MUMBAI: Music label company Sony Music has signed hip-hop artiste Brodha V aka Vignesh Shivanand, which will allow the label to promote his upcoming singles on various platforms and also manage his upcoming gigs. His first single under Sony Music will be 'Ayigiri Nandini' which will be released by 30 September, along with the video.

The track is about women empowerment and will be his solo track. "I thought about having a song which would be devotional in nature and then I came out with the rap version of the original 'Ayigiri Nandini' song. I have played a different version of the song at various gigs before," said Brodha V. "The song that will be unveiled will be different in terms of its tempo and lyrics. The hook of the original version of the song will be used in my track."

He has over 1 million views on YouTube and has been a popular name in the underground scene in India. He shot to fame with his singles 'On my Own', 'Aatma Rama', 'After Party' and has also contributed to Bollywood movies like 'Chennai Express' (Ready Steady Po) and 'Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge' (Dheaon Dheaon). Brodha V has worked with musician Raghu Dixit for the Mysore Warriors anthem, 'Nee Salaam Hodi'.

Talking about his partnership with Sony Music, Brodha V said, "I have been working on my music for the past seven years. By 2011 and 2012, I made my own demo tapes and made my own music video. That time I got a lot of attention from TV channels, music directors and label companies, I waited for the right opportunity." Producing his forthcoming songs, will be Sony Music's A&R team based in Sweden, which is also the team that worked on writing hits for Nicki Minaj, One Direction, and more.

He revealed that he has many singles ready but will have to select which ones will be released after 'Ayigiri Nandini'.

Talking about his stage name, he said, "I needed a stage name as I was advancing in my music career and the name I took represents the underground culture my music represents."

The Bangalore based rapper was first introduced to rap by A.R. Rahman's 'Petta Rap'. "The track 'Petta Rap' was the first track I ever heard and from then I developed my love to rap and it continues till date." A.R. Rahman, Tupac and Eminem are the other artistes who inspired his music style and he hopes to work with them in the future.

The label has a marketing plan for the artiste and will be working closely with him on future projects and albums. He revealed that most of his singles will go on Sony Music's Youtube Channel, but assured that he will update his channel with other content as well.