Dancing to a new beat: Sony Music’s Mumbai headquarters given ‘indie’ vibe

Photography: Syam Sreesylam

At its Mumbai HQ, Sony Music’s primary intention is to champion the Indian music industry, while creating an environment where legacy labels and new brands can thrive simultaneously. The result: a paradoxically intimate-feeling 1,579 sq m workspace where musical talents and their creative partners can collaborate in a relaxed setting, designed by M Moser Associates.

Upon entering Sony Music Mumbai, users are welcomed into the lobby through a Walk of Fame, featuring portraits of legendary artists. This feeds into a reception area, where a display of vinyl provides a showcase of Sony’s heritage, whilst nodding to the ‘independent’ feel the brand sought to cultivate.

At The Library, the open floor plan and intuitive breakout spaces encourage conversation and collaboration amongst staff, while individual team neighbourhoods are bolstered by a series of enclosed cabins, meeting rooms and private workstations – for focused work.

The Lounge, a versatile space designed for community activation, is built to flex and adapt depending on need. This area offers kinetic FF&E to accommodate a plethora of event types. Primed for rehearsal and performance purposes, The Music Lounge offers an alternative venue for musicians and artists, and comes complete with a recording studio, DJ station and a curated vinyl collection.

At The Work Cafe, a relaxing wellbeing retreat for employees and partners can be found which features bench seating for groups and comfortable banquettes surrounded by lush greenery, offering a serene sanctuary amidst an otherwise lively work culture.

The distinctive character of Sony Mumbai’s project lies in its amalgamation of global and local influences, celebrating Sony Music’s international reach as well as the richness of the surrounding city. M Moser infused bold brand installations throughout, softening vibrant shades of red with tones of ochre and gold, typically found in traditional Indian design. Locally produced furniture, rugs and lighting systems add a layer of craftmanship to the scheme, whilst commissioned artworks and use of natural timbres create a definable sense of place.

“Mumbai is Bollywood’s epicentre, the vibrant heart of India’s entertainment industry. Sony’s choice to establish its hub in Mumbai represented an opportunity to effect change. The result is a transformative space for people in the [music] industry,” comments Addy Walcott, Associate Director at M Moser. “[Reflecting] our client’s bold vision for change, we created a unique club-like experience that resonates and inspires.”