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Tag: Sony Music

  • Sony Music acquires music rights for ‘Brothers’

    Sony Music acquires music rights for ‘Brothers’

    MUMBAI: Sony Music Entertainment has acquired the music rights of Dharma Productions’ action – drama film Brothers. Directed by Karan Malhotra, the film is an official remake of the 2011 Hollywood film Warrior.

     

    After Ageneepath, this is the second time the successful team of Dharma Productions, Sony Music, Karan Malhotra, Ajay-Atul and Amitabh Bhattacharya will be working together.

     

    Sony Music India marketing director Sanujeet Bhujabal said, “Dharma and Sony Music have always created great musical milestones and the music of this film will be another such. Composed by the multi award winning duo Ajay -Atul’s who will weave in magic with their melodies and the lyrics penned by Bhattacharya, this album will a worthy follow up to the smashing soundtrack of Agneepath.”

     

    Produced by Dharma Productions, Lionsgate Films and Endemol India, the film is set to release on 14 August 2015.

  • Sony Music & Legacy Recordings sign Steve Vai for multi-album deal

    Sony Music & Legacy Recordings sign Steve Vai for multi-album deal

    MUMBAI: Sony Music Entertainment and Legacy Recordings have signed virtuoso guitarist/composer/producer Steve Vai to a new multi-album agreement, which includes plans to issue two fresh Vai sets in 2015 beginning with the release of Stillness In Motion – Vai Live in L.A. on 7 April, 2015.

     

    Vai’s first release under the new Sony/Legacy agreement will be Stillness In Motion – Vai Live in L.A., a performance recorded 12 October, 2012 at Club Nokia in Los Angeles. Available in 2CD and 2DVD configurations, Stillness In Motion revisits the 49th concert from Vai’s monumental Story of Light World Tour.

     

    Running from 2012 through 2014, The Story of Light World Tour totaled out at 253 engagements (including shows, master classes and concerts with various orchestras) in 52 countries.

     

    In addition to the full Club Nokia performance, the 2DVD configuration of Stillness In Motion includes a bonus disc premiering “The Space Between the Notes (Tour Mischief),” a revelatory video diary comprised of more than three and a half hours of footage, lensed around the world on-stage, off-stage and behind-the-scenes during Vai’s epic Story of Light World Tour.

     

    “To say that this tour was a powerful life experience would be like saying the sun is hot,” writes Steve Vai in his personal liner notes penned for Stillness In Motion.

     

    Following Stillness In Motion, Sony/Legacy will release an album of new Steve Vai material, marking a significant next chapter in the musician’s growing canon.

     

    The new multi-album deal marks an SME homecoming for Vai, who set the gold and platinum standard for rock instrumental music across a series of albums released through Relativity and Epic Records from 1990’s game-changing Passion and Warfare (his 2nd album and 1st major label release) through 2007’s orchestral Sound Theories, Vol. I & II.

     

    Vai will be hosting his second Vai Academy — the ultimate guitar experience — 2-6 August, in beautiful Vail, Colorado, at The Arrabelle at Vail Square. With the theme All About The Guitar set for this year, attendees will spend four days and nights discovering the intricacies of the guitar while enjoying once-in-a-lifetime clinics, workshops and jams from the likes of Vai and his handpicked guest instructors, including special guests Eric Johnson and Sonny Landreth.

  • Sony Music launches second YouTube channel for kids

    Sony Music launches second YouTube channel for kids

    MUMBAI: Sony Music has launched its second YouTube channel for kids called D’Art of Science featuring Deepak Pathania, India’s very own Steve Spangler.

     

    Known for his magical videos that artistically blend fun and innovation with science, Pathania, through this channel aims to inspire and educate kids with entertaining science presentations backed by simple scientific explanations. 

     

    The channel will continue to showcase his creative journey driven by science and logic with the new videos being uploaded every weekend.

     

    Pathania said, “I’m really excited on the launch of my virtual world of science for kids. This will not only give kids an all access to an avalanche of videos but also a place where they can learn cool science tricks, and experience the magic of science in their daily lives. Eventually this alternate method of learning will reflect positively in their education.”

     

    Sony Music Kids head Anjana Devraj added, “We are happy to expand our kids’ portfolio with Deepak Pathania’s creative and educational videos based on scientific experiments. Last month we had launched India’s first YT channel for kids – MadStuffWithRob in partnership with YouTube, which has received an amazing response. We are sure that D’Art of Science will also become a massive hit and become the most watched kids Science channel across all media.”

     

    D’Art of Science on YouTube will have interactive videos across genres including fun science, school science, innovation, science DIY’s and toys based on science.

     

  • MixRadio 6th Music Connects: Shaping the digital future

    MixRadio 6th Music Connects: Shaping the digital future

    MUMBAI: India’s music industry will be headed for one address come 4 and 5  November 2014 – The Taj Lands End, Bandra, Mumbai where  the 6th edition of MixRadio Music Connects (MRMC) by Music Matters and Radioandmusic.com is to be held.

     

    As with previous editions, the 6th MRMC has attracted the cr?me de la cr?me of the music ecosystem, right from streaming services to music labels to international and independent Indian music talent to mobile operators, live companies and social media agencies. The focus of the two day conclave is to find solutions to increase monetization and build traction for all those involved in the music business, with a special emphasis on the artiste community.

     

    Amongst the highlights of the 6th MRMC – which has “Shaping the Digital Future” as its theme – are keynotes by MixRadio head Jyrki Rosenberg, one on one conversations with Chrysalis Records founder Terry Ellis as well as Live Nation APAC head Alan Ridgeway,   a state of the industry overview by Sony Music India president Sridhar Subramanium, and an address by talented well-known film maker and helmer Imtiaz Ali. 

     

    All India Bakchod’s standup comic Tanmay Bhatt, world music and YouTube sensation duo Maati Baani and international cross over musicians Tomas Kantelinen and Canadian singer Natalie De Luccio – both of whom are forging a career in mainline Indian Bollywood music – are among those who will be talking about their journeys as artistes.  Additionally, SongHubs collaboration between Australian musicians and writers will be revealing what their partnership has meant and share its results.

     

     

    The representatives of the world’s leading music streaming services – MixRadio Music, Guvera, RDIO, Believe Digital, Samsung, Wynk, Gaana, will be represented on panels which seek to get insights on the current issues and the way forward for them in a world where more and more music is being consumed digitally on every device by the new-age-always-online consumer.

     

    Musicians and artistes will get an understanding of how they can establish themselves in the online and mobile universe by building, maintaining and continually engaging fans through social and digital media initiatives. Offering them advice will be executives from YouTube, Foxy Moron, WatConsult and To11 Media Inc.

     

    Brands are increasingly playing a role in music and senior managers from Unilever, Taj Hotels, Bacardi and MTV will provide a perspective on what they are doing with music and what makes brands want to invest in music initiatives.

     

    Says Rosenberg: “I’m looking forward to being in Mumbai for our 6th year as partners of MixRadio Music Connects. The music industry in India is innovative and thriving and I’m looking forward to plenty of lively debate from all the key players. MixRadio has some exciting product developments which we’ve chosen Music Connects as the place to share with the world next week.”

     

    Adds Branded and Music Matters co-founder & CEO Jasper Donat: “The 6th MixRadio Music Connects is already shaping up to be the best yet but this is only possible with the continued support and dedication MixRadio gives to the music industry in India. The music industry relies on corporate partners for growth and innovation and no other brand on the planet comes near MixRadio (and their former iteration as Nokia Music) for the support they give to the entertainment industry in the world’s second largest country.”

     

     

    “We are grateful to MixRadio for following through on its association and support with Music Connects which has become the definitive annual thought- leading get-together for the Indian music business,” says Indiantelevision.com’s radioandmusic.com founder Anil Wanvari.  “Our effort this year has been to get a greater understanding of the music streaming business story and the opportunities for musicians and artistes in the new digital universe in which they can directly build monetisable connects with their fans in the Indian and global context. Interactions between them and labels, mobile operators, live managers and other players will possibly generate some ideas to better build music’s digital future in India.”

  • Set the dance floor on fire with ‘Chull’!

    Set the dance floor on fire with ‘Chull’!

    MUMBAI: After getting the entire nation groove to ‘Saturday Saturday’ from Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, Sony Music is all set to release Punjab’s rap-sensation – Badshah and Fazilpuria’s party anthem ‘Chull’.

     

    With a hook that sticks with listeners, the song is extremely upbeat with urban sounds and Badshah’s Rap that is sure to catch on to youngsters very quickly. In addition, the video of the song has been given a cool and international look that matches the foot-tapping beats of the song. Featuring Badshah and Fazilpuria, the video has 50 girls grooving to the song and was shot in locations in Gurgaon, Fazilpuria’s homeground

     

    Said Badshah in a statement, “All this is for my fans, they have loved my work and I am sure they will love this too!”

     

    Added Fazilpuria, “It has been great working with Badshah on this fun song. We have already received a great response by our fans and I am sure people will love the song video.”

     

    An addition to Sony Music’s artist repertoire, Badshah’s ‘Chull’ is ought to be the upcoming party slogan of the year!

     

    Sony Music recently signed on Badshah, who got his first Bollywood break with ‘Saturday Saturday’ in Dharma Productions forthcoming film Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania that has now become a party anthem!

  • Sony Music collaborates with A.R Rahman’s K M Conservatory to create tracks from ‘XSCAPE’

    Sony Music collaborates with A.R Rahman’s K M Conservatory to create tracks from ‘XSCAPE’

    MUMBAI: Music industry giant Sony Music has collaborated with musician A. R. Rahman’s K M Conservatory music school to create cover versions of two songs from the King of Pop, Michael Jackson’s new music from the album ‘XSCAPE’. It is for the first time in India that official versions of Michael Jackson’s songs will be released giving his music an India feel.  

     

    Two official song versions of the single Love Never Felt So Good and Slave to the Rhythm will be available for download and streaming by the third week of June. The project within a week of its release is number one on iTunes India and across all other major streaming platforms.

     

    Commenting on the association, KM executive director Fathima Rafiq said, “It is a wonderful opportunity for KM to be creating Indian-influenced covers of these tracks from such a legendary musician. We hope to capture the spirit and essence of Michael Jackson’s music and infuse them with elements from different Indian traditions to make new musical masterpieces showing homage to his legacy.”

     

    KM academic coordinator Adam Greig added, ‘Although KM primarily teaches western and Indian classical music, working on MJ’s music demonstrates how connected popular music is with its classical past tradition. The students are relishing the chance to prove their mastery of these skills in re-working these tracks. I find it amazing how easily and naturally the Indian elements blend into the mix.”

  • Sony Music Entertainment buys strategic stake in Infibeam

    Sony Music Entertainment buys strategic stake in Infibeam

    NEW DELHI: Sony Music has bought strategic stake in Infibeam Digital Entertainment (INDENT) with Infibeam holding majority stake in the company and Sony Music holding a 26 per cent stake post completion of transaction.

     

    INDENT with its clear strategic focus will offer an attractive platform to large and medium music labels in India and internationally. Any music label or brand holding rights to content can use the INDENT platform to engage customers and monetize by distributing digital as well as physical content under their own brand with payment integrations.

     

    Sony Music Entertainment President India and Middle East Shridhar Subramaniam said, “INDENT fills a need gap for all music rights owners. As the digital eco system keeps evolving, there has been a strong need for an independent technology company that music companies can partner with to build innovative services and offerings. Every content owner has aspirations to reach consumers and brands directly. INDENT empowers these labels with a scalable and commerce ready platform.”

     

    Infibeam founder & CEO Vishal Mehta added, “INDENT continues to build state-of-the-art inclusive digital platforms powering music applications installed on millions of mobile phones and high quality experience to music lovers.  It will enable brands, technology and music on common interface with innovative customer engagement models.”

     

    Last year, Sony Music partnered with the new range of Sony Xperia Smartphones to launch ‘Sony Music Jive’ – a first of its kind music service that allows consumers to download and stream music from the Sony Music Catalog of two million songs, which was powered by INDENT. Post the successful launch of the Jive application on the Xperia smartphones in India, the same application was launched in Indonesia, North Africa and Middle East markets.  The service was also extended to Sony VIAO laptops in 2013.

    With large repository of music content, INDENT will continue developing applications for many large labels and brands with integrated Telco billing, OEM bundling and social platforms. Currently, INDENT offers its service to Sony Music, INRECO (The Indian Record Manufacturing Company), to name a few.  INDENT is projecting revenues of $3-5million in current year.

  • Hindi promotional music for ‘The Spider Man 2’ released by Sony Music

    Hindi promotional music for ‘The Spider Man 2’ released by Sony Music

    NEW DELHI: The promotional Hindi music video of ‘The Amazing Spider Man 2’ has been released officially by Sony Music.

     

     The film is being released on 1 May in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. The music can be heard on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVT93bhOntk.

     

     Main Hoon has been composed, sung and produced by Sanam Puri with lyrics has been given by Samar Puri and Manoj Yadav.

     

    Sanam Puri is from the band ‘SANAM’ and is its lead vocalist, co-composer and producer of India’s biggest pop band and is also the voice behind Bollywood hits like ‘Dhat Teri Ki’ and ‘Ishq Bulava’. With a number of other Bollywood songs already in the pipeline, Sanam Puri is known today as one of India’s most loved, upcoming voices.

     

     Samar Puri from ‘SANAM’ is the lead guitarist, co-composer and producer of the band.  Samar is Sanam Puri’s real brother.  Besides making incredible guitar parts for the band, Samar Puri is also the man behind all the lyrics written for the band ‘SANAM’.

     

     Keshav Dhanraj  is the drummer, co-composer and producer. Dhanraj is also the brand manager for some of the world’s top drum brands like Pearl Drums, Zildjian and Evans in India.

     

     Venky S is the bass guitarist, co-composer and producer ‘SANAM’.  He is also a soulful, versatile singer of western music, which brings in an entirely new element to music composed by the band.

  • Yahoo India gets a new MD in Gurmit Singh

    Yahoo India gets a new MD in Gurmit Singh

    MUMBAI: There’s a top level change in the Yahoo India management. Gurmit Singh has been appointed as the Managing Director for Yahoo India. As MD, Singh will oversee Yahoo’s business in India and will be responsible for its growth in the country. He will report to Yahoo  VP & Head of India and South East Asia Yvonne Chang.

     

    With over 20 years of experience, Gurmit brings with him a deep understanding of the media and entertainment industry in India. Prior to joining Yahoo, Singh was the CEO of Forbes India at Network 18.

     

    Chang said, “Gurmit comes to Yahoo with a strong track record of delivering growth. His understanding of users and advertisers will be a great asset for Yahoo as we bring a number of product innovations to India. Yahoo is a loved brand in India, and we are very happy to have a leader of Gurmit’s caliber leading the team.” 

     

    Gurmit Singh, who took up his new role at Yahoo today, said “An Internet industry pioneer, Yahoo is now at a very exciting point in its journey. It truly reflects the energy and spirit of the world’s largest startup. Working together with an extraordinary team in India and colleagues across the world, I am looking forward to unlocking the full potential of Yahoo products and services in India.”

     

    During his career Gurmit has held leadership roles across Consumer Products, Music & Entertainment and Media sectors, working for companies such as Sony Music, Hindustan Times, India Today Group, Rajshri Media, Marico Industries and most recently at Network 18.

     

    Gurmit received his Masters in Business Administration from the Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) at the University of Delhi. He is also a University Gold Medalist in Mechanical (Production) Engineering from Osmania University, Hyderabad.

  • Shakira unveils brand new single featuring Rihanna

    Shakira unveils brand new single featuring Rihanna

    MUMBAI: Multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter, philanthropist, and global recording artist Shakira unveils today the worldwide release of her brand new single entitled “Can’t Remember To Forget You” featuring Rihanna available now via Sony Music worldwide. Shakira will also be releasing her forthcoming studio album on March 25, 2014. 

     

     

    “Can’t Remember To Forget You”feat. Rihanna was co-written by Shakira and Rihanna, John Hill, Tom Hull, Daniel Ledinsky, and Erik Hassle and produced by Shakira, John Hill, and Kid Harpoon.

     

    Both Shakira and Rihanna shared the news and cover art for the new single with their fans via Twitter and Instagram last week.

     

    Shakira is currently in the studio recording her brand new album working with a who’s who list of top collaborators including John Hill (Santigold, Jay Z, The Vaccines), Kid Harpoon (Florence + The Machine, Calvin Harris), Greg Kurstin (P!nk, Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry), Steve Mac (Kelly Clarkson, One Direction), Mark Bright (Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts), Busbee (P!nk, Lady Antebellum, Katy Perry), and The Messengers (Pitbull, Chris Brown, Christina Aguilera) set for release March 25th on RCA Records/Sony Latin Iberia.

     

    Over the course of her career, Colombian singer-songwriter and Grammy winner Shakira has sold over 60 million records worldwide and has won numerous awards including two Grammys, eight Latin Grammys, four World Music Awards, three American Music Awards and five Billboard Music Awards, to name a few. She is the only artist from South America to have a number one song in the US, and has had four of the 20 top-selling hits of the last decade. At the age of 18, she founded the Pies Descalzos (Barefoot) Foundation which currently provides education and nutrition to over six thousand impoverished children in Colombia and is expanding its work to other countries, including newly launched projects in Haiti and South Africa.  In October 2011, Shakira was named a member of President Obama’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics.  Shakira served as coach on the 4th season of “The Voice,” NBC’s hit reality vocal competition series that searches for the nation’s best voice. She will return to the show on season 6.