Exceleration Music Affiliated Labels Earn Four 2024 GRAMMY Nominations

Achievements Cap a Landmark Year for Exceleration, Including Redeye Acquisition, Formation of “Down the Road” Venture with Rounder Records Co-Founders and More

Exceleration Music, the prominent global independent music company dedicated to advancing the future of independent music, congratulates Christone “Kingfish” Ingam of Alligator Records, who has earned a Best Contemporary Blues Album GRAMMY nomination for his album ‘Live in London.’ It’s the third nomination for Kingfish, the guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter who is also a previous GRAMMY winner, and who recently appeared on CBS’ 60 Minutes and Later … With Jools Holland in the UK.

The iconic jazz label Candid Records, also a part of the Exceleration family, received Best Latin Jazz Album (Eliane Elias, ‘Quietude’), Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album (The Count Basie Orchestra Directed By Scotty Barnhart, ‘Basie Swings the Blues’), and Best Classical Compendium (Chick Corea, ‘Sardinia’) nominations, for a total of four collective nominations for Exceleration Music affiliated labels.

These achievements cap a landmark year for Exceleration, which saw them substantially expand their operational reach through a series of acquisitions and strategic partnerships aimed at bolstering the independent music ecosystem from several fronts.

The acquisition of Redeye Distribution - which also includes in-house labels Yep Roc and Sundazed, and publishing company Riff City Sounds- marks a pivotal moment for Exceleration, and its entry into the distribution and label services business, providing independent music partners of both Exceleration and Redeye with a fully independent and well-resourced path to market. Previously, Exceleration has acquired or formed strategic relationships with leading independents including Alligator, Candid, +1 Records, Azadi, Bloodshot, Heroic, Kill Rock Stars, Mom+Pop, SideOneDummy and The Ray Charles Foundation/Tangerine Records.

Exceleration also recently announced a major strategic partnership with the pioneering founders of Rounder Records on their new venture Down The Road. The strategic partnership brings together the expertise of the original leadership team who founded Rounder Records in 1970 with Exceleration Music’s partners and leadership team. Down The Road will focus on the historic depth and breadth of Americana, including releases from banjo master Tony Trischka (with a lead single featuring Billy Strings), 21-time IBMA-winning bluegrass group Blue Highway, and Dervish, the leading contemporary performers of Irish traditional music. The label will also reissue 14 catalog titles produced by the Rounder Records co-founders in recent years. 

"The events of 2023 have proven the vital importance of a strong independent music coailition, and we couldn't be prouder of our growth, and the accomplishments of our labels and artists, this past year. Our heartfelt congratulations to Kingfish, Eliane Elias, the Corea family, and all the incredible artists who contributed to 'Basie Swings the Blues,' said Exceleration Music partner John Burk.

About Exceleration Music

Exceleration Music is a company formed by global music industry leaders Glen Barros, John Burk, Amy Dietz, Charles Caldas and Dave Hansen, to invest in the future of independent labels and artists. Established in 2020 with the core founding values of integrity, fairness, openness, humility and excellence, Exceleration offers personalized solutions to entrepreneurs seeking capital to achieve growth as well as those trying to achieve liquidity or an honorable exit. The company’s growing team of data, sales, and marketing experts works to preserve and enhance the legacies of both entrepreneurs and their artists alike. To date, Exceleration has acquired or formed strategic relationships with leading independents including +1 Records, Alligator, Azadi, Bloodshot, Candid, Heroic, Kill Rock Stars, Mom+Pop, SideOneDummy and The Ray Charles Foundation/Tangerine Records. Learn more at www.excelerationmusic.com.

For more information, contact Hannah Schwartz (hschwartz@shorefire.com) or Matt Hanks (mhanks@shorefire.com) at Shore Fire Media