In a landmark collaboration poised to redefine the global music landscape, independent music publishing powerhouse Kobalt has forged a worldwide partnership with Madverse Music Group, a formidable India-based entity dedicated to nurturing and empowering the vibrant South Asian independent music sector. This strategic alliance represents a pivotal moment for thousands of creators across India and its neighboring regions, promising to dismantle long-standing barriers to international revenue collection and usher in an era of unprecedented financial transparency and artistic empowerment.
For too long, the immense talent emanating from South Asia’s burgeoning independent music scene has struggled to fully capitalize on its global reach. While digital platforms have democratized distribution, the complex and often opaque world of international royalty collection has remained a significant hurdle, leaving countless artists uncompensated for their work played overseas. This new partnership directly addresses this systemic issue, offering a sophisticated, tech-driven solution to ensure that every stream, broadcast, and sync license translates into fair and timely remuneration for creators.
Madverse Music Group, renowned for its comprehensive suite of services encompassing distribution, publishing, and marketing tailored for the South Asian independent music community, has rapidly cultivated an impressive network. With a client base exceeding 150,000 artists and labels spanning India and the broader South Asian region, Madverse has established itself as a vital advocate for independent voices. Its deep understanding of local nuances, combined with its commitment to fostering a creator-first ecosystem, makes it an ideal partner for Kobalt’s global ambitions.
Under the terms of this groundbreaking agreement, Madverse’s extensive community of independent songwriters, composers, and producers will gain direct and streamlined access to Kobalt’s industry-leading publishing administration network. This access is not merely symbolic; it translates into tangible benefits designed to empower creators financially and administratively. Key services include unparalleled royalty collection capabilities across more than 180 markets worldwide, ensuring that no stone is left unturned in tracking and securing earnings from diverse territories. Furthermore, artists will benefit from Kobalt’s advanced metadata tracking systems, which are crucial for accurate and granular reporting in the complex digital age, as well as significantly expanded synchronization licensing opportunities, opening new avenues for their music to be featured in films, television, advertisements, and video games globally.
The implications of this partnership extend far beyond mere financial transactions. It represents a profound shift in how South Asian artists can perceive and manage their careers. The traditional music industry, particularly in emerging markets, has often been characterized by opaque dealings and a lack of artist control. This collaboration, however, champions transparency and empowers creators to retain full ownership of their intellectual property rights—a core tenet of Madverse’s “Independent, Not Alone” philosophy. This ethos resonates deeply within a professional women-focused context, where financial independence, equitable compensation, and control over one’s creative output are paramount for sustainable careers and breaking glass ceilings.
Rohan Nesho Jain, the visionary CEO of Madverse, articulated the profound significance of this alliance, stating, “This partnership with Kobalt represents a pivotal moment in our mission to empower India’s independent music community. For too long, Indian creators have left money on the table simply because the infrastructure to collect global royalties was broken and almost nonexistent.” Jain’s words underscore a historical inequity that has deprived a generation of artists of their rightful earnings, hindering their ability to invest in their craft and build enduring careers.
He further elaborated on the long-term vision, drawing a compelling analogy: “Publishing royalties are essentially a musician’s pension fund – they generate income long after the initial release, sometimes for generations.” This perspective highlights the often-underestimated value of intellectual property as a sustainable asset, providing financial security long after a song’s initial popularity wanes. For women artists, who may face unique challenges in securing stable income streams and long-term financial planning within the entertainment industry, such a “pension fund” approach offers a crucial foundation for independence and resilience.
“Through this collaboration, we’re ensuring that Indian independent artists can finally access and protect these earnings seamlessly, no matter where in the world their music is played,” Jain affirmed. He emphasized that the partnership transcends mere royalty collection, asserting, “This is about more than just collecting royalties; it’s about building sustainable careers and giving our artists the financial foundation they deserve. When independent voices are properly compensated and protected, the entire music ecosystem becomes richer and more diverse.” This sentiment speaks directly to the broader mission of fostering a more equitable and vibrant creative economy, where diverse voices, including those of women creators, can flourish without the burden of financial insecurity or exploitative practices.
The “Independent, Not Alone” philosophy championed by Madverse is central to this deal. It’s a commitment to providing robust support systems that allow artists to navigate the complexities of the global music industry while maintaining creative control and ownership. The partnership with Kobalt is a direct manifestation of this philosophy, offering improved transparency, operational efficiency, and, crucially, allowing artists to retain their rights. In an industry where artists, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, have historically struggled for control over their work, this emphasis on ownership and transparency is revolutionary.
From Kobalt’s perspective, this partnership represents a strategic expansion into one of the world’s most dynamic and rapidly growing music markets. Simon Moor, Kobalt’s managing director for the Asia-Pacific region, lauded Madverse’s achievements: “Madverse has built an impressive ecosystem that supports one of the most dynamic independent music communities in the world.” He highlighted the synergistic potential of the collaboration, stating, “By combining their creator-first approach with Kobalt’s global publishing infrastructure, we’re committed to ensuring Madverse songwriters and producers have the resources, accuracy, and reach they need to succeed on an international scale.” This commitment underscores Kobalt’s reputation as a company that prioritizes artist empowerment through technological innovation and global reach.
Kobalt has long been a trailblazer in the music publishing sector, known for its disruptive, technology-driven approach that champions artist and songwriter rights. With a global footprint that includes 10 international offices, Kobalt administers publishing for an impressive catalog of over 1 million compositions. Its roster of songwriter and publisher clients includes an eclectic mix of industry titans and contemporary stars such as Roddy Ricch, Max Martin, Karol G, Phoebe Bridgers, and legendary musician Paul McCartney. This diverse clientele speaks to Kobalt’s broad appeal and its ability to cater to artists across genres and career stages. The company’s significant market presence is further evidenced by its catalog accounting for roughly 35% of top 100 songs and albums in major markets like the U.S. and U.K., solidifying its position as a key player in the global music economy.
The confluence of Madverse’s deep regional expertise and creator-centric model with Kobalt’s sophisticated global infrastructure creates a powerful new paradigm for independent music. It’s a testament to the evolving nature of the music business, where geographical boundaries are increasingly irrelevant, and fair compensation for creative work is becoming an achievable standard rather than an elusive dream. For women artists in South Asia, this partnership offers a particularly significant lifeline, providing the tools and support necessary to not only share their unique voices with the world but also to build financially secure and creatively autonomous careers, free from the historical constraints that have often limited their reach and earning potential. This collaboration is more than a business deal; it’s a catalyst for cultural exchange, economic empowerment, and the global amplification of diverse musical narratives.
