Bucks signs Soumik Datta to exclusive publishing deal

14 November 2019 - Press release

Composer and virtuoso Sarod player has collaborated with Beyonce, Jay-Z and the London Philharmonic Orchestra

Bucks Music Group has signed composer Soumik Datta to an exclusive worldwide publishing deal.
Datta is a composer and virtuoso player of the Sarod – a 19-stringed, classical Indian instrument – as well as being a television presenter.
During his musical career, Datta has collaborated with a wide range of big-name artists including Beyonce, Jay-Z, Bill Bailey, Nitin Sawhney, Talvin Singh, Joss Stone and Akram Khan, as well as the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the City of London Sinfonia to name a few.
On November 15, Datta will release his new five-track EP, Jangal.
Bridging the worlds of Indian classical and contemporary music, Jangal is a response to current levels of global deforestation and the climate change crisis.
Jangal (the original Urdu word for jungle) features a number of guest artists including Austrian percussionist Manu Delago on hang; London-based Al MacSween on piano, Moog, synths and harmonium; rhythymic visionary Bernhard Schimpelsberger on percussion; Ayoze de Alejandro Lopez on the Latin American bombo; and Indian percussionist Pirashanna Thevarajah on the ghatam and morsing. The EP was mixed and produced by Jonathan Rogers, and mastered by Streaky.
Datta has also collaborated with his brother, award-winning filmmaker Souvid Datta, on a narrative music video for the title track. The film offers an intimate story set within the jungles of India’s Sunderban delta, a climate change hotspot and an area once renowned for its biodiversity.
The EP was launched with an exclusive event at Soho House, London, on November 13, with live performances from Datta and his collaborators, as well the premiere of the Jangal music video. There was also a panel discussing the connections between art and activism, in partnership with Livetree.
Born in India and brought up in London, Datta connects his Bengali roots with global strands and is considered ‘one of biggest new music talents in Britain’ (Vogue).
2019 highlights include performances at Glastonbury, Womad and BBC Proms.
Datta has also presented television programmes namely Rhythms Of India (BBC4, BBC World News) and Tuning 2 You (Channel 4, Discovery, Sky Arts).
Through his albums, live tours and broadcast shows, Datta continues to champion traditional South Asian arts in the mainstream and bring his ancient Sarod into the modern, global arena.
Datta said: “I’m absolutely delighted to join Bucks Music Group. To be supported by one of the UK’s leading music publishers is a huge testament to their commitment to diversity. It ensures that I can continue celebrating my roots and heritage through my music and, with Bucks, we can reach newer and wider horizons. I’m excited about embarking on this journey.”
Bucks A&R Coordinator Rhiannon Bramley said: “Soumik is an incredibly talented artist, writer and composer, and a champion of a kind of music and culture that doesn’t get enough exposure in the western music business. He’s also a passionate storyteller and campaigner – all of which make him a joy to work with. We hope to achieve big things together.”

Bucks Music Group is one of the UK’s leading and longest running international, independent music publishers. It has a rich musical heritage, having been responsible for launching and developing the careers of music legends including David Bowie, T-Rex, The Move, Black Sabbath and Procol Harum. Its active A&R department continues to discover and develop new songwriting talent.
Bucks’ catalogue includes works written by David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath, Procul Harum, DJ Fresh, Run The Jewels, Brian Eno, James Blunt, Professor Green, Rudimental, Beyonce, Joe Strummer, CAN, Pete Doherty, Roni Size & Reprazent, David Arnold, Honeyblood, One Bit, The Heavytrackerz , Dusky Grey, Sick Joy, Life, Brooke Bentham, Zand and more. Label publishing partners include: Saint Music, Heavenly, Nude, Fulltime Hobby, Brownswood, Rekids, Arts & Crafts, VIVa and No Hats No Hoods.