Anirudh Ravichander has launched Albuquerque Records, an independent label focused on pop and hip-hop, with Universal Music India coming on board as the exclusive global partner. The first release under the label is planned for early April and will feature Anirudh himself.
The label is designed for non-film music, a significant move for a composer whose career has been almost entirely defined by film soundtracks. Over 15 years, Anirudh has racked up more than 13 billion audio streams across 770-plus tracks, making him the most-streamed South Indian artist on Spotify. From Why This Kolaveri Di in 2012 to Hukum, Vaathi Coming, and Arabic Kuthu, his output has been as prolific as it has been commercially dominant.
Albuquerque Records marks a move beyond the soundtrack world. The label will eventually sign emerging pop and hip-hop artists from the region, with Universal Music India providing distribution and global reach.
“Albuquerque Records was built to be an artist-backed, homegrown label focused on nurturing independent talent and taking their sound to the global stage,” Anirudh said. “Universal Music India’s leadership in pop and hip-hop made them the natural partner.”
Devraj Sanyal, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music India, called Anirudh “the future of Indian music” and said the partnership reflects the company’s focus on identifying transformative talent. Universal Music India has been expanding its South Indian presence through its VYRL South imprint and strategic investments like Five Star Audio.
For Anirudh, who currently scores Vetrimaaran’s Arasan with Silambarasan TR and remains one of Tamil cinema’s busiest composers, the label represents a parallel creative track. The first release in April will signal what kind of sound Albuquerque Records is going for.