Tarsame Mittal, Founder AAM, TM Talent Management, Artist First, opened the landmark 10th anniversary of AAM 26 with a candid look at the evolution of India's music industry, reflecting on what has changed, what remains the same, and what needs rethinking for the next decade.

One of the interesting panel discussions on Day One was ‘The Next Generation of Music Business Entrepreneurs’  moderated by Roydon Bangera that had panelists Sherish Shaikh, Anmol Singh and Darshan Kataria. In his address, Shaikh said that even though many people work for you, you have to wear different hats, as you cannot do everything on your own. “You need to find ways to put the hats on different heads”.

Speaking on his own experience, Darshan Kataria said that saving money to start with his company as an entrepreneur, was the first check box he made to understand how to keep and secure his finances. Anmol Singh added to this thought saying that “you have to learn and then unlearn to grow your business”. Clarifying further he said, “You have to start with being an intern at a record label, study, learn at the grassroots level and then go on to establish your own company”.

Talking about competitors, Darshan said it's always good to pass on the artist to the reliable record or company who can make much out of them, but understanding the need and keeping the environment open and collaborative, is the key to moving further. Shaikh mentioned that if you are obsessed and passionate about entrepreneurship “just dive deep and you will find the way”.

The panel rolled down to the fact that growing together, making business and finding new artists and making them grow in a way they want to, is the key to being a successful entrepreneur. Bangera also stated that improved infrastructure and partnering in management will help a lot for the young who intend to become music business entrepreneurs.

Another important panel of the day was ‘Naya Bharat, Naya Awaaz’. The big announcement at this session was The Global Indian Music Academy Awards) (GiMA), where Sabbas  Joseph, Founder of Wizcraft said that India’s most-respected pioneering music award platform, is set to return in 2027 in a new avatar.

Global hip hop sensation Raja Kumari and globally recognised Rajasthani folk singer-composer, Mame Khan, held the GiMA trophy aloft marking the launch alongside GiMA Founders Sabbas Joseph, Andre Timmins and Viraf Sarkari.

Celebrating the magical moment, Sabbas Joseph, Co-Founder, GiMA, commented, “GiMA was created to give Indian music a platform of its own. Over the last decade, the way music is created, discovered, consumed and celebrated has transformed dramatically. Today, regional sounds travel globally, independent artists can build audiences without borders while creators and platforms are shaping music culture in entirely new ways. We are excited to announce that GiMA returns in 2027, in a new avatar that celebrates where Indian music has come from and, more importantly, where it is going.”

The evening ended with a YouTube musical showcase featuring boy band OutStation, Damini (Bhatla) and Garvit Priyansh.

Looking forward to another exciting Day Two at All About Music.

Musicunplugged is Media Partner for All About Music.

By Kiran Holkar with Photos by Verus Ferreira