Dialled In Launches Record Label With Universal Music U.K., Signs India-Based Talent

London-based South Asian culture platform Dialled In has officially entered the recorded music space with the launch of Dialled In Records, in collaboration with The Collective,an A&R imprint under Universal Music Group U.K.’s Island-EMI.

The move marks a strategic evolution for Dialled In, which has spent the past five years building a presence across live programming, touring, and artist development. With this new venture, the platform adds a recorded music arm to its ecosystem, while leveraging global label infrastructure through its UMG partnership.

Among the first artists to be signed is Excise Dept, a New Delhi- and Mumbai-based collective blending electronic music, rap, and multilingual vocals. Their inclusion highlights a clear intent to spotlight talent rooted within India, rather than focusing solely on diaspora-driven narratives.

Also joining the roster is Ahadadream, a Karachi-born, U.K.-raised producer who has been gaining traction in the British club circuit. His debut release under the label, “Bass Dhol,” features collaborations with Skrillex and Raf Saperra, signalling the label’s cross-cultural and club-focused direction.

Co-founder Dhruva Balram has positioned the label as a natural extension of Dialled In’s existing ecosystem. Over the years, the platform has curated programming across globally recognised venues and events such as Glastonbury Festival, the Barbican Centre and the Victoria and Albert Museum, building a strong pipeline of artists and audiences.

The new label structure reflects an imprint-style model, with Dialled In focusing on A&R and artist development, while UMG provides scale, distribution, and global reach. This hybrid approach offers emerging artists access to international frameworks without requiring relocation,an important shift, particularly for India-based acts.

For India’s independent music ecosystem, the development signals a broader change. Direct signings of homegrown artists into global label systems remain relatively limited, especially within electronic and alternative genres. Initiatives like Dialled In Records create new pathways,bridging grassroots scenes with international industry infrastructure while retaining cultural specificity.

The label’s launch will be formally celebrated at Dialled In’s fifth anniversary festival in London on May 30, a multi-venue event expected to draw around 3,000 attendees, further cementing its position as a key player in the global South Asian music landscape.