Kenya Barris Launches Music Label With Interscope Records, Inks Podcasting Deal

Kenya Barris Launches Music Label With Interscope Records, Inks Podcasting Deal

Kenya Barris is adding a few more titles to his growing resume. The TV/film producer is taking his talents to the music industry. According to reports, he has announced his Khalabo Ink Society’s first label, a joint venture with Interscope Records. The label is called Khalabo Music.

“We try to seek out creative relationships with people who not only move culture but see where culture is going,” said Interscope Geffen A&M Records vice chairman Steve Berman, who puts Barris squarely in that category. Per the exec, who spoke to The Hollywood Reporter as part of this week’s THR cover story, Barris reaches out “at all hours,” with ideas and questions about how to intertwine music into his vision.

The Black-ISH and Grown-ISH creator has also landed a podcasting pact with Audible, too, along with a book deal with Random House and a first-look film deal with Paramount.

“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,” said Barris. “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.”

His multi-year development deal with audio giant Audible is via his Khalabo Ink Society. It will reportedly include everything from scripted fiction and unscripted nonfiction to documentaries and talk series. He is expected to release a minimum of four audio series a year for three years.