Launched in June 2011, Underground Artists has evolved from a music blog into one of the UK’s most sought after artist management outfits. Conceived by Kal Jhugroo, the Manchester-based agency has grown at a rapid rate since its conception, building a superlative roster of contemporary artists, all of whom have their own unique niche and represent the very best in modern-day house music.
Underground Artists was originally a mere blog, named Underground.eu, which Kal used as an outlet for his passion for electronic music. He soon found that some of the artists he admired most were keen to develop a working relationship and within 3 months he’d signed his first artist under management, and 3 months after that his second signing had come on board.
By February 2012 Underground Artists had picked up Finnebassen, who was followed by a whole host of DJs and producers, all of whom stand firmly in the more contemporary, forward-thinking end of the electronic music spectrum. Fresh talent with new ideas and the will and determination to make a real impact on the scene.
The roster now includes; Dale Howard, Dave Seaman, Deeper Purpose, D.O.D, Iglesias, Majestic, Martin Ikin, NightFunk, Will Taylor and many others. Among the labels to have signed music from Underground’s roster are: Crosstown Rebels, Defected, Blackbook, Catch & Release, Get Physical, Hot Creations, Bedrock, Diynamic, Large Music, Morris Audio, Off Recordings, and countless more.
Several members of the Underground family have come under the spotlight from none other than Pete Tong MBE and named ‘Future Stars’ by the highly influential Radio 1 tastemaker not to mention Kal himself, who featured as a ‘Star Of The North’ on the Friday night show, which is one of most highly regarded in the world.
As Underground grew in stature, the next logical step was to launch a label and so, in March 2013, Underground Audio came forth to further the company’s reach and it’s been a resounding success with a constant presence in the all-important Beatport charts. Support has come from far and wide, with modern-day luminaries such as Maya Jane Coles, Adam Beyer, Steve Lawler, Jamie Jones and Hot Since 82 charting the label’s releases.
Underground Artists has also utilised Kal’s experience as a promoter to put on several showcases, both in his hometown Manchester, around the UK, Dubai and in Ibiza too at Sankeys. In 2014 they returned to Sankeys for a second showcase in conjunction with Berlin-based agency Jackmode. Following which a strong bond was made between the two agencies who have since hosted parties at Hive, Zurich and Watergate, Berlin.
Marking a further step forward for the agency, their connection with Jackmode heralds the formation of a fruitful relationship which strengthens the foundation of both companies. As well as Jackmode, Kal’s open-minded attitude to business has allowed him to forge close ties with other agencies from further afield including Thick as Thieves (Australia), Groove Agency (Brazil), Liaison Artists (USA) and Supermodified (Asia).
It’s now been eleven years since Underground was conceived and, as you can see, in that short space of time it has notched up a seriously impressive array of achievements. With Kal’s business acumen and its supremely talented roster of artists, that list of achievements will continue to grow and grow… Watch this space!
“Strive for perfection in everything you do. Take the best that exists and make it better. When it does not exist, design it”
– Sir Henry Royce