Expanding its presence in the independent music landscape, Exceleration Music has acquired the recorded music catalog of Los Angeles-based Dangerbird Records, marking a significant development in the indie music sector. The acquisition represents a strategic move for Exceleration, whose business model centers on investing in independent music as a cultural necessity rather than merely a financial asset.
Founded by industry veterans Glen Barros, Dave Hansen, Amy Dietz, John Burk, and Charles Caldas, Exceleration has positioned itself as a “force multiplier” for independent labels. The company’s leadership brings decades of experience developing and marketing indie music icons across various genres and eras, allowing them to understand the unique needs of the independent music community.
Exceleration leverages industry veterans’ expertise to amplify independent labels while respecting their unique artistic vision and market position.
The Dangerbird Records catalog includes an impressive roster of influential indie artists spanning diverse genres. Through this acquisition, Exceleration gains not only valuable recorded music assets but also substantial cultural capital that enhances its standing in the independent music ecosystem. The catalog presents opportunities for revenue through streaming, licensing, and physical sales channels. Artists in this catalog can now potentially benefit from sync deals for television, film, and commercial placements, creating additional revenue streams beyond traditional music sales.
This transaction aligns perfectly with Exceleration’s broader mission to amplify artists and labels without forcing them into major-label business models. The company emphasizes supporting creative freedom and nonconformity, hallmarks of the independent music community that Dangerbird has championed throughout its history as a Los Angeles indie stalwart. Independent artists from the catalog will gain access to playlist pitching opportunities across major streaming platforms, significantly increasing their visibility and audience reach.
In the current music industry climate, independent music catalogs have become increasingly valuable assets, driven by streaming growth and heightened demand for licensing opportunities. Exceleration’s approach stands in contrast to major-label consolidation trends, as it provides resources for marketing, distribution, and creative services while maintaining indie artistic identity.
The acquisition enables Exceleration to both launch new artists and reinvigorate existing catalogs through its global distribution capabilities in digital and physical markets. The financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed to the public. The agreement has been structured to ensure the preservation of Dangerbird’s heritage while expanding promotional opportunities for its iconic releases.
