The rise of South Asians in hip-hop has been duly noted, with artists like Anik Khan, Heems, and Horsepowar garnering widespread critical acclaim. But this ascent into mainstream music isn’t limited to brown artists. Often, the folks behind-the-scenes are hustling just as hard but without receiving the same recognition for their barrier-breaking moves. Sanchay “Dharmic” Jain is one of the lesser-known characters in the music business. In addition to having managed artists like Kemba and Anik Khan, Jain is the Vice President of Digital Marketing & Strategy at Alamo Records. A colorful figure, who owns his “brown-ness” by calling himself “brown and ugly as ever,” Jain is among the many South Asians breaking into industries like music management, which haven’t been the most inviting for desi people. We talked to this #OntheRise music mogul about how he did it, what he still struggles with, and what he advises for those who want to follow in his footsteps.
Radio Beginnings
Born Sanchay Jain to Indian immigrants in New York, moved to Boston as a child. He enrolled at New York University, where he studied history and began working at WNYU, the university’s student-run radio station, hosting various shows. Between 2011 to 2015, Jain interviewed a litany of industry stalwarts, including Joey Badass, Paul Rosenberg (Eminem’s manager and current CEO of Def Jam Records), and many more.
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I actually took a picture at sxsw and it turned out pretty good. What a week.
Fighting Depression and Its Stigma
Seemingly, Jain had it all during these years—passion, opportunity, hands-on work experience. But his path to becoming a label executive was fraught with bouts of depression, saying it was “a part of my journey for years,” and unmet familial and personal expectations. He took a year off in college to reflect on life, a move he says was difficult for both him and his family.
“When I came home to Boston, there was a lot of tension. My South Asian immigrant, scientist parents were unsure of what was going on with my life and my future career prospects,” Jain says. “At 20 or 21 [years old], I didn’t have the answers for them, which caused a lot of conflict. There was a lot of uncertainty for what the future held for me, and I started second-guessing if what I was doing was right.”
[RELATED: I’m a South Asian Guy in Therapy: Here’s What Happened After 12 Sessions]
Even after he secured an advertising job out of college, Jain struggled with insecurities and questioned what he’d do if his aspirations to make a mark in the music industry didn’t pan out. Jain credits therapy as an integral part to navigating the turbulent years. Today, Jain wants to use his platform to encourage others to get the help they need to be physically and mentally healthy enough to reach their goals. He also wants to help remove the pervasive stigma behind mental health issues that still exist in the desi community.
A Master Networker With Writing Chops
Jain leveraged his position at the radio station to attend shows, where he continued to build his contact list with artists, managers, label heads and more. Jain’s prowess as a writer matched his skills in networking, and he began writing for the hip-hop publication Complex in 2013. Writing at a major publication allowed him to connect with other writers and gave him a platform with which to provide value to industry “insiders,” who would’ve otherwise been hard to reach.
[RELATED: #OnTheRise Rapper Moe Vision on His New Album, ‘Changes,’ and Making a Name Before Insta-Fame]
Praised By His Clients
He formerly co-managed Queens rapper Anik Khan with Green Room Creative CEO Ani Sanyal. He was first drawn to the artist by Khan’s distinct use of the word Amreka on the track “Badmon.” Jain has been so integral to Khan’s rise that the rapper candidly said on an episode of “Butter Chicken Podcast”:
“[Jain] isn’t going anywhere… he bugged people for me, he nagged people for me, he sent emailed 100 people a day for me. He’s been an instrumental part of everything I’ve done.”
From the music to the billboards on Astoria Boulevard and Times Square, Jain has been a driving force behind it all.
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Jain’s Newest, Biggest Venture
Becoming Vice President of Digital Marketing & Strategy at Alamo records his newest, most ambitious role yet. In this position, Jain provides big-picture insights for Alamo’s top-flight roster of artists across all digital platforms. He helps notable clients such as Lil Durk and Smokepurpp with their social media plans and strategic initiatives. In other words, Jain is the man who ensures that each artist’s music reaches the maximum amount of people.
His advice to young people trying to make it in the music business: Grind and learn.
“My advice is to observe, take notes, and ask questions from the people you see doing great work. Try to emulate the attributes that make them successful. Most importantly, be relentless and resilient if you are committed to this career path.”
