Interscope Records launches Khalabo Music JV label with Kenya Barris – Music Business Worldwide

Interscope Records has launched a joint venture record label with award-winning film and TV writer/ producer Kenya Barris and his film and television company Khalabo Ink Society.

The partnership marks Khalabo Ink Society’s formal expansion into music.  

With Founder/CEO Barris at the helm, the Khalabo Music team is rounded out by Director of Development and Operations, Gabe Hilfer, who is best known for his award-winning work as an independent music supervisor.

A longtime Barris collaborator (black-ish, #blackAF), Hilfer has worked on films and television series, including: Ozark, Mare of Easttown, The Underground Railroad, If Beale Street Could Talk, Creed, Crazy Rich Asians, Black Swan and Venom, to name a few.

Also joining the company is Nicole Plantin, as General Manager of Khalabo Music.

Plantin previously served as Senior Vice President of A&R at Rostrum Records.

She started her career at Pharrell Williams’ Star Trak Entertainment label venture, and later signed industry leading artists to BMI during her tenure as Senior Director of Writer-Publisher Relations.

“At Interscope we are interested in teaming up with creators who move culture and Kenya has created a body of work that is virtually unparalleled in that regard.”

Steve Berman, Interscope Geffen A&M Records

“At Interscope we are interested in teaming up with creators who move culture and Kenya has created a body of work that is virtually unparalleled in that regard,” said Steve Berman, Vice Chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records.

“We are thrilled that he has chosen to partner with us on the musical expression of his vision through his Khalabo Music label and are excited to collaborate with him and his team to introduce new artists and soundtrack projects to the world.”

“I cannot think of a better partner than Interscope for this next chapter of Khalabo’s creative journey and am beyond excited to see what we are able to build together.”

Kenya Barris

Barris added: “Since the beginning, the goal at Khalabo has been to tell stories that reflect our culture with honesty, specificity and from a perspective that feels unique to a singular voice.

“Similar to how we’ve approached our television and film content, my hope is that Khalabo Music becomes a place where artists are given the space to hone their talent while embracing the specificity and individuality of their voice and sound.

“I cannot think of a better partner than Interscope for this next chapter of Khalabo’s creative journey and am beyond excited to see what we are able to build together.”

“Kenya is such an important voice in culture and I am beyond excited to pair my passion and experience with his vision. I’m looking forward to creating music together that’s just as phenomenal.”

Nicole Plantin

Plantin said: “I’m thrilled to work alongside Kenya Barris as General Manager of Khalabo Music, his new music venture with Interscope Records.

“Kenya is such an important voice in culture and I am beyond excited to pair my passion and experience with his vision. I’m looking forward to creating music together that’s just as phenomenal.”

 Music Business Worldwide