Bangladeshi band Chirkutt has received an invitation from Warner Music, marking the first time the global music giant has formally expressed interest in working with music from Bangladesh.
Responding to the invitation, Chirkutt founder and vocalist Sharmin Sultana Sumi visited Warner Music’s international headquarters in Manhattan, New York, on 21 July at the invitation of Vice President Josh Sarubin. During the nearly two-hour meeting, the two sides discussed music, creativity and the possibility of future collaboration.
Sumi said the invitation recognised Chirkutt’s consistent work over more than a decade and a half as one of South Asia’s most popular, creative and internationally established bands. Warner Music representatives also listened to five to six Chirkutt songs and praised the band’s originality. Having already explored the band’s catalogue, they told Sumi: “All of your songs are unique. You are very unique.”
Sarubin, one of the United States’ most experienced A&R (Artists and Repertoire) executives, has spent more than three decades at leading companies including Columbia Records, Arista Records, Island Def Jam, Virgin Records and Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Albums developed under his supervision have sold more than 40 million copies worldwide. He also signed Lady Gaga and has worked with Lionel Richie, Carlos Santana, Pink, Avril Lavigne, John McLaughlin and Pixie Lott. He has now expressed interest in collaborating with Bangladesh’s Chirkutt.
Sumi described the invitation as recognition of the band’s years of dedication, creativity and sacrifice.
“When people who have worked with legendary artists from around the world invite us, it is both an honour and a great source of inspiration,” she said.
“Walking into that historic office was an emotional experience. I kept thinking how the journey had brought me from Khulna and the TSC of the University of Dhaka to one of the most important addresses in global music, Warner Music’s century-old office in Manhattan.
I missed my bandmates. Chirkutt and I are grateful to the Creator for giving us another beautiful day in our lives. I hope something even better awaits us.”
