WAVES is a powerful platform for collaborators and content creators: Himesh Reshammiya
The third day of the WAVES 2025 Summit delivered a landmark session titled “Taking Indian Music to New Heights,” featuring a high-powered panel of Music industry visionaries and changemakers who gathered to discuss the global rise of Indian music and the opportunities ahead.
This compelling session brought together some of the most respected names from both Indian and international music industries, who shared insights on artist development, music publishing, digital growth, international collaborations, and industry innovation.
Himesh Reshammiya, the renowned Bollywood playback Singer and Music Director, described WAVES 2025 as a powerful platform for collaborators and content creators. He emphasized the importance of preparation for newcomers, advising them to always keep their music portfolio ready and polished. Reflecting on his own journey, he acknowledged that while there were limited opportunities in the past, today’s aspiring artists can leverage independent platforms and social media to showcase their talent. However, he stressed that the most critical factor remains the quality of the music - it must be appealing and melodious to truly connect with audiences and make a mark in the industry.
ANG Kwee Tiang, Senior Vice President of Asia Public Policy at Universal Music Group (UMG), shared insightful perspectives on the evolving dynamics of the Asian and global music markets. He reaffirmed Universal Music’s commitment to nurturing Indian talent and building global pathways for their success, while underlining the need for a more sustainable and value-driven music consumption culture in India.
A leader in music technology and copyright protection, Dr. Richard Gooch, Chief Technology Officer, IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry), emphasized the role of data-driven strategies and global standards in safeguarding and promoting Indian music on international platforms.
Representing one of the world’s largest music publishing entities, Dinraj Shetty, Managing Director, Sony Music Publishing (India & SAARC) shared insights on music rights management and how Indian songwriters and composers can better monetize their work in the streaming age.
Vikram Mehra, the Managing Director of Saregama, emphasized the symbiotic relationship between artists and music labels, stressing that both deserve respect for the industry to grow. He noted that artists must be valued for their creativity, while labels should be acknowledged for their financial investments in music. Mehra also highlighted the need for a robust subscription-based market, smoother government policies, and stricter action against piracy, which has significantly harmed the music industry.
