reflect their true artistic vision.

    NEXA Music Season 3 promises to be a landmark album, celebrating the depth and diversity of India’s musical heritage. By embracing talent across the country, it will continue to redefine the musical landscape, creating a vibrant and inclusive platform for artists to shine.

    Artists can click on www.nexamusic.com to participate and submit their entries.

  • AR Rahman faces legal trouble over Le Musk copyright issues

    AR Rahman faces legal trouble over Le Musk copyright issues

    Mumbai: Koshayojan Services Ltd and MAI Labs LLC, entities under the MAI Group, known for their cutting-edge innovations in immersive experiences, have initiated legal proceedings against acclaimed music composer, A.R Rahman, along with other entities such as Positron, LLC, Intel Corporation, and The Feelies Ltd who were involved in the production of a short cinematic sensory experience film titled ‘Le Musk’.

    ‘Le Musk’ purportedly incorporates elements strikingly reminiscent of MAI Group’s pioneering technology, raising significant questions about intellectual property rights and creative ownership in the entertainment industry. Produced and directed by AR Rahman, it is a 37-minute cinematic sensory experience. The virtual reality piece is a one-of-a-kind sensory experience using scents and haptics.

    The MAI group has enlisted the expertise of top law firm, Luthra and Luthra Law Office India, to spearhead legal action against the unauthorized utilization of their revolutionary sensory-driven technology which seamlessly integrates all five human senses into immersive content interactions, transcending the conventional boundaries of sensory experiences.

    The entities under MAI Group plan to sue him against “unauthorized utilization of their revolutionary sensory-driven technology.” The group claimed to have a technology that can integrate all human senses and create a transcendental immersive experience for all its users.

    With MAI Group’s portfolio of six cutting-edge patents, they redefine the boundaries of sensory experiences. Their patented inventions provide a novel approach to creating a unified content system that integrates all five human senses – sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch – into a single or multiple devices. By delivering a comprehensive and immersive five-sense content interaction, in which parts of the content interaction system are integrated into a piece of smart furniture, MAI Group’s innovative system is set to revolutionize the way users perceive and interact with content in its unique way.

  • Star Sports sees a 24 per cent increase in overall build-up programming reach ahead of IPL 2024

    Star Sports sees a 24 per cent increase in overall build-up programming reach ahead of IPL 2024

    Mumbai: Star Sports, the official broadcaster of Tata IPL 2024, has already set new viewership benchmarks for the upcoming season. Since the commencement of its IPL build-up programming, Star Sports has witnessed a remarkable 24 per cent increase in viewership compared to last year, reaching an astounding 245 million viewers as of 15 March 2024. The total consumption for build-up programming has soared to 21.3 billion minutes, an impressive 26 per cent higher compared to last year. This unprecedented engagement, even before a ball is bowled, highlights the overwhelming popularity, enhanced storytelling in multiple languages, and the network’s connection with fans across different cohorts.

    Star Sports has left no stone unturned in delivering an exciting opening. Viewers on TV will get to see exclusive interviews with 8 of the 10 IPL captains on their vision for the upcoming tournament. Outside of the opening ceremony, Star Sports will be airing exclusive content with some of the biggest celebrities including Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Kareena Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, A R Rahman, Vijay Devarakonda, Prabhudeva and many more.

    With a Starcast of more 150 commentators and presenters, including former players with more than 40 IPL titles among them, 12 IPL team coaches, 18 World Cup Winners, 12 international captains and more, viewers can expect an engaging broadcast. There is already a lot of excitement for the comeback of Navjot Singh Sidhu in the Star Sports commentary box after almost a decade.

    This weekend, Star Sports will also be premiering some of their innovations. The biggest one being the AI technology that enables international commentators to speak Hindi in their original voice, connecting with a wider audience during the thrilling TATA IPL 2024 matches throughout the season. Additionally, the ‘Shor Meter,’ will capture real-time crowd noise decibel levels, quantifying the nation’s passion for their biggest heroes and best cricketing moments.

    The official IPL broadcaster has always believed in customising feeds. Along with the focus on languages, Star Sports is going to be launching a special feed for hearing-impaired and visually-impaired fans- Indian Sign Language feed. In addition, kids can enjoy a special Sunday feed to get closer to the game. Also, for the first time, the broadcaster is producing IPL in the unmatched combination of Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision.

    Star Sports is geared up for an electrifying season that promises fans unprecedented access, cutting-edge technology, and a star-studded lineup of cricketing legends and esteemed commentators.

    Watch the thrilling action of the TATA IPL 2024 on television live from 22 March only on the Star Sports Network.

  • Warner Bros Discovery dominates Digital Reinvent Innovation Awards with big wins

    Warner Bros Discovery dominates Digital Reinvent Innovation Awards with big wins

    Mumbai: In a significant achievement, Warner Bros Discovery proudly reveals multiple wins at the esteemed Digital Reinvent Awards 2023. Discovery original series “The Journey Of India,” clinching the distinguished Gold Title for Limited or Anthology series in the ‘Best In Content Creation’ category. Sharing the spotlight in this category, “Money Mafia Season 3” takes home the silver award.

    Amplifying its position as the leader of the factual entertainment space, Warner Bros Discovery also secured the silver title for “The Journey of India” in the category of ‘Documentary or NonFiction Program or Series’. Spanning a wide range of subjects, the series features Amitabh Bachchan as the host and provides an in-depth look at the nation’s progress, influences, and accomplishments on its 75 years of independence. Notable figures who have contributed to the show’s captivating narrative include Anand Mahindra, Kajol, Karan Johar, S.S. Rajamouli, Amish Tripathi, Rana Daggubati, A. R. Rahman, chef Vikas Khanna, Nandan Nilekani and Naina Lal Kidwai.

    Discovery, South Asia head of factual and lifestyle cluster Sai Abishek shared, “We are deeply honored by the success of our Indian originals at the Digital Reinvent Awards 2023. From ‘The Journey of India,’ a heartfelt tribute to India’s remarkable 75-year journey, to ‘Money Mafia,’ we strive to create compelling stories that connect with our audiences through our gripping non-fiction narratives. This recognition fuels our dedication to crafting engaging series that resonate with our viewers.”

    Sai also mentioned, “We extend our gratitude to Black Iris for their collaboration on ‘The Journey of India’ and Vice Media for their contribution to ‘Money Mafia.’ Their invaluable partnership enhances the celebration of this significant achievement.”

    The Digital Reinvent Renovation Awards, held virtually on 1 December, 2023, recognised outstanding achievements in streaming entertainment. Acknowledging the exceptional contributions of individuals and organisations reshaping the digital entertainment landscape, the ceremony positions Warner Bros Discovery as the frontrunner in the infotainment space.