Universal Music India Launches Vedam Records With Grammy Winner Ricky Kej For Wellness Music

Universal Music India (UMI) is expanding into the wellness music space with the launch of Vedam Records, a new label that blends traditional Indian music with mental health practices. Announced on Wednesday (September 11), Vedam Records "aims to bring the benefits of authentic wellness music from India to the world," according to UMI.

The label's releases will be rooted in the Indian Vedic Wellness Systems (IVWS) and categorized into five areas: Yoga, Meditation, Focus, Sleep, and Chakra Balancing. Drawing inspiration from the Samaveda, one of India’s sacred texts, the music channels ancient melodies and chants used for thousands of years to promote mental wellness and balance.

Vedam Records has partnered with three-time Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej, who will bring his expertise in music and wellness to the label. The label's debut album, Break of Dawn by Kej, is now available. “Music has the power to transcend boundaries and uplift the human spirit,” Kej said. “With Vedam Records, I’m creating music that is not just a listening experience but a therapeutic journey filled with joy.”

Devraj Sanyal, Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Group, India & South Asia, added, “Vedam Records marks the beginning of a transformative journey. Our mission is to create powerful music from India, crafted for the world to enhance mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing."

Universal Music Group (UMG) has been a leader in the growing wellness music industry. In 2021, it partnered with MedRhythms to provide digital therapeutics, and a year later, UMG collaborated with the app Vera, which delivers music to dementia patients. Last year, UMG also launched Sollos, a wellness app in partnership with Thrive Global, and teamed up with AI startup Endel to create AI-generated music for sleep, relaxation, and focus.

The wellness music space has become a rapidly expanding industry, now valued at $1.8 trillion globally, according to McKinsey. Several key players in the music industry, such as Warner Music Group, Deezer, Songtradr, and Live Nation, have also ventured into this sector, exploring the therapeutic potential of music.