Devraj Sanyal on Music Industry, Streaming Revolution & Future of Artists | The Music Podcast
#TheMusicPodcast #DevrajSanyal #MusicBusiness #StreamingEconomy #UMG #artistdevelopment
We are thrilled to welcome Devraj Sanyal, the powerhouse behind Universal Music India & South Asia, to this episode of The Music Podcast! With over a decade at the helm, Devraj has played a key role in shaping the Indian music landscape, driving artist growth, and navigating the digital revolution.
In this insightful conversation, He breaks down how India once outpaced China in music rankings but has now reached a plateau, explaining what it will take to reclaim momentum. Addressing the transformation from a piracy-driven market to a subscription economy, he sheds light on how platforms like YouTube and Google are influencing revenue models, where ad-supported music stands today, and why owning one’s listening experience is becoming increasingly valuable. We are also delighted to be joined by Aayushman Sinha, founder of Represent Talent Management, as a co-host for this episode!
As the conversation unfolds, Devraj offers exclusive insights into UMG’s approach to artist development, how their A&R, data, and global partnerships are shaping the future, and what managers, artists, and companies need to know before approaching Universal Music. He also touches on India's trajectory in the global music industry, why he believes the country will be among the top five music markets by 2030, and the critical role that social media, algorithms, and digital strategies play in determining an artist’s success.
Devraj’s Socials :
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/devsanyal/?hl=en,
LinkedIn - https://in.linkedin.com/in/devraj-sanyal-5b71034
X - https://twitter.com/DevrajSanyal
Unified Music Group:
https://www.universalmusic.com/mass-appeal-and-universal-music-india-to-launch-mass-appeal-india/
LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/universalmusicgroup?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/universalmusicgroup/,
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/UniversalMusicGroup/,
X - https://twitter.com/UMG
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EPISODE CHAPTERS :
00:00 - Precap
01:23 - Disclaimer & Intro
04:28 - Comparison with China’s Music Industry
09:20 - The Piracy Problem!
18:38 - Listener’s Data
21:37 - Paid Consumption in India
29:39 - When to Start a Label?
39:30 - Lack of Talent Development
48:08 - Financial Standards of the Industry
53:31 - How to start a Record Label?
01:00:29 - Diversification of Music Business
1:14:47 - Density of Music Releases
1:29:40 - The ‘Fish Curve’
01:30:48 - MOST VALUABLE SKILL
01:32:39 - Art of Making Money
01:33:51 - Social Media Activities
01:39:11 - Working Opportunity with Universal
02:08:38 - Future of English Music in India
02:17:23 - The ‘I-POP’ Sensation
02:21:13 - TM Ventures and Universal
02:41:55 - Represent Management X Universal
02:44:06 - #AsktheGuest02:51:35 - Control of Data in Scouting
02:54:46 - Formal Education in Music
02:57:44 - Staying in Universal for 14 Years!
03:00:14 - Global Music Industry Insights
03:03:39 - Thankyou!
03:05:25 - Outro
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Host: Tarsame Mittal
Co-Host:Aayushman Sinha
Guests: Devraj Sanyal
Audio Credits:
Dialogue Editor, Mix and Master by Nikhil Bhagwat
Producer - Vinita Sabberwal
Business Head - Dimple Mehta
THE CREW:
Content Team - Abhineet Mandal, Janice Fernandes
Head of Production – Sahil Choubey
Post Production - Srinivas Rao, Ashutosh Surendra Kharunkar, Piyush Rajpoot
Content Researcher – Princy Surana
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