Ahadadream and Excise Dept lead Dialled In Records’ inaugural roster, as the label aims to put South Asian music on the global stage.
South Asian music has long been celebrated for its rich heritage and vibrant cultural traditions. In recent years, a new wave of artists from both the region and its global diaspora has injected fresh energy into the scene, expanding its sound and broadening its impact.
At the forefront of this movement is UK cultural platform Dialled In, which, since 2021, has championed these voices through community-driven events, festivals, and multi-disciplinary programming. Now, as the platform marks its fifth anniversary, it is embarking on a new chapter with the launch of its new imprint, Dialled In Records, co-founded by Ahadadream, Ahsan-Elahi Shujaat, Dhruva Balram, and Provhat Rahman.
Leading its inaugural roster is Ahadadream, whose music bridges global club culture with his South Asian roots. Known for his high-energy productions and dynamic performances, he has established a strong international presence, earning support from artists such as Skrillex, Fred again.., Four Tet, Eliza Rose, and Pete Tong. His trajectory reflects the kind of cross-cultural vision the label aims to cultivate.
Also joining the roster is Excise Dept, a multidisciplinary collective based in New Delhi and Mumbai. Operating at the intersection of experimental electronic music and South Asian storytelling, their sound blends local language with forward-thinking production, positioning them as a distinct voice within the next generation of talent.
Dialled In has always been about building the infrastructure that South Asian artists deserve but have not always had. We started as a group of friends who believed South Asian creativity could command the global stage. Now, 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 pushing sound forward, from whichever corner of the world they find themselves in. To the voices that don’t fit neatly into someone else’s genre tag. To the scenes that have been building in the margins and are ready for the centre. Dialled In Records is a label built to give South Asian artists the home they’ve always deserved: one that speaks their language, understands their context, and backs their vision without compromise.
Dhruva Balram, Dialled In Co-Founder
The launch of Dialled In Records arrives in tandem with the platform’s most ambitious event to date. On May 30, it will host a one-day, multi-venue takeover across eight spaces in Dalston and London, welcoming an expected 3,000 attendees and featuring a lineup of international South Asian artists, many making their UK debut.
Together, these milestones highlight a pivotal and exciting cultural moment for South Asian music. As the scene continues to gain global momentum, artists are pushing creative boundaries and producing music that resonates across cultures. The launch of Dialled In Records feels especially timely as it provides a platform to amplify these voices and reach a wider audience.
Be sure to follow Dialled In Records to stay updated on new releases, signings, and what’s next for one of the most exciting movements shaping the global music landscape.
