Mumbai: After more than a decade of reshaping Indian film music with award-winning background scores, chart-topping albums and viral anthems, composer and performer Anirudh Ravichander has announced the launch of Albuquerque Records, an artist-owned music label marking a new chapter in his creative journey.
The label is designed to build a rich catalogue across film and non-film (POP) music, while serving as a platform to nurture original voices and champion the future of regional pop culture.
From the viral breakthrough of Why This Kolaveri Di to trend-setting soundtracks across Tamil, Telugu and Hindi cinema, Anirudh has built one of the most recognisable musical identities in Indian entertainment. Albuquerque Records signals his transition from composer-performer to music entrepreneur, with a long-term focus on ownership, independence and original storytelling.
Conceived as a home for both film and non-film music, the label will initially release select original soundtracks (OSTs) from Anirudh’s film projects, alongside all his independent POP releases. The company also plans to introduce emerging artists, with a strong emphasis on shaping contemporary regional POP culture that reflects evolving audience tastes and creative voices.
Business and operations at Albuquerque Records will be led by B Kaushik as Label Head & COO. Kaushik brings over 15 years of experience across South Indian film music and independent POP, and previously headed POP at Sony Music India – South. His professional association with Anirudh dates back to the Kolaveri era.
“This is an important step for me, both creatively and strategically,” said Anirudh Ravichander, Founder, Albuquerque Records. “This is an important step for me, both creatively and strategically,” said Anirudh Ravichander, Founder, Albuquerque Records. “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.”
On appointing B Kaushik as Label Head & COO, Anirudh Ravichander further shared, “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.”
Commenting on his appointment, B Kaushik, Label Head & COO, Albuquerque Records, said, “I’m beyond excited to be a part of this journey at Albuquerque Records. Partnering with a visionary like Anirudh feels incredibly timely, especially as the industry moves 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.”
Positioned at the intersection of creativity and commerce, Albuquerque Records aims to address the growing demand for artist-owned platforms in India by combining creative independence with structured business leadership, unlocking new opportunities for both established and emerging talent.
