Universal Music India and first.wav Announce Global Distribution Agreement
Universal Music India (UMI) has established a partnership with first.wav, an independent music company based in Mumbai.
Under the agreement, UMI will distribute recordings from first.wav’s artist roster internationally. The collaboration intends to increase the global reach of first.wav’s artists by utilizing Universal Music Group’s worldwide platforms and resources. For artists looking to distribute music globally, this partnership offers a potential pathway.
first.wav was founded by Raghav Meattle, a singer-songwriter and A&R executive formerly with Big Bang Music (Records) India. The company operates in artist management, music distribution, and marketing, and describes itself as “run by artists for the benefit of artists.”
Artists currently signed to first.wav include gini, Divyam Sodhi, Bharath, Khwaab, Samad Khan, and Kunal Kemmu.
This partnership represents a continued expansion by UMI within the Indian music landscape, following recent activity including a deal with Albuquerque Records, the acquisition of a 30% stake in Excel Entertainment, and a partnership with Maddock Films and its music label Mad For Mussic. This growth is part of a broader trend in music distribution across Africa and beyond.
“Independent music in India is at a tipping point,” stated Raghav Meattle, Founder of first.wav. “Our goal is to build the environment that allows artists to focus on what they do best – create. Whether it’s through management, marketing, or distribution, we’re creating an ecosystem that supports artists at every stage of their journey. This partnership is just the next step towards shaping the future of Indian indie music.” The increasing role of technology in this evolution is highlighted in discussions around how music technology is reshaping the creative economy.
