Exceleration Music has struck a partnership with New York-based +1 Records, an indie label that helped launch the careers of The Kooks, Anna of the North and The Heavy, among many others.
According to a press release announcing the deal, Exceleration has made an investment in +1’s catalog and the companies have also formed a strategic partnership through which Exceleration will provide resources and operational support to help power +1’s upcoming releases.”
Exceleration did not disclose the size of its investment, however, commenting on the nature of the deal, Charles Caldas, Partner at Exceleration Music, said in a statement that, “Given the nature of Exceleration’s business, there is of course an element of this deal that involves the acquisition of rights”.
The statement continued: “But focusing only on that one piece of a multi-faceted deal ignores a much bigger and more important story, which is that Exceleration exists, as a fully-fledged music company, to empower and supercharge independent partners like +1 by giving them the resources, capital, expertise and tools to allow them to remain independent and in control of their destiny.”
Following the deal with Exceleration, +1 co-founder and CEO Jonny Kaps will continue to lead the label, while +1 co-founders Nat Hays Boas and Josh Swade have exited to pursue other opportunities.
Meanwhile, Exceleration will provide the label with support in distribution, marketing, operations, administrative services and more for its past and future releases.
In the past, Exceleration has made strategic partnerships with labels like Mom+Pop Music, Kill Rock Stars, and Heroic Music Group, among others.
The latest partnership will see Excalaration investing in new music from +1 artists Rejjie Snow, Nate Husser, Lo Village and Anna Shoemaker.
“From my first meeting with Jonny it was clear his passion, vision and artist-first ethos, completely aligned with our mission at Exceleration Music.”
“Jonny and the +1 team have built a vibrant and impactful label by focusing on artist development and being agile and innovative. From my first meeting with Jonny it was clear his passion, vision and artist-first ethos, completely aligned with our mission at Exceleration Music,” said Exceleration Partner, Amy Dietz.
“I know that by combining the talented +1 team, with the expertise and resources of the growing and talented Exceleration team, we will together take +1 and its artists into a bright future. I am genuinely thrilled to have Jonny and +1 as part of the Exceleration family,” added Dietz.
“Our A&R prioritizes music and artists over data. I am so happy to partner with an independent company whose values, philosophies, strategies, and resourcefulness mirror our own.”
Jonny Kaps of +1 Records
Jonny Kaps of +1 Records said “+1 Records has always been different. We are an independent record label that comes from a management perspective, specializing in artist development.
“Our A&R prioritizes music and artists over data. I am so happy to partner with an independent company whose values, philosophies, strategies, and resourcefulness mirror our own.
“Together we will be an even great resource for independent artists. Our first goal has always been and will always be to allow artists to be artists, supported by a passionate and creative team where the artist always comes first.”
“Our investment in +1 underscores one primary way in which Exceleration serves the independent music community.”
Glen Barros, Exceleration
Exceleration’s Managing Partner Glen Barros, added: “Our investment in +1 underscores one primary way in which Exceleration serves the independent music community.
“Jonny has done a remarkable job of creating a cutting-edge label. We believe that, with our added human and financial resources, he will have the ability to take the label to the next level and beyond – way beyond. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this partnership.”
