Exceleration Music Acquires Catalog of L.A.-Based Label Dangerbird Records

Exceleration Music has acquired the catalog of Los Angeles-based indie label Dangerbird Records, the company tells Billboard. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Through the deal, Exceleration will take control of Dangerbird’s catalog operations. This will include promoting the catalog — which boasts approximately 120 albums and more than 30 artists —through its distribution company, Redeye Worldwide, which Exceleration acquired in 2023.

Founded in 2004 by artist Peter Walker, who was known for his work with Eulogies and later Arthur King, Dangerbird focused on the then-flourishing indie music scene in Los Angeles’ Silverlake neighborhood and helped bring local artists including Fitz and the Tantrums (later upstreamed to Elektra Records), Silversun Pickups and Sea Wolf to national attention. Later signings included Grandaddy, The Frights, Butch Walker, Matt Costa and Slothrust.

For the past 13 years, Dangerbird has been run by Jenni Sperandeo, who joined the label in 2010. Sperandeo will step down from her role as president following a transition period.

“It’s a dream come true to find a home like Exceleration to take over the legacy of Dangerbird,” said Walker in a statement. “It’s been a wild ride over the last 20 years, and I’m grateful for Jenni’s leadership that has enabled the brand and the art it champions to become something of lasting value.”

Added Sperandeo, “Dangerbird was founded with seasoned artist development instincts, hustle and ambition. When I arrived in 2010 the company was at the cusp of a new era and I am proud of the work we did to support the artists and steer the brand amidst profound industry change. I am grateful to Peter Walker for the opportunity and thrilled to see the catalog passing into experienced independent sector hands with Exceleration Music Partners.”

In her own statement, Exceleration Music partner Amy Dietz said, “We are passionate about preserving, celebrating, and amplifying the legacies of amazing independent labels and artists and Dangerbird is a prime example. I’ve had the privilege of working with Dangerbird and their artists at different times in my career, and we all share a deep appreciation for their creativity and dedication. We’re honored to be entrusted with the responsibility of continuing to share their story into the future!”

Exceleration, whose stated mission is to support indie labels’ growth while giving founders who wish to step away from the businesses an “honorable exit,” was founded in January 2021 by five executives with extensive experience in the indie music world: former Concord Music Group CEO Glen Barros; former Concord Records president John Burk; former Merlin CEO Charles Caldas; former Ingrooves general manager Dietz; and former Epitaph Records general manager Dave Hansen.

This is just the latest deal for Exceleration, which has previously acquired or invested in indie labels including +1 Records, Alligator, Bloodshot, Cooking Vinyl, Kill Rock Stars, Mom+Pop, SideOneDummy, The Ray Charles Foundation/ Tangerine Records and Yep Roc Records.