AWAL, a British music distribution company owned by Sony Music Entertainment, announced its launch in India and South Asia, following the acquisition of OKListen, a digital music platform for independent artists and record labels.
Based in Mumbai and supported by Sony Music India, AWAL will offer independent-minded artists in the region a range of services including global marketing, creative, synch and brand partnerships, radio promotion and distribution as well as access to real-time comprehensive music analytics.
OKListen founder and CEO Vijay Basrur has been appointed Head of India & South Asia, AWAL, reporting to Lonny Olinick, CEO of AWAL and Vinit Thakkar, Managing Director, Sony Music India.
“The independent music community across the region is full of potential,” said Olinick. “Together with Vijay, I look forward to AWAL becoming a true creative hub for India and South Asia’s independent artists, with resources dedicated to developing careers that are committed to creator integrity and global success,” he added.
“AWAL alongside Sony Music, provides an exciting and comprehensive offering for artists at any stage of their career, putting the artist first and in control of their own future, and enabling more opportunities to showcase their music to fans around the world,” said, Vinit Thakkar, Managing Director, Sony Music India.
“It’s a privilege to join AWAL and spearhead the next chapter for the company and its global roster in the region,” said Basrur. “AWAL is already well known in the region for helping artists at any stage of their career. I look forward to bringing AWAL’s expertise and global reach to our creators and developing the next phase in their careers,” he added.
Basrur brings with him over 23 years of music, technology and business experience to the company. He founded OKListen in 2012 as India’s first homegrown digital distribution service. To date, OKListen works with more than 4,000 musicians across India, including leading independent artists such as The Local Train, When Chai Met Toast, Bipul Chettri, Sanam and more.
Prior to founding OKListen, Basrur worked with several digital startups and corporations in a wide range of product, technology and digital transformation leadership roles. Basrur is also on the Board of Trustees for the Applied Environmental Research Foundation (AERF) which focuses on biodiversity conservation.
