Sujit Kundu
Sujit Kundu made his name in street making breaking some of the biggest artists in the business. Now he’s taken his passion for music and its artists to Universal Motown where that passion and hard work has paid off as he now serves as VP/Rhythm Crossover Promotion, a position in which he was promoted to in less than a year of being hired.
eQB presents excerpts from the February FMQBmagazine Rhythm Up Close with Universal Motown VP/Rhythm Crossover Sujit Kundu
Sujit Kundu’s passion for the music business is contagious. It started at the street level when he began as a club promoter in 1989. Then he partnered with KHTY/Santa Barbara MD Damion Young to formBaby Ree Entertainment, a joint venture with Emmis Communications. The company served as an outlet to sign and produce artists. Kundu then went on to form his own management/promotion company, Skam Artist Inc., serving as its owner/founder. Then it was on to MCA Records for a brief stint prior to MCA’s merger with Interscope.
After being courted on several occasions by many labels, he made the decision to join Universal Records as National Director/Rhythm Crossover Promotion in 2005. When Universal separated into two companies,Universal Republic and Universal Motown, Kundu was named VP/Rhythm Crossover Promotion for Universal Motown by SVP Gary Marella who tells FMQB, “Sujit has already proven himself as one of the best promotion executives in the business in the year he has been at Universal, I don’t think he ever sleeps!” In fact, our conversation could have easily taken place at 3:00am, when one of the hardest working men in the format is up and ready to break his next artist.
On the challenges of adjusting to the corporate environment… It’s not tough at all. It’s all about work ethic and that never changes in any environment.
On the new Universal Motown making a name for itself… We ended the year delivering two #1s for Akon and are looking to start the year off with a #1 with Lloyd. We have a new Ja Rule record, and a new Chamillionaire. Since we’ve added Davey Dee to our team we are now in position to promote some of the best music from the best talent roster in the business.
On steps both record labels and radio stations take to improve their relationships… Be realistic, times have changed and so has the way we interact. It’s important for both parties to understand we have jobs to do and help each other where we can while still maintaining our individual desires to win!
On the importance of new media in the development of artists nowadays… Any avenue that can expose music is a positive. Digital technology makes it easier for us to distribute our music and promote our artists. Most importantly, it’s where records are selling nowadays on sites such as iTunes. Kids are spending more and more of their time on the internet so you’ll often see a buzz generated whether it through MySpace or even message boards that help in getting the word out about new and emerging artists and music.
On mix shows being a key component in breaking new artists… It’s still where new music begins. Clubs are a great testing ground for new music. You get to see immediate reaction. Nine times out of ten if it’s hot in the clubs and on the streets it has a better chance to succeed at radio.
On whether Ja Rule and Irv Gotti’s can produce radio hits again… I’ve known them a long time, since promoting Ja’s very first record. Both of them have a work ethic and passion that cannot be denied, and coming off this Lloyd record “You,” Irv is gaining momentum again.
On having had some artist management experience… I know what artists go through. I’ve been on the promo tour working 20 hours a day for months, not being home for months, so I know artists’ frustrations and take them into account. I’m also realistic with what they can or can’t do.
** QB Content by Bob Burke **
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