iWorld
ErosNow launches its official account on WeChat
MUMBAI: Entertainment consumption on mobile screens is increasing by the day. As more and more users turn to their mobile screens for viewing movies, listening music and watching videos, media and entertainment brands all over are vying to capture consumer’s attention through small screens.
Owing to this growing trend, ErosNow, the dedicated online entertainment service of Eros International has announced its official account on WeChat. Through this official account, WeChat users would be able to enjoy unlimited music, movies and get sneak-peek into all the action and buzz on Bollywood. Eros is one of the first Indian film studio to take such a step on one of the most popular messaging apps amongst youth of the country.
“At WeChat, we have constantly endeavored to bring to our users, content and associations which add value to their overall WeChat experience. Through WeChat’s official accounts, we have consistently evolved and innovated the kind of partnerships and associations we bring forth to our users. ErosNow is another step towards bringing engaging content and entertainment offerings for our users,” said WeChat India VP – marketing and business development Nilay Arora.
WeChat users will also be able to share their favorite stuff from ErosNow official account on WeChat to friends through chats or Moments.
“ErosNow’s partnership with WeChat’s innovative technology and strong youth base will further enhance the user experience and help meet the demands of today’s mobile generation,” added ErosNow COO Karan Bedi. Techzone is the platform partner for ErosNow’s channel on WeChat.
To follow ErosNow official account (onAndroid/iOS), WeChat users need to search for ‘ErosNow’ in the search bar or scan the QR code below. Then follow the instructions in the welcome message to get started.
iWorld
Anirudh Ravichander and Universal Music India join forces to take South India’s sound to the world
The composer behind 13 billion streams launches Albuquerque Records with UMI as its exclusive global partner
MUMBAI: Universal Music India has struck an exclusive partnership with Albuquerque Records, the freshly minted independent label of singer-composer Anirudh Ravichander, in a deal that bets big on South India’s booming pop and hip-hop scene going global.
The arrangement, announced on 17 March, will see Universal Music India handle future pop and hip-hop releases by Anirudh himself, as well as artists signed to the new label. A first release is already in the pipeline for April, featuring Anirudh.
The numbers behind the man are hard to ignore. Debuting in 2012 with the viral sensation “Why This Kolaveri Di”, Anirudh has since clocked over 13 billion audio streams across more than 770 tracks, cementing his position as the No.1 South Indian artist on Spotify by total streams. His fingerprints are all over some of the Tamil film industry’s biggest musical moments, from Hukum and Vaathi Coming to Arabic Kuthu and the A23 Theme.
But Albuquerque Records is a different beast. Built for the non-film space, it is designed to nurture independent talent and champion the next wave of Indian pop voices. “Universal Music India’s leadership in pop and hip-hop made them the natural partner,” said Anirudh. “I’m excited to take independent voices to audiences around the world.”
Universal Music India’s chairman and CEO Devraj Sanyal was equally effusive. “Anirudh represents the future of Indian music, bold, original, and with enormous potential,” he said. “Identifying transformative talent is our superpower, and this partnership reflects that belief.”
Sanujeet Bhujabal, managing director of Universal Music India, framed the deal as more than a distribution play. “Albuquerque Records represents Anirudh’s bold artistic vision in the world of pop and hip-hop,” he said. “True to his legacy of innovation, this partnership is set to establish yet another landmark creative space, this time for the emerging world of iPop and beyond.”
For Universal Music India, the deal deepens a long-running push into South India’s four key language markets: Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Telugu. The label already has regional imprints, film partnerships with Maddock Films and Excel Entertainment, and a growing non-film roster. Landing Anirudh, arguably the south’s most bankable music brand, is a statement of intent. South Indian music has the streams. Now it is coming for the world.
