Anirudh Ravichander Launches New Music Label Albuquerque Records

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 that signals a defining new chapter in his career.

Envisioned as a home for both film and non-film (pop) music, Albuquerque Records aims to build a rich, long-term catalogue while nurturing original voices and accelerating the evolution of regional pop culture. The label will initially release select original soundtracks (OSTs) from Anirudh’s upcoming film projects, along with all his independent pop releases. It also plans to introduce and develop emerging artists, with a clear focus on shaping contemporary regional pop that reflects shifting audience tastes and new creative energies.

From the viral breakthrough of Why This Kolaveri Di to trendsetting soundtracks across Tamil, Telugu and Hindi cinema, Anirudh has built one of the most recognisable musical identities in Indian entertainment. With Albuquerque Records, he moves beyond composing and performing into building a structured, artist-led music business rooted in ownership, independence and cultural storytelling.

“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 regional pop culture forward. To begin with, select OST projects of mine will be released under the label, along with all my pop music.”

The business and operations of Albuquerque Records will be headed by B Kaushik, who joins as Label Head & COO. Kaushik brings over 15 years of experience across South Indian film and non-film music, having previously led the pop division at Sony Music India – South. His association with Anirudh dates back to the Kolaveri era.

On Kaushik’s appointment, Anirudh added, “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 new role, Kaushik 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 seeks to address the growing demand for artist-owned platforms in India, combining creative autonomy with structured business leadership to unlock new opportunities for both established and emerging talent.

Aspiring artists can submit fully finished demos to demos@alburecords.in