Universal Music India Partners with first.wav in Global Distribution Deal

first.wav, a Mumbai based music company that specializes in independent Indian artists, has entered a partnership agreement with Universal Music India (UMI).

What it means:

• Universal Music India will distribute first.wav’s roster globally.

• The deal aims to grow the international profile of first.wav’s artists via access to Universal Music Group’s global platforms and infrastructure.

Backstory:

• first.wav was founded by singer-songwriter and A&R Raghav Meattle, previously of Big Bang Music (Records) India.

• As per Music Business Worldwide, the company says it’s “run by artists for the benefit of artists,” and spans artist management, music distribution and marketing.

• Its roster includes gini, Divyam Sodhi, Bharath, Khwaab, Samad Khan, and actor-musician Kunal Kemmu.

Context:

• As Music Business Worldwide points out, this is the latest move by UMI to expand its footprint across the Indian music market.

• Other recent deals include a partnership with Albuquerque Records; acquiring a 30% stake in Bollywood production house Excel Entertainment; and a partnership with Maddock Films and its music label Mad For Mussic.

What they said:

• Raghav Meattle, Founder of first.wav: “Independent music in India is at a tipping point. Our goal is to build the environment that allows artists to focus on what they do best – create. Whether it’s through management, marketing, or distribution, we’re creating an ecosystem that supports artists at every stage of their journey. This partnership is just the next step towards shaping the future of Indian indie music.”