Episode 21: In Conversation with India Music Exchange

01/04/25 • 66 min

In conversation with Rafael Pereira and Sushil Chhugani, two key figures advancing India’s independent music movement. As founding members of India Music Exchange (IMX) and active contributors to India International Music Week (IIMW), they have played a pivotal role in bringing together artists, publishers, and entrepreneurs to expand India’s musical reach worldwide.
Rafael, an intellectual property strategist and web3 oracle, utilizes his legal and technological expertise to guide creators through the rapidly evolving digital space. Sushil, the Founder and Director of Stubborn Company, brings a wealth of experience in nurturing emerging talent and enriching India’s diverse music culture.
In this episode we discuss IMX and IIMW, their respective objectives and their goals to promote collaboration, drive industry growth, and create international opportunities for Indian musicians.
For more information about IMX, write in to [email protected]. For any other query, please write into [email protected].

This podcast is purely for informational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. Kindly consult a legal practitioner for specific advice on legal issues/ disputes.
© Sandhya Surendran, 2025. All rights reserved.

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Episode 20: In Conversation with Shubha Mudgal

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In conversation with Shubha Mudgal, a powerhouse Indian vocalist who has spent decades navigating the vibrant world of Hindustani classical and contemporary music. With an illustrious career that has earned her prestigious accolades including a National Film Award for non-fiction film music in the year 1995, the Gold Plaque Award at the Chicago International Film Festival in 1998, and the Padma Shri in the year 2000, Shubha Mudgal has become synonymous with both bold innovation and profound respect for tradition. Join us as we delve into her remarkable journey—examining how she honed her craft under the tutelage of renowned mentors, forged a distinctive artistic identity, and continues to redefine the creative landscape, all while championing artists’ rights and inspiring audiences worldwide.
For any enquiries, please mail us at [email protected].

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Episode 22: In Conversation with Neon Culture

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In conversation with Prarthana Sen and Vishruti Bindal, the founders of Neon Culture and driving forces behind the Deccan Alternative Music Conference (DAMC).

Prarthana Sen and Vishruti Bindal bring a wealth of experience and passion to India’s independent music landscape, making significant strides toward fostering a more inclusive and innovative industry.
Prarthana, formerly with Sofar Sounds, played a pivotal role in building global communities and providing indie artists with an intimate, impactful platform to showcase their talent. As one of the founding members of Music Tech India—and notably the only woman in the founding team—she has championed innovation and equity in music tech and indie spaces alike.

Vishruti, a multi-faceted music business professional has worked across audio engineering, music curation, artist management, education, and music supervision. She currently serves as an instructor at Berklee, teaching the Global Emerging Markets and Music Cities Policy module, and as Project Manager at Sound Diplomacy’s Momentual. Vishruti led the Bengaluru Music City analysis in 2021, creating the city’s only primary data source for music, and spearheaded the Music Cities European Exchange 2023 in collaboration with the EU Commission.

In this episode, we explore the remarkable journey of these two trailblazing women, the inception of Neon Culture, and their vision for DAMC. They share insights into their respective career trajectories, their dedication to community building and advocacy, and how they’re shaping Neon Culture to amplify independent voices.

Join us as we discuss the origins of DAMC, its transformative role in India’s music industry, and what to expect from its second edition in Kochi this February 7th and 8th, 2025.
For more details about DAMC, visit www.deccanalt.in. For any other query, please write into [email protected].