Warner Music Canada, Warner Music India and Coalition Music have partnered with Canadian artist and producer Ikwinder Singh (AKA, Ikky) for the launch of his label imprint, 4N Records.
The launch is announced with the debut single 80 90 featuring Garry Sandhu and Amrit Maan, available on all streaming platforms and digital stores from Friday (May 27).
A joint statement from Warner Canada, Warner India and 4N Records says the new label was launched to “transcend borders and break down cultural barriers” and “emphasize Ikky’s mission to create songs and collaborations that will bridge the gap between India’s exploding music scene and the rest of the world.”
4N is the latest partnership announced by Warner India, which launched last year under the helm of ex-Sony exec Jay Mehta.
In January, Warner Music inked an exclusive distribution deal with Punjabi music company Sky Digital India, which aggregates releases from more than 42 Punjabi labels, two leading mainstream independent Hindi labels, and a selection of top regional labels specialising in Haryanvi and Bhojpuri music.
Before turning 20 this year, Ikky had already produced and co-written Punjabi songs that hit a global audience, such as Diamond by Gurnam Bhullar, Difference by Amrit Mann, Bambiha Bole by Amrit Maan & Sidhu Moose Wala and Yeah Baby by Garry Sandhu.
Collectively, these singles have amassed over 1 billion global streams combined.
Ikky and his newly established 4N Records will be based in Toronto, Canada, at Coalition Music’s facility.
Following the release of 80 90, a new collaboration with an unnamed Punjabi and Latin artist is in the works and 4N will collaborate with rap artist Nseeb.
“Throughout my career, I have felt as though I am an outsider.”
Ikky
Ikky, 4N Records, said: “Throughout my career, I have felt as though I am an outsider because I wear a Turban in a musical community where that is uncommon.
“It’s funny, in Canada, I’m the producer with a Turban, in the UK I’m the Indian guy, in India I’m the Canadian kid. There is always a little part of me that feels as though I am a constant foreigner.
“I kept on returning to this term in my head and when I told my partners that I wanted to call this company 4N, they immediately understood.”
“Ikky’s magnetism is infectious.”
Mathew Fruitman, Coalition Music and 4N Records
Mathew Fruitman, Coalition Music and 4N Records President, said: “Ikky’s magnetism is infectious. He so effortlessly combines his cultural experience and love for sounds, creating a lasting foundation that’s his musical strength.
“He has a unique ability to attract great talent, meld genres and is a great leader for 4N Records.”
“We are pleased to grow our valued relationship with Coalition Music.”
Steve Kane, Warner Music Canada
Steve Kane, President of Warner Music Canada, said: “We are so excited to partner with Ikky, and 4N Records. His creativity and passion are unrivaled, and we’re endlessly impressed by his ability to create hit songs that span cultural boundaries.
“We are pleased to grow our valued relationship with Coalition Music as we join together in partnership with Warner Music India.”
“Ikky is one of the trailblazing artists whose music has crossed boundaries.”
Jay Mehta, Warner Music India and SAARC
Jay Mehta, Managing Director, Warner Music India & SAARC, said: “Ikky is one of the trailblazing artists whose music has crossed boundaries in a short span of time.
“We are delighted to announce this association with him as it completely resonates with our vision to take the Indian sound global.
“With 4N Records and Warner Music Canada, we found a perfect partnership that not only echoes but also amplifies our aim.”Music Business Worldwide
