A New Chapter for South Asian Music
The cultural platform Dialled In has officially announced the launch of its dedicated record label, Dialled In Records. Based in London, this new imprint is set to serve as a vital hub for boundary-pushing South Asian artists, providing them with the infrastructure and global reach necessary to thrive in an increasingly interconnected music industry. The label represents a natural progression for the platform, which has spent the last five years cultivating underground scenes and fostering cross-border collaboration.
Dialled In Records is positioned at the intersection of club culture, experimental electronics, and contemporary alternative music. By focusing on both established and emerging talent from South Asia and its global diaspora, the label aims to provide a permanent home for artists whose work defies traditional genre constraints. Whether through vocal-led projects, avant-garde production, or multidisciplinary collectives, the label is committed to reflecting the diversity and momentum of the current global scene.
Strategic Growth and Initial Signings
The label’s operational strategy goes beyond simple distribution; it is designed to facilitate long-term career development. By building international pathways for artists, Dialled In Records intends to bridge the gap between regional scenes and the global stage. The label’s inaugural roster includes Ahadadream, a co-founder of the platform and a prominent figure in the UK electronic landscape, and the pioneering collective Excise Dept, which operates out of New Delhi and Mumbai.
Ahadadream’s recent success serves as a blueprint for the label’s ambitions. His single ‘Bass Dhol,’ a collaboration with Raf Saperra and Skrillex, has already surpassed one million streams, secured the No. 1 spot on the BBC Asian Network charts, and earned Track of the Week honors on BBC Radio 1. Similarly, Excise Dept has gained significant traction for their unique blend of regional languages and experimental production, having performed at major events like Lollapalooza India.
Building a Sustainable Ecosystem
The launch of the label coincides with a landmark moment for the parent organization, which is preparing to celebrate its fifth anniversary with a major festival in London on May 30, 2026. This event will feature a diverse lineup of international South Asian artists, many of whom will be making their UK debut, further cementing the platform’s role as a cultural engine.
Dhruva Balram, co-founder of Dialled In, emphasized that the label is a response to the systemic gaps in artist development for the region. ‘Dialled In has always been about building the infrastructure that South Asian artists deserve,’ Balram stated. ‘With Dialled In Records, we have the full ecosystem to make that happen: from artist development and live platforms to recorded music and international distribution. This isn’t a catalogue play. It’s a commitment to the producers and voices that don’t fit neatly into someone else’s genre tag.’ By providing a home that understands the specific cultural context of its artists, the label is poised to become a cornerstone of the next generation of South Asian music.