Virgin Music Group, the world’s leading partner to independent artists, labels and entrepreneurs, has announced that they have partnered with 3AM Entertainment, the label founded by British-born international superstar and cultural icon Jay Sean, who took the US pop culture market by storm in the mid-2000s, producer/executive Jeremy Skaller and Manager/VP of Music at Range Media Partners, Jared Cotter. 3AM Entertainment will focus on artists from the South Asian diaspora, regardless of genre.

The first project to debut under the new deal is a new single, “Heartless,” from Jay Sean featuring Toronto-based Punjabi hitmaker Ikky, released on April 5th, with an album project to follow.

“When I started my career 20 years ago, there was almost no representation of South Asians outside of their home region,” said label co-founder Jay Sean. “Today’s music business is truly global, and 3AM Entertainment will focus on supporting artists from the South Asian diaspora on their journey to becoming global stars. It is my goal and dream to see our culture be appreciated on mainstream platforms and resonate with global audiences in the same way that Latin music, K-pop and Afrobeat have found audiences outside their native culture. Virgin Music Group, with its powerful global footprint and team of experts around the world, is a perfect partner to join us on this mission.”

“No single artist has done more to bring South Asian music and culture to a global audience than Jay Sean,” said Nat Pastor, Co-CEO of Virgin Music Group. “Jeremy and Jared have been with Jay on that journey, and together the three executives have a strong track record in supporting and nurturing South Asian artists in their native countries and beyond. Through our partnership with 3AM Entertainment, we are creating a platform to increase our presence in this fast-growth market to support and expand the reach of South Asian music.”

Jay Sean’s career has spanned nearly 20 years. In addition to being the first Indian artist and the first South Asian artist in history to achieve a Number One on Billboard’s charts, he is also the first Indian artist and South Asian artist to land a Number One Latin single on Billboard; the first Indian artist and South Asian artist to perform on Top of the Pops; and the first British Asian artist to have simultaneous Top 10 Billboard singles in the U.S. He is widely considered to be the most influential Indian musical figure in the world to date.

Jeremy Skaller will be a Co-President of 3AM Entertainment, handling global strategy. He is well known for the success of his label The Heavy Group and is credited with selling more than 75 million records as a producer, writer, manager, publisher, and remixer.

“The challenges and cultural barriers that Jay Sean faced while becoming the first Indian global music star left an indelible impression on me,” said Skaller. “It has been and will continue to be a great privilege to help kick down doors that should not stand and shine a light on artistic greatness, regardless of an artist’s cultural background. The creation of this label is an important moment in the ascension of South Asians in popular culture, which is long overdue.”

Jared Cotter will also be a Co-President of 3AM Entertainment, while serving as VP of A&R at Range Media Partners. Cotter’s recent project successes include Paul Russell’s Top 5 radio hit “Lil Boo Thang,” and the rise of country phenom “Shaboozey.” He also continues to manage pop star Bazzi.

Cotter shared "While working with Jay Sean and Jeremy over the last 2 decades, I have developed a real love and appreciation for the music of the amazing and diverse South Asian diaspora. Through many years of success with Jeremy at the Heavy Group and my experience now being at Range, it became clear that this was an opportunity to bring us all together to support and uplift the incredible artists from the South Asian global community. We will utilize all the powerful services that Range has to offer, to shine more light on 3AM Entertainment’s artists."

Additional 3AM team members announced today include Jay Sean’s longtime manager, Thara Natalie, who has been named Chief Operations Manager; Madison Bickel, who will serve as General Manager; and Mahima Sharma as A&R who will be based in New Delhi, India. Jay Sean's co-manager Aayushman Sinha and his "Represent" team, will consult on A&R and Strategy out of Mumbai, India.

About Virgin Music Group

Virgin Music Group is the world’s leading partner to independent music companies and artists who require a standalone team with global infrastructure and local expertise in every major music market around the world. Virgin Music Group offers compelling, efficient, and highly flexible global solutions with the most advanced marketing technology available for independent record labels, artists and entrepreneurs who want to succeed. www.virginmusic.com