REPRESENT artists, who have billions of streams combined, including Anuv Jain, MC Stan, Zaeden, Lost Stories, Yashraj, Hanita Bhambri, Akanksha Bhandari, Kamakshi Khanna, Saahel, Savera, Kayan, OAFF and Jai Dhir will now be distributed through UMGI.

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Universal Music Group India (UMGI), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment and REPRESENT, a pioneering Indian independent talent management company, have announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the opportunities available for its artists. Under the leadership of Founder and CEO, Aayushman Sinha and its energetic team, REPRESENT has quickly earned a reputation for shaping the future of Indian pop culture, while nurturing independent artists to achieve global recognition.

Download Official Press Photo HERE

Through the strategic collaboration, REPRESENT’s talented roster will gain access to UMG’s global footprint across distribution, publishing, brands and more, directly facilitating the growth and reach of their artists worldwide, empowering REPRESENT’s artists to create more music and an expanded ecosystem to foster their creativity. Some of the REPRESENT artists, who have billions of streams combined, will be distributed and supported under this strategic partnership include Anuv Jain, MC Stan, Zaeden, Lost Stories, Yashraj, Hanita Bhambri, Akanksha Bhandari, Kamakshi Khanna, Saahel, Savera, Kayan, OAFF and Jai Dhir.

The companies will work together on artist development, fan engagement and more. The alliance leverages the creative synergies, united in their commitment to push boundaries and support established, as well as emerging talent and help introduce new Indian music culture to a global audience. This partnership between UMGI and REPRESENT, symbolizes another major milestone for the growth of Indian artists, combining REPRESENT’s blueprint for talent development with UMG’s expertise to develop artistry and elevate the independent music scene in India.

In making the announcement, Devraj Sanyal, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music India & South Asia said, “We are delighted to announce this new strategic partnership with REPRESENT. Our combined efforts will empower their artists and fuel their creativity, help inspire audiences worldwide, and elevate Indian music to new heights. With REPRESENT’s visionary approach and UMG’s global network and support, we are confident this collaboration will help shine a spotlight on some of India’s most exciting young talent.”

Aayushman Sinha, Founder and CEO, REPRESENT enthuses his thoughts on the partnership, “Having worked with Universal Music Group across quite a few of our artists’ releases in the past and have been fortunate to be aligned in our thoughts to elevate the overall music industry and provide a platform for Indian artists to take their music global. This partnership is a step closer to achieving that. We bring some of our ace independent artists to the table as part of this deal and UMG brings its extensive resources and expertise – together driving the future of music. So excited to start this new chapter and I can’t wait to see where we go from here on.”

Sanujeet Bhujabal, EVP & Head of Content, Universal Music Group India, “This partnership signifies another milestone for the Indian music community. With REPRESENT’s impressive roster of artists and UMG’s vast expertise, we are poised to create new opportunities for their artists to resonate with millions of music fans worldwide. Together, we will push the boundaries of innovation and help foster a thriving ecosystem for artists in India.”

In recent years, UMGI has led the Indian music market in reflecting the diversity of genres and languages of music within the country. This strategic partnership with REPRESENT, alongside previously announced partnerships with Desi Melodies & TM Ventures, and the success achieved by UMG’s own VYRL labels, has transformed and kickstarted a new wave of original artist content that is captivating India’s music fans and charts, and further underscores UMG India’s ambition to help shape the artist ecosystem, whilst supporting the independent music scene and vibrant music culture in India.

About Universal Music Group

At Universal Music Group, we exist to shape culture through the power of artistry. UMG is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content. Featuring the most comprehensive catalogue of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans. For more information on Universal Music Group visit www.universalmusic.com.

About REPRESENT

REPRESENT, led by its vibrant young team, doesn’t merely manage talent; it architects the narrative of future pop culture. Recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the top 4 Indian music startups to look out for, the company is believed to be set on a path to success. Founded by Aayushman Sinha, REPRESENT embodies a pioneering spirit. It bridges the gap between raw talent and global recognition, carving its own unique niche in the industry. Representing a diverse range of India’s top independent artists, the company flaunts an eclectic artist roster including the likes of Armaan Malik, Anuv Jain, DJ Chetas, Lost Stories, Lisa Mishra, OAFF, MC Stan, Zaeden among several others. It offers a comprehensive 360-degree array of services, surpassing the traditional confines of artist management.

The team has collectively rolled out over 300 releases over the past year. This dynamic company extends beyond music representation and delves into creator management and consulting, expanding their horizons further. Additionally, REPRESENT has invested its resources in several growing businesses including SOL, an independent and disruptive D2C fragrance brand launched along with Zaeden, House of X, a company providing end-to-end solutions to launch, build and scale creator-led D2C brands and a homegrown sneaker company, Comet – making it one of the only management agencies to be focused on building pop-culture in the country.

The company’s impressive roster of in-house artists has garnered attention from over 300 global brands and has also ventured into the live entertainment bookings space via its specialized division, RE:PLAY. The exclusive artists have collectively performed at more than 1000 shows both in India and internationally. Looking to the future, REPRESENT has an ambitious plan to reshape the industry. This includes launching a dedicated creator management vertical, a systematic music distribution ecosystem, distinctive festival IPs, SAAS solutions for artists, and an educational platform for emerging music business professionals.

Media Contact

Sam Alaimo, Eshy Gazit LLC, 1 9547984356, [email protected]

SOURCE Universal Music Group India (UMGI)

NORMAN – An event showcasing Native art and featuring dancing and music will be held Friday, Nov. 17 at Skydance Brewing Company in Oklahoma City. The “9 at the Nine” event benefits the Jacobson House Native Art Center.

Skydance Brewing Company is located at 1 N.E. Seventh Street in Oklahoma City. “9 at the Nine” will begin at 5 p.m.

The event features the live art of nine Native artists who will make their creations in real time. All original artwork is completed on site and available to take home that night. Each piece will go for only $49 on a first come, first served basis, with proceeds benefiting the Jacobson House non-profit organization.

The evening begins with authentic Native cuisine from Unite the People Catering. At 5:30 p.m., the smooth blues sounds of the Chebon Tiger Duo add to the festivities. Those who attend the event can also try the new Skydance release of their Isito Pumpkin Latte Stout, as well as other beer and ciders on the menu.

Central to the evening is the Indigenous Art Rally, headed by curators Brent Greenwood (Ponca/Chickasaw Nations) and Kristin Gentry (Choctaw Nation). Additional two-dimensional and three-dimensional artists include Marwin Begaye (Navajo Nation); Dustin Mater (Chickasaw Nation); Summer Zah (Navajo/Apache/Choctaw Nations); Tom Farris (Otoe-Missouria/Cherokee Nations); Chad Nish Earles (Caddo Nation); Lokosh (Joshua D. Hinson, Chickasaw Nation); and Micah Wesley (Kiowa/Mvskoke Creek Nations).

Social dancing and ’49 songs will follow the Indigenous Art Rally.

The event is free and open to the public. Donations to the Jacobson House Native Art Center are accepted.

For more information, call the Jacobson House Native Art Center at 405-706-1101 or visit www.jacobsonhouse.art.

Vincent Neil Emerson is not just a singer-songwriter, but a storyteller. The country artist, known for his bluegrass and folk sound, hails from Van Zandt County in Texas.

In his latest album, “The Golden Crystal Kingdom,“ he shares stories about growing up in East Texas and his early years as an artist.

“I didn’t really want to model this record after anybody else’s music, but I’ve been heavily influenced by a lot of old rock ’n’ roll music from the ’60s and ’70s singer-songwriter music,” said Emerson, 31.

Raised by his single mother, a Native American from Louisiana, Emerson moved around Texas before ending up in North Texas. Heavily influenced by musicians like Townes Van Zandt and Steve Earle, he began his music career by performing country songs at dive bars, house parties and open mics. By 2013 he had gained a fanbase, and by 2015 he released music through an independent record label in Fort Worth.

The “Golden Crystal Kingdom” isn’t a honky-tonk or folk album, instead it’s a mixture of things he loves about music. The album still includes his fan-favorite acoustic guitar plucks and country twang but combines them with electric guitars, pedal steel and synthesizers.

A fan of Bob Dylan and Neil Young, Emerson spent a lot of time listening to music outside of the country scope when he wrote these electrifying folk-gone-rock tracks. He also included a song inspired by Old Western and Native American stories, which is an homage to his indigenous heritage.

“Little Wolf’s Invincible Yellow Medicine Paint” is sort of an Old West-themed with Native elements in it,” Emerson said.

“Little Wolf’s Invincible Yellow Medicine Paint” is the story of a medicine man being tasked to help warriors go into battle with white men armed with guns. Knowing their lack of weapons would get them killed, he invents a special yellow paint that would make the warriors invincible – blocking all arrows or bullets from piercing them. The music video was filmed near the Wind River reservations in Wyoming and stars Sharmaine Weed, a Native American bareback horse race champion.

“These are indigenous stories, whether or not that Old West comic was true,” Emerson said.

While Emerson is proud of his Native American heritage, he stresses the album is about much more than that. Some tracks explore his life before becoming a country star. “The Time of the Rambler”’ was inspired by the days he lived in his car and played songs in the street. Title track “Golden Crystal Kingdom” pays tribute to the showgoers who didn’t pay attention to him on stage.

But other songs aren’t even about him. Some songs are about the people he’s met, seen in a movie or from stories others have told him. “The Man From Uvalde” is about witnessing the 2022 mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, on TV.

The album is a follow-up to his 2019 debut album, “Fried Chicken and Evil Women,” and his sophomore 2021 album, “Vincent Neil Emerson.“

Emerson said the world can be an unkind place, and it’s hard to find happiness in life. His struggle of feeling like he doesn’t belong anywhere is why he hopes to uplift others with his music. Ultimately, he believes his songs are for everyone, not just country fans.

“As long as you’re listening,” Emerson said. “You’re not alone.”

Arts Access is an arts journalism collaboration powered by The Dallas Morning News and KERA.

This community-funded journalism initiative is funded by the Better Together Fund, Carol & Don Glendenning, city of Dallas OAC, The University of Dallas at Texas, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, Eugene McDermott Foundation, James & Gayle Halperin Foundation, Jennifer & Peter Altabef and The Meadows Foundation. The News and KERA retain full editorial control of Arts Access’ journalism.

For thousands of years, all across California, Native Americans have lived, thrived, and created exceptional goods. Today, talented Native designers, brewers, roasters, winemakers, and more are building on their ancestral history via their modern pursuits. Shopping from Native artisans not only supports their culture and legacy—it also means excellent gifts, thoughtfully crafted, for everyone on your list.
 

Séka Hills 2023 Olio Nuovo, $20

Sample what Sunset magazine calls “some of the best olive oil in the world.” Harvested from a sustainable farm managed by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, this oil is bottled immediately after milling. The result? A peppery oil meant for drizzling. Séka Hills is committed to honoring and preserving the legacy of the Tribe’s Capay Valley roots.
 

Camins 2 Dreams 2018 Syrah, $55

The wife-and-wife team behind Camins 2 Dreams focuses on cool-climate wines. Born and raised in Catalunya, Mireia Taribó imparts a Spanish sensibility to their craft, while Tara Gomez imparts the perspective of her Chumash heritage. The Lompoc-based winery uses wild yeast to create natural wines like this vibrant Syrah.
 

Rincon Reservation Road Brewing Luiseño Hazy IPA, $20

Located in Valley Center in north San Diego County, Rincon Reservation Road Brewing is the first-ever tribally owned brewery in Southern California. While the brewery opened in 2012, the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indianshave called this area home for more than 14,000 years. Sample the citrusy, dry-hopped IPA and other varieties, all available for shipping nationwide.
 

NWC Carving Hummingbird, $160

This striking hummingbird sculpture by Nelson McCarty is inspired by Northwest Coast Native culture. Hummingbirds are considered messengers and harbingers of good luck. This carving is sold by Los Angeles’ Autry Museum of the American West, which has a broad selection of Native American Art for sale at its gift shop.
 

Spirit Mountain Roasting Co. Spirit Blend, $14.50

Centered in the community of the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe, Spirit Mountain Roasting uses 100 percent Arabica coffee beans for all of its blends. Founder Tudor Montague uses his background in home-brewing beer to craft the perfect beans. Every bag is emblazoned with a Yuman warrior and features the Avi Kwa Ame mountain range.
 

NSRGNTS Urban Traditional Mug, $20

Founded by Native artist Votan Ik, the art collective and clothing brand NSRGNTS gets its name from the Zapatista rebel group. Los Angeles native Ik, who has Nahua and Mayan ancestry, centers his creations in street art and a devotion to his Native heritage. This bold mug is a no-fail, where-did-you-get-that conversation piece.
 

Urban Native Era “You Are on Native Land” Ribbed Beanie, $35

San Francisco’s Urban Native Era (UNE), was founded by Joey Montoya (Lipan Apache) with a mission to promote the visibility of Indigenous Peoples and raise awareness. The streetwear brand combines powerful slogans, including the bestselling “You Are on Native Land,” which features a minimalist aesthetic.

California Native Fused Glass Bowl, $45

Yurok tribal member and Hupa-Cherokee descendent of the First Nations people, Pauli Carroll was a jeweler and sculpture artist before being introduced to glasswork by her daughter, Carina King. Today, the mom-and-daughter duo craft one-of-a-kind pieces like this stunning bowl from their studio in Eureka.

Stone Multi-Animal Necklace, $88

Located on Morongo Band of Mission Indians land in Riverside County, the Malki Museum opened its doors in 1965 and has been a vital community resource ever since. Visit to see artifacts from the Tribes of Southern California, as well as a garden showcasing how plants were used as a source of medicine. Browse the gift shop for special items made by Native craftspeople like this animal necklace.

B. Yellowtail Sundancer Silk Scarf, $85

Award-winning designer Bethany Yellowtail is a citizen of the Northern Cheyenne Nation from the Mighty Few District of the Apsáalooke (Crow) Nation. She founded her eponymous Los Angeles-–based brand  as a vehicle to express her heritage and unique artistic vision. This silk scarf is inspired by Star quilts, customarily given for big life events like marriages and births.

TULSA, Okla. — The Gathering Place celebrated Native American Heritage Month with a new art exhibit on Tuesday.

The exhibit, WeAre., highlights work from Mvskoke, Osage, and Cherokee artists.

The exhibit in ONEOK Boathouse runs from Saturday, Nov. 4 through Sunday, Nov. 26, and highlights indigenous identity and visual culture.

“Curated by Laura Marshall Clark (Mvskoke), Curator of Public Art for Gathering Place, WeAre. is an exhibition of Native art at the crossroads of three reservations in the Tulsa region,” the exhibit’s announcement says. “The exhibit will feature the works of 13 tribal artists of the Muscogee Nation, Cherokee Nation, and Osage Nation. Guests can explore a diverse range of art including photography, sculpture, pottery, paintings, textiles, woven paper, and more.”

FOX23 spoke with Kalyn Barnoski, who included the piece called “An Innovation” in the exhibit.

She said it represents her first time she was invited to the Osage ceremony dances.

“Premise of the show is We Are, and I wanted to expand upon that I wanted to include a piece that and my friendships specifically in Tulsa,” she said. “Because like I said I’m Cherokee and Muscogee I don’t come from Osage people but because we’re just so surrounded by tribal community here you build those friendships and those new relationships, and you start looking at things differently and I wanted to include this piece because it is so influenced by my Osage relationships.”

Barnoski said their culture is important, and places like the Gathering Place show they’re still here.

Every month, hundreds of galleries add newly available works by thousands of artists to the Artnet Gallery Network—and every week, we shine a spotlight on one artist or exhibition you should know. Check out what we have in store, and inquire for more with one simple click.

What You Need to Know: Miami and Amsterdam-based SmithDavidson Gallery will present “A New Generation; A New Perspective” at Art Cologne, taking place from November 16–19, 2023. Showcasing the work of female Australian Indigenous artists, the presentation will hold a special focus on First Nations painter Emily Kame Kngwarray, one of Australia’s most esteemed artists. Alongside 12 works by Kngwarray, work by other important female artists will also be shown, including Naata Nungurrayi, Barbara Weir, Gloria Petyarre, Maggie Watson Napangardi, and Minnie Pwerle. Together, the showing will offer invaluable insight into the work of Second Generation artists of the Aboriginal Australian Art Movement.

Why We Like It: SmithDavidson Gallery’s presentation at Art Cologne promises to be a jewel box exhibition bringing the historically important and influential work and practices of late 20th and early 21st century artists. Though frequently overlooked by the greater art world, the significance of the Aboriginal Australian Art Movement cannot be understated, especially the innovations and advancements made by recent generations of female artists. Emily Kam Kngwarray’s paintings uniquely illustrate the myriad ways a combination of traditional and contemporary approaches has resulted in innovations that have helped to expanded the entirety of the art movement. The presentation underscores the gallery’s longstanding commitment to Australian Indigenous Art, bringing it to the fore of art world discourse and attention.

According to the Gallery: “SmithDavidson Gallery has been a prominent advocate and educator internationally for Australian Indigenous Art since 2006. Following the positive responses to the gallery’s presentation at Art Cologne 2022, including front-page coverage at the Kölnische Rundschau, the gallery’s presentation for 2023 highlights the specific era between 1985 and 2010 of the ‘Second Generation’ painters. An era in which female painters take the lead and whose innovations greatly expanded the art movement. Utopian artist Emily Kam Kngwarray is without a doubt the most notable artist from this era and her ability to experiment with both subject matter, composition, and color has changed our understanding of ‘Australian Aboriginal Art.’ At the same time, artists like Nyurapayia Nampitjinpa—or ‘Mrs. Bennett’ as she was the wife of the late artist John John Bennett—and Naata Nungurrayi, expanded the art of the Western Desert with new color schemes and subject matters; telling their own stories inspired by the Women’s Dreamings hidden from the male perspect ive and, up to that point, also from the art world at large.”

See featured works below.

Emily Kam Kngwarray, Yam Dreaming (1996). Courtesy of SmithDavidson Gallery.

Emily Kam Kngwarreye, My Country Wall (1994). Courtesy of SmithDavidson Gallery.

Maggie Watson Napangardi, Digging Sticks (1995). Courtesy of SmithDavidson Gallery.

Naata Nungurrayi, Untitled (2002). Courtesy of SmithDavidson Gallery.

SmithDavidson will be showing at Art Cologne, booth #C301, November 16–19, 2023.

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