Adnan Sami Signs Exclusive Collaboration Deal with Zee Music Company For Non-Film Music, QARAN Also On Board (EXCLUSIVE)

Adnan Sami has inked a deal with Zee Music Company, exclusively for non-film music. The music label has announced the expansion of its artist roster with the signing of the composer, singer and virtuoso pianist, who also is a Padma Shri awardee. ZMC has also onboarded QARAN, a contemporary pop artist and producer known for modern pop hit “Haaye Oye” and his breakout film hit “Tareefan” (from “Veere Di Wedding”).

Sami has been one of the most influential names in Indian pop and film music for over three decades now. The collaboration marks a new creative chapter for the artist, aimed at bringing his upcoming signature melodies in the spotlight, with the release of a series of original non-film singles.

The label has also doubled down on contemporary music offerings, by signing up artist, producer and composer QARAN, who’s known for blending Indian melodic sensibilities with global production styles.

The label, launched in 2014, today has an expansive catalogue spanning soundtracks as well as non-film music. Calling the current development the entry into a “defining phase” for Zee Music Company, Chief Business Officer, Sujal Parekh, says it has been done with the intent to “build a dynamic platform for artist-led music.” On the vision behind getting these diverse artists on board, Parekh says, “Our vision is to create a home where iconic voices and next-generation creators can thrive together. Adnan Sami’s artistry and Qaran’s contemporary pop sensibility represent two powerful ends of the spectrum. Partnering with them signals our commitment to shaping the next era of Indian music for both domestic and global audiences."

Sharing that music has always been about “evolution and connection” for him, Adnan Sami says the partnership allows him “the creative freedom to explore new genres while staying true to melody.” The artist has worked with several labels over the years. When asked what’s different about this one, he exclusively tells Variety India, “What makes this association special is our shared vision for the future of my music. My musical life has been formed by a wide spectrum of genres that have influenced me deeply as an artist, yet many of those references have remained largely absent from my released work. With ZMC, there is a rare openness to this artistic curiosity: they have embraced my desire to venture into these diverse genres and styles, and to finally share facets of my musical upbringing that I have not yet revealed to the world. Most importantly, they genuinely believe in this new vision and have wholeheartedly opened their arms to embrace it, support it, and walk with me on this new musical adventure; which is what makes this partnership especially meaningful, because the joy of collaborating is always greater when the other side is equally invested in where the journey can go."

For his part, QARAN sounded excited to push the new sound of Indian pop music in an era “where it can travel globally while staying true to its roots.” When asked what he expected from the partnership with ZMC, he answers, “Pushing boundaries with my sound has always been a priority, so with this partnership you can expect a lot of fresh, genre-defying music. I love experimenting creatively, and this collaboration gives me the platform to work with talented artists and create the kind of music I’m excited to share with my audience.”