Starbugs began when Indian Americans, Dilip Sontakey, his wife and their partner Ed Melik, gave up their jobs to pursue their love for music. But they took a different path and began an independent record label last year that would encourage new talent.
“We decided to do something interesting. We have some experience in the record industry and planned to take up movies and music. But we've made a start with music,” says Dilip.
When Dilip and Ed found J786, America's first virtual artist, his only demand was that he didn't want the name, fame and the money. Faced with a dilemma, as it is difficult to promote a performer without a face or name, Starbugs decided to call him J786. “As an artiste, he is a genuine person, who donates all his earnings to the Association of Free Clinics. His efforts help those who cannot afford medical treatment due to very expensive health insurance plans.
His very first song, ‘Rock Tonight' is on the Billboard charts and his second song ‘Outta Control' is also doing well,” says Dilip.
Starbugs is now planning to come to India on a nation-wide talent hunt. “We thought since we're Indians we'd try to find some talent in India and promote them too,” says Dilip. They're still in the process of designing the talent hunt and the most optimal way of conducting it.
“While it is tough to make a breakthrough in the market, I think we're doing a good job as an independent label. Also, since we just started out, we're focusing more on Western music and want to fund Indian talent in that field,” adds Dilip.
