Ankur Malhotra (IN)

Ankur Malhotra is co-founder of Amarrass Records, a multi-faceted independent record label, artist management and events company based in India and the US. An avid musicologist, he explores, engages, and connects musical traditions from around the world, and his label's work has been featured in The New York Times, NPR, BBC Radio and Songlines. Ankur is also a DJ/radio host, a photographer, runs Madison Music Review, and is a co-producer of Madison's eclectic street music festivals. He has served on the Board of Directors of WORT 89.9 FM, WOMEX 13 Jury Member, and is a music advisor to Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA).

Amarrass Records was established in 2009 with the aim to explore global traditions through music, and to develop systems that make music inclusive, accessible and sustainable. Guided by the principles of fair trade, Amarrass is committed to the production of quality music in a sustainable way. They strive to create an environment that encourages and nourishes the creative spirit of musicians and music lovers, and reinvigorates traditional forms of expression in music and the arts. As part of the process to create new opportunities and direct market linkages, Amarrass organises a music festival (The Amarrass Desert Music Festival), and music showcases in Delhi (Amarrass Nights@Lodi), links rural/folk artists to urban contemporary musicians, and creates engagement with national and international festivals. With operations in India and the US, Amarrass has adopted a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) ethos to deliver world-class events, music production and distribution, and music education. The work has also evolved to create awareness and sales channels for traditional instrument makers and their craft. With eleven albums released to date, the label and artists they represent have been featured in the UNESCO 2013 Creative Economies Report, The New York Times, NPR, Chicago Tribune, Rolling Stone India, BBC Radio and more.