Garnering a revenue beyond INR 700 crore through forging proactive partnerships with strong partners, enforcing copyright laws, strengthening public performance revenue, IPRS, drew in a hugely successful 2024-25. Dynamic IPRS CEO, Rakesh Nigam, reflects on a landmark 2024–25 for IPRS, driven by partnerships, copyright enforcement, festival-led engagement, and a renewed focus on empowering music creators across India
Q) IPRS had a significant presence at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2025 with a dedicated music stage. What was the larger intent behind curating this platform?
Rakesh Nigam:
Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is one of India’s most iconic cultural platforms, drawing a diverse audience that cuts across age groups, disciplines, and geographies. Our intent in curating the IPRS Stage was twofold. First, we wanted to create a highly visible platform for emerging and independent music creators who may not always get access to such prestigious public showcases. Second, we aimed to underline the idea that music is not merely entertainment—it is intellectual property created by individuals whose rights deserve recognition and protection.
By showcasing regional, contemporary, and experimental Indian music, we also highlighted the vast diversity of our musical ecosystem. The stage allowed creators to perform, be discovered, and engage directly with audiences, while IPRS used the opportunity to spark conversations around authorship, ownership, and the value of original music. It was a celebration of creativity, but also a reminder that behind every performance is a creator whose livelihood depends on fair remuneration and rights awareness.
Q) My Music, My Rights – Season 2’ has been described as a cornerstone initiative for creator education. How does this program empower independent artists and songwriters?
Rakesh Nigam:
‘My Music, My Rights’ was conceived from a simple but urgent realization—many creators in India are immensely talented but poorly informed about how the music business actually works. Season 2 expanded our reach significantly, taking structured rights education to multiple cities across the country. The focus was on demystifying complex subjects such as copyright, royalties, publishing, contracts, and long-term career planning.
What makes the initiative impactful is its practical, creator-first approach. We speak in the language of musicians, using real-life scenarios instead of legal jargon. The idea is empowerment—when creators understand their rights, they are better positioned to make informed decisions, avoid exploitation, and build sustainable careers. Over time, this kind of awareness strengthens the entire music ecosystem by fostering transparency, professionalism, and mutual respect between creators and industry stakeholders.
Q) IPRS partnered with India International Music Week (IIMW) 2025 in Goa. Why is global engagement so important for Indian music creators today?
Rakesh Nigam:
Indian music has enormous global potential, but access to international networks and markets has traditionally been limited to a small section of the industry. Our partnership with IIMW was driven by the belief that Indian creators deserve a seat at the global table. Through panels, networking sessions, and direct interactions with international industry professionals, we helped bridge that gap.
Such engagement exposes creators to global best practices, new revenue streams, and collaborative opportunities beyond borders. At the same time, it allows the international music community to better understand the richness and originality of Indian music. For IPRS, this is part of a larger vision—ensuring that Indian creators are not only protected at home but also represented and respected globally as rights holders and cultural ambassadors.
Q) KOLAB: HER Music Camp focused exclusively on women creators. Why was it important for IPRS to support an all-women initiative?
Rakesh Nigam:
The music industry, like many creative industries, has historically seen gender imbalance, especially in songwriting, production, and technical roles. KOLAB: HER Music Camp was a conscious effort to address this gap by creating a safe, inclusive, and inspiring space for women composers, lyricists, and producers to collaborate and learn from one another.
By partnering with Sony Music Publishing, we ensured that participants received not just creative mentorship but also industry exposure and professional guidance. The camp went beyond songwriting—it fostered confidence, peer networks, and a sense of belonging. For IPRS, supporting such initiatives is part of our broader commitment to equity and representation. When diverse voices are empowered, the quality and depth of music created inevitably improves.
The Indo-Canadian Songwriting Camp under KOLAB 2025 was an international collaboration. What were the key takeaways from this residency?
Rakesh Nigam:
The Indo-Canadian Songwriting Camp in Karjat was a powerful example of how music transcends borders. By bringing together Indian and Canadian creators in collaboration with SOCAN and The True School of Music, we enabled a genuine exchange of ideas, cultures, and songwriting approaches. Over the course of a week, artists co-wrote original music, learned from each other’s creative processes, and formed relationships that will extend well beyond the camp.
Such residencies are invaluable because they broaden artistic perspectives while also reinforcing the importance of rights management across territories. Creators begin to understand how international copyright systems function and why organizations like IPRS and SOCAN play a critical role. Ultimately, it was about fostering collaboration, cultural diplomacy, and long-term creative partnerships.
Q) IPRS has consistently reached out to remote regions, including Leh-Ladakh through the Pahari Goat Festival. Why is grassroots outreach so vital?
Rakesh Nigam:
India’s musical soul resides as much in its remote regions as in its urban centers . Folk and indigenous artists often carry centuries-old traditions, yet they are the most vulnerable when it comes to rights awareness and fair compensation. Our engagement at the Pahari Goat Festival in Leh-Ladakh was aimed at bridging this gap.
By conducting awareness sessions in such regions, we ensure that creators understand that their music has value beyond local performances. We also learn from them—their traditions, challenges, and aspirations. Grassroots outreach reinforces IPRS’s belief that copyright protection should not be limited by geography. Every creator, regardless of location, deserves recognition, respect, and access to their rightful royalties.
Q) The Sambalpur edition of ‘My Music, My Rights’ placed special emphasis on folk traditions. How does IPRS balance tradition with modern music systems?
Rakesh Nigam:
Folk music is the foundation of India’s musical heritage, and it must be preserved without isolating it from contemporary systems of rights and remuneration. In Sambalpur, we combined education on copyright with a celebration of regional and folk creators, acknowledging their cultural significance while introducing them to modern frameworks.
The idea is not to commercialize tradition indiscriminately, but to ensure that folk artists are not excluded from the benefits of the evolving music economy. By integrating traditional creators into structured rights systems, we help them sustain their art with dignity while passing it on to future generation.
Q) On World IP Day 2025, IPRS collaborated with FICCI to discuss ‘IP and Music’. Why are policy-level conversations important for creators?
Rakesh Nigam:
Policy shapes the environment in which creators operate. While education at the individual level is crucial, systemic change requires engagement with policymakers, industry bodies, and regulators. Our collaboration with FICCI on World IP Day created a platform to discuss fair remuneration, copyright enforcement, and the evolving challenges faced by music creators in the digital age.
These conversations help align industry practices with creator interests and ensure that laws remain relevant and effective. For creators, strong policy advocacy translates into better protection, transparency, and long-term sustainability.
Q) Soundscapes of India – Season 2 is often described as IPRS’ flagship global initiative. What sets it apart?
Rakesh Nigam:
Soundscapes of India is more than a conference—it is a gateway to global opportunities for Indian creators. By bringing international festival directors, curators, and industry leaders to New Delhi, we created a rare interface between Indian artists and global decision-makers.
The initiative allows creators to showcase their work, engage in meaningful dialogue, and explore performance opportunities worldwide. It also positions India as a serious player in the global music circuit. For IPRS, Soundscapes reflects our commitment to not just protecting rights, but actively enabling growth and international visibility for Indian music.
Q) Community-led festivals like Kholey Dai in Kalimpong reflect a different engagement model. Why does IPRS participate in such initiatives?
Rakesh Nigam:
Community-led festivals are deeply rooted in local culture and collective participation. Our involvement in the Kholey Dai Festival was about meeting creators where they are—outside formal industry settings. By conducting creator-focused sessions and engaging with indigenous musicians, we reinforced the idea that rights awareness can coexist with community traditions.
Such initiatives help build trust and ensure that conversations around copyright feel accessible rather than intimidating. They also reaffirm IPRS’s role as a partner to creators, not just an administrative body.
Q) The IPRS Stage at Serendipity Arts Festival 2025 was another major highlight. How do such platforms strengthen creator visibility and engagement?
Rakesh Nigam:
Serendipity Arts Festival is a multidisciplinary, international platform that attracts discerning audiences and industry professionals alike. Curating a multi-day IPRS music stage allowed us to spotlight diverse regional and contemporary sounds while fostering deeper engagement with creators.
These platforms offer artists visibility, credibility, and networking opportunities, while also allowing IPRS to engage directly with the creative community. They serve as cultural touchpoints where performance, dialogue, and rights awareness come together. Ultimately, such initiatives help build a more informed, confident, and connected creator ecosystem.
Vibhav Rao