Anirudh Ravichander turns label boss with Albuquerque Records

In what is a logical leap forward, one of India's most sought-after composer-performers, Anirudh Ravichander has just announced the launch of Albuquerque Records, a homegrown record label founded and curated by him. Anirudh has designed the label with the express intent to "build a rich catalogue across film and non-film music (pop) music, while also serving as a platform for nurturing original voices and championing the future of regional pop", according to a press note.

Anirudh's fixation with the hit American television series "Breaking Bad" continues, as evinced by the name of his record label, an obvious nod to where the series is set (Albuquerque, New Mexico). He is known for his recent collaborations with a mysterious lyric writer called Heisenberg (a nod to the alias of Walter White, the main character of the show). In a past interview with Sun TV, he has spoken of his love for the show, sharing, "For everyone some show or film will always inspire them. For me, it is 'Breaking Bad.'"

The composer-performer's footprint in entertainment spans a decade's worth of work across Indian film music with award-winning background scores, chart-topping albums and viral anthems. He first broke into national consciousness with the viral "Why This Kolaveri Di" in 2011. He also is the name behind trend-setting soundtracks across Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema.

The launch of the label sees him moving beyond composing and performing to building a self-confessed "long-term music business rooted in ownership, independence, and original storytelling." Emerging artists have also been invited to share fully finished demos with the label.

Says Anirudh, “This is an important step for me, both creatively and strategically. Albuquerque Records is my entry into building a music business around creativity, ownership, and cultural impact. Before films, I was deeply invested in independent music and this label gives me a home for both my film and non-film work while also supporting new, talented artists who deserve to be seen and heard. We want to build a strong catalogue, introduce original voices and fuel a brand that pushes the regional pop culture forward. To begin with, select OST projects of mine will be released under the label, along with all my pop music.”

Heading up business and operations will be B. Kaushik as Label Head and COO. Kaushik formerly headed the Pop vertical at Sony Music India South and the two have worked together since the 'Kolaveri' era. “Kaushik and I have come a long way since the 'Kolaveri' days and he understands both the creative and business side of this industry. Having him lead the label gives me confidence that we can build something meaningful and lasting together.”

“Beyond excited to be a part of this journey" and "partnering with a visionary like Anirudh feels incredibly timely," says Kaushik noting that the music industry is moving toward an artist-driven ecosystem. "Together, we’re determined to build a label that focuses on collaboration, artistic excellence and developing sustainable careers for artists, while building a strong and scalable catalogue,” he notes.

Sharing the news via Instagram, Anirudh welcomed artists to send in their demos if they wanted to be part of his label.