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News |  18 Jun 2008 19:00 |  By Riya

Big Music revs up artist management, plans new arm for composers

MUMBAI: Big Music, the label launched by ADAG in 2007, is now venturing into artiste management in a big way.

The company recently tied up with a few Indian artists and is planning a 360 degree activity around their albums and performances. This apart, Big is also planning a new business arm which will take care of the composers and lyricists fraternity.

Recently, Big Music locked in UK pop sensation Raghav and will soon release his album. Besides that, the company has also taken up managing Hard Kaur, the UK based artiste who gave the hit song 'Ek glasssy' a few years ago. The list also includes Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who has given some melodious hits in India. "When we say 360 degree, it includes recorded and live music both. Live events would include television shows, performances and more," states Big Music CEO Kulmeet Makkar.

On being asked about the share of royalties for these artists, Makkar says it entirely depends on the album and the artist. He adds, "But we do have a profit share scheme with almost all the artists. As creative people, I want them to get their share."

Speaking about investments, Big invests nearly Rs 10 million on a top notch artist. "This amount includes recording an album, live events and of course, marketing. When we say it's 360 degree, it really is. It's more of content management," avers Makkar.

Apart from these celebrity artists, there are Voice of India winners Ishmeet Singh, Harshit Saxena and Chote Ustaad achievers Anwesha Duttagupta and Aishwarya.

The company's new arm which will take care of composers and lyricists is still being worked upon. The strategy for the same has not yet been formalized.
Explains Makkar, "We will be signing composers and lyricists, and manage them completely. We have a dedicated publishing arm which looks after the music rights; hence we will be taking care of issues of music rights share of composers and lyricists. We want to work very closely with the industry." He states that composers are willing to work with the music label. "They are willing to partner with us and explore the opportunities. Like Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy did for Johny Gadaar and A R Rahman for Ada."

Though the investment for the new venture is still being worked out, Makkar estimates it will roughly range between Rs 30 to 50 million.

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