Imran Ahmed (pictured), the former Head of A&R at XL who signed acts including Vampire Weekend & Jungle has launched a new label in partnership with Kobalt’s recording company, AWAL.
LA-based label In Real Life will leverage AWAL’s vast distribution and marketing expertise to maximize the opportunities and promotion of its artist roster.
The deal also includes publishing for rising electronic artist Peggy Gou.
In Real Life is a record, publishing and management company based in LA and founded by Imran Ahmed this year.
In Real Life’s first record releases include New York-based Nathan Bajar and Danish electronic artist ML Buch.
Originally based in London, Imran was head of A&R at XL Recordings for more than 12 years where he signed massive acts such as Vampire Weekend, Jungle and Jai Paul among others.
Currently based in Los Angeles, he also hosts a monthly show on NTS Radio.
“Staying in the independent sector was really important to me and the ambition and energy of AWAL’s team made it the stand out choice.”
Imran Ahmed
Imran Ahmed said: “I’m very hyped about working with AWAL on launching my new company In Real Life.
“Twelve years in London was an incredible education and there are some key lessons that I bring with me: only work with the most exciting, compelling and boundary pushing new acts and honor artist integrity at all costs.
“Staying in the independent sector was really important to me and the ambition and energy of AWAL’s team made it the stand out choice.”
“We’re confident this partnership will enhance the launch of his new label and roster across the globe.”
Sas Metcalfe, Kobalt
Kobalt, Chief Creative Officer, Sas Metcalfe, added: “Imran has created an international name for himself in the industry and we’re proud to be working with him on his projects in such an early phase.
“We’re confident this partnership will enhance the launch of his new label and roster across the globe.”
“His passion for discovering and breaking influential new artists is unique and directly aligned with AWAL’s mission.”
AWAL, CEO, Lonny Olinick, added: “Imran is an amazing tastemaker and highly respected in the industry.
“His passion for discovering and breaking influential new artists is unique and directly aligned with AWAL’s mission. We are honored to work with him on this new venture.”
The news of the partnership with In Real Life follows AWAL’s exclusive worldwide deal with another LA-based independent label, SideOne Dummy Records.Music Business Worldwide
