MUMBAI: Making official a licensing agreement that had been inked in January, it was announced yesterday that EMI Music will be marketing Warner Music's repertoire in India.
EMI Music general manager Shameer Tandon also announced a tie-up with MTV's sibling music channel Vh1 for a special showcasing on 1 May of exclusive Warner videos, featuring some popular artists.
Why was Vh1 selected? According to Tandon, Vh1 plays only international music videos (unlike Indipop dominated MTV), which caters to the 16-44 year SEC AB demographic, mirroring the kind of TG Warner Music is targeting.
Commenting on the Warner-EMI tie-up, Tandon said, "For the last seven years, EMI has been very successfully introducing international acts ranging from Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, Cliff Richards, Frank Sinatra, Beatles to George Michael, Robbie Williams, Norah Jones, etc. We are confident of replicating the same with the Warner catalogue too."
MTV Networks director programming and talent & artist
relations Ashish Patil said, "We are thrilled to welcome old pals and partners in crime, Warner Music, to India.Together we are going to rock and roll."
EMI Music has also not ruled out the possibility of creating DVDs of the latest albums of various artistes over the next couple of months and would explore the possibility of roping in international artistes for concerts in India.
Though Tandon doesn't rule out the possibility of airing international tracks on other competing music channels like Channel [V], SS Music and Zee Music, Patil believes that after the 30-day exclusive on Vh1, Warner Music will not have to look elsewhere.
How about radio with the FM radio sector witnessing action these days? That is also not ruled out as EMI is open to airing international tracks of Warner's repertoire on FM radio stations, Tandon said.
New Warner releases include Alanis Morrisette's So Called Chaos, The Darkness Permission to Land, Green Day's Grammy Award-winning American Idiot and Jet's Get Born. Some of the forthcoming attractions also include Rob Thomas Something To Be.
The titles of Warner Music, a part of Time Warner Group, were earlier available in India through the Mumbai-based Magnasound. Warner also had licensing deals with Music Today, the music arm of the Living Media Group, and Tips.
