5 Essential Music Industry Stories for Professionals

According to Press Monitor's tracking of Indian publications, this media monitoring report delivers news on music industry developments across five stories. This press review provides print media monitoring and media intelligence on record labels, music rights disputes, cultural policy shifts, and the physical format comeback.

1. Raah Records Launches New Label

A front-page report in Business Line says that Yash Raj Films announced the launch of Raah Records, a music company and incubator. UK-based Virtuoso Music launched in India in June, introducing a creator-first business model and a multilingual slate across Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil and Telugu. Excel Entertainment announced the launch of Excel Music, backed by Universal Music Group. Paid subscriptions in India rose to one point four million in 2025, up thirty-seven percent over 2024, and are expected to grow to twenty-eight to thirty million by 2028. Live music revenues are set to expand from ninety-seven million to one hundred twelve million according to PwC.

Why it matters: The Indian music industry is witnessing a wave of new label launches backed by major global partners, signaling a creator-first revolution.

Key detail: Paid subscriptions in India rose to 1.4 million in 2025, up 37 percent over 2024, and are expected to grow to 28 to 30 million by 2028. Live music revenues are set to expand from 97 million to 112 million according to PwC.

Source: Business Line, New Delhi, by Meenakshi Verma Ambwani

Next step: Track which labels capture the multilingual slate across Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, and Telugu markets.

2. Rapperiya Balam Accuses Film Makers

A front-page report in Hindustan Times says Rajasthani musician brothers Rapperiya Balam and Jagirdaar RV have accused the makers of the film Munna Bhaiya of using their song Shoorveer without permission. The duo says the track, dedicated to Maharana Pratap, is inappropriate for the character Munna Bhaiya played by Divyenndu. They claim producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani refused to engage and threaten legal action.

Why it matters: Music rights disputes in Bollywood highlight the growing tension between creative expression and copyright protection in Indian cinema.

Key detail: Rajasthani musician brothers Rapperiya Balam and Jagirdaar RV accuse the makers of Munna Bhaiya of using their song Shoorveer without permission. They claim producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani refused to engage and threaten legal action.

Source: Hindustan Times, Delhi

Next step: Watch for potential legal precedent in music licensing for film.

3. Suvendu Adhikari Announces Puja Breaks

A front-page report in Times of India says Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari announced that all Durga Puja pandals and themes must conform to the festival's original significance and Sanatani traditions. The CM also announced several breaks from celebrations, including banning DJ music during Puja days and immersion, closing liquor shops on Ashtami, and scrapping the immersion carnival.

Why it matters: Bengal's cultural policy decisions directly impact live music and DJ culture during one of India's biggest festivals.

Key detail: Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari announced that all Durga Puja pandals must conform to Sanatani traditions, including banning DJ music during Puja days and immersion, closing liquor shops on Ashtami, and scrapping the immersion carnival.

Source: Times of India, Kolkata, by Soumitra Nandi and Rohit Khanna

Next step: Assess the impact on Bengal's live music and event economy.

4. Chennai Sees Cassette Comeback

A front-page report in New Indian Express says audio cassettes are making a comeback in Chennai's Moore Market, with collectors and sellers driving renewed interest in the format. Sudhir Viyas D, film marketing head at BeatRoute and a cassette collector since 2016, describes cassettes as black diamonds. Antique store owner K Sakthivel estimates annual sales of five thousand to ten thousand pieces as demand grows for rare editions across Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and English music.

Why it matters: The revival of audio cassettes in Chennai's Moore Market signals renewed demand for physical music formats in the digital age.

Key detail: Sudhir Viyas D, film marketing head at BeatRoute and a cassette collector since 2016, describes cassettes as black diamonds. Antique store owner K Sakthivel estimates annual sales of 5,000 to 10,000 pieces.

Source: New Indian Express, Chennai, by Sonu M Kothari

Next step: Monitor how rare editions across Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and English music drive collector demand.

5. Cassette Revival Drives Collector Market

A front-page report in New Indian Express says limited-edition audio cassettes are gaining traction among collectors in India, with rare albums by composers Ilaiyaraaja and AR Rahman commanding high demand. Sellers and collectors view the format as a nostalgic physical archive, though cassette players are becoming scarce, yet films like Hridayam are reissuing tapes. Experts compare the trend to a cyclical wave that may fade as newer formats emerge.

Why it matters: Limited-edition cassettes are becoming valuable collectibles, with composers like Ilaiyaraaja and AR Rahman commanding high demand.

Key detail: Films like Hridayam are reissuing tapes, and experts compare the trend to a cyclical wave that may fade as newer formats emerge.

Source: New Indian Express, Chennai

Next step: Track which artists and labels are capitalizing on the nostalgia market.

Closing: As India's music industry evolves across digital streaming, physical revival, and rights disputes, which trend will define the next chapter? Share your view.