Anirudh Ravichander unveils Albuquerque Records, expanding his footprint beyond film music

Mumbai, 16^th February 2026: After more than a decade of reshaping Indian film music with award-winning background scores, chart-topping albums, and viral anthems, renowned composer and performer Anirudh Ravichander has announced the launch of Albuquerque Records, an artist-owned music label that marks a defining new chapter in his creative journey. The label is designed to build a rich catalogue across film and non-film music (POP) music, while also serving as a platform for nurturing original voices and championing the future of regional POP.

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 marks his next creative leap, moving beyond composing and performing to building a long-term music business rooted in 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, along with all his non-film music (POP) releases. It will also introduce a new generation of emerging artists, with a focus on shaping contemporary regional POP culture that reflects evolving audiences and creative voices.

Albuquerque Records business and operations will be headed by B.. Kaushik as Label Head & COO. Kaushik brings over 15 years of experience across South Indian film music and non-film music (POP), having 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, Mr. B Kaushik, Label Head & COO, Albuquerque Records,“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.

To be a part of Albuquerque Records, send your fully finished demos to demos@alburecords.in.

About Albuquerque Records

Founded by Anirudh Ravichander, Albuquerque Records envisions becoming a creative powerhouse that reflects his inimitable musical identity and cultural ethos. This marks a first-of-its-kind artist-owned music label in this part of the country, backed by one of India’s biggest music creators. After 15 years of shaping a distinctive sound in the film industry, Albuquerque Records represents Anirudh’s next logical leap toward building a sustainable, artist-owned music business. The label has been conceived to assert long-term ownership of Anirudh Ravichander’s film and non-film music IPs. Its release roster will initially feature select OST projects by Anirudh along with all his non-film music (POP) releases. In addition, Albuquerque Records will actively introduce the next generation of talented artists, creators who will move culture forward and redefine the future of regional POP music.