Dangerbird Records
Encyclopedia
Dangerbird Records is an independent record label
located in Los Angeles
, California
. Founded by Jeff Castelaz
and Peter Walker in 2004, the label is home to artists across the globe, as well as part of the burgeoning Silver Lake
music scene. Their small roster of artists has enjoyed international acclaim.
), while Walker was a singer-songwriter. The label's first release: Walker's solo album Landed.
Their business approach includes a strong emphasis on artist development, as well as working with a network of partners to help the bands reach a wide market. Like many indie labels, Dangerbird uses the Alternative Distribution Alliance
; however, in January 2011, they switched distribution to UMe
-owned Fontana Distribution
.
Dangerbird gained repute after releasing Carnavas
, the debut full-length album by Silversun Pickups
, in 2006, to sales of over 375,000. The band's lead singer Brian Aubert has said of Dangerbird, "They believe in careers, and the long haul - something that majors used to believe in. They stuck with us when most people wouldn't have."
In January 2008, Castelaz merged Cast Management, his long-running artist and producer management firm, with the label and formed Dangerbird Management. The company has also expanded to include publishing and merchandising.
The outside of Dangerbird's headquarters in Silver Lake features a tribute to Castelaz's son Pablo, who died of cancer in 2009 and was the inspiration for the Pablove Foundation.
Independent record label
An independent record label is a record label operating without the funding of or outside the organizations of the major record labels. A great number of bands and musical acts begin on independent labels.-Overview:...
located in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. Founded by Jeff Castelaz
Jeff Castelaz
Jeff Castelaz is Co-Founder and CEO of two closely intertwined companies: Los Angeles-based Dangerbird Records and The Pablove Foundation.- Early career :...
and Peter Walker in 2004, the label is home to artists across the globe, as well as part of the burgeoning Silver Lake
Silver Lake, Los Angeles, California
Silver Lake is a hilly neighborhood in the city of Los Angeles, California east of Hollywood and northwest of Downtown Los Angeles. Silver Lake is inhabited by a wide variety of ethnic and socioeconomic groups, but it is best known as an eclectic gathering of hipsters and the creative class.The...
music scene. Their small roster of artists has enjoyed international acclaim.
History
The two founders represented different roles in the music industry. Castelaz had worked as a manager for various bands (including Citizen KingCitizen King
Citizen King was an American music group from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, whose style was a mix of hip-hop, soul and punk. They are best known for their top 40 hit "Better Days ", which peaked at #25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1999....
), while Walker was a singer-songwriter. The label's first release: Walker's solo album Landed.
Their business approach includes a strong emphasis on artist development, as well as working with a network of partners to help the bands reach a wide market. Like many indie labels, Dangerbird uses the Alternative Distribution Alliance
Alternative Distribution Alliance
The Alternative Distribution Alliance was created in 1993 by Warner Music Group and Sub Pop Records as a joint venture to distribute and manufacture records owned by indie labels. Headed up by Mitchell Wolk, ADA is the leading "indie" distribution company in the U.S. for both physical and digital...
; however, in January 2011, they switched distribution to UMe
Universal Music Enterprises
Universal Music Enterprises, a.k.a. UMe is the catalogue division of Universal Music Group. It includes Hip-O Records, Universal Chronicles and UM3 ....
-owned Fontana Distribution
Fontana Distribution
Fontana Distribution is a subsidiary of Universal Music Group that was launched in 2004, which deals in distribution, as well as in a range of sales, marketing, and back office support services, for a diverse roster of independent record labels and their artists. The company takes its name and logo...
.
Dangerbird gained repute after releasing Carnavas
Carnavas
Carnavas is Silversun Pickups' first full-length studio album. It was released on July 26, 2006. The title is an homage to lead guitarist and vocalist Brian Aubert's Greek heritage. Some suppliers were also given copies of The Tripwire Session: Live In Chicago, a four track EP.The album generated...
, the debut full-length album by Silversun Pickups
Silversun Pickups
Silversun Pickups is an alternative rock band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 2002. The band comprises Brian Aubert, Nikki Monninger, Christopher Guanlao, and Joe Lester....
, in 2006, to sales of over 375,000. The band's lead singer Brian Aubert has said of Dangerbird, "They believe in careers, and the long haul - something that majors used to believe in. They stuck with us when most people wouldn't have."
In January 2008, Castelaz merged Cast Management, his long-running artist and producer management firm, with the label and formed Dangerbird Management. The company has also expanded to include publishing and merchandising.
The outside of Dangerbird's headquarters in Silver Lake features a tribute to Castelaz's son Pablo, who died of cancer in 2009 and was the inspiration for the Pablove Foundation.
Label roster
- Beady EyeBeady EyeBeady Eye are an English rock band formed in 2009. The band consists of vocalist Liam Gallagher, guitarist Gem Archer and guitarist Andy Bell, all former members of Oasis, rounded by drummer and percussionist Chris Sharrock who substituted for Oasis during their last tour in 2008/2009, before Oasis...
(US/Canada) - Ben LeeBen LeeBenjamin Michael "Ben" Lee is an ARIA Award winning musician and actor. Lee began his career as a musician at the age of 14 with the Sydney band Noise Addict, but focused on his solo career when the band broke up in 1995. He appeared as the protagonist in the Australian film The Rage in Placid Lake...
- Butch WalkerButch WalkerButch Walker is an American recording artist, songwriter, and record producer. He was the lead guitarist for the metal band SouthGang from the late 80s to early 90s as well as the lead vocalist and guitarist for rock band Marvelous 3 from 1997 until 2001.-Career:Walker grew up in Cartersville,...
- Codeine Velvet ClubCodeine Velvet ClubCodeine Velvet Club was a Scottish alternative rock band formed in 2008 by Lou Hickey and Jon Lawler. The band's debut album Codeine Velvet Club was released on 28 December 2009 in the UK and on 6 April 2010 in the US....
- Darker My LoveDarker My LoveDarker My Love is an indie psychedelic rock band based in Los Angeles, California. The band consists of 5 members. Tim Presley, a former member of the band The Nerve Agents and also a visual artist responsible for much of the band's imagery, formed the band in 2004 and contributes vocals and guitar...
- The DearsThe Dears-History:The band formed in 1995 and released their first album, End of a Hollywood Bedtime Story, in 2000. Their orchestral, dark pop sound and dramatic live shows cemented The Dears at the foundation of the then-emerging Canadian indie renaissance...
- DelphicDelphicDelphic are an alternative dance band from Marple Bridge, Stockport, Greater Manchester, England. They are signed to Polydor and released the single "Counterpoint" in April 2009 through R&S Records, produced by Ewan Pearson...
- Division DayDivision DayDivision Day is an alternative rock band based in Los Angeles, California. The band consists of four members: Ryan Wilson , Rohner Segnitz , Kevin Lenhart and Seb Bailey ....
- Eric AveryEric AveryEric Adam Avery is an American musician and is the former bass player for the rock band Jane's Addiction. Avery played in Jane's Addiction initially from 1985 to 1991, and rejoined the band in 2008 before departing again in 2010....
- EulogiesEulogies (band)Eulogies is an American rock band based in Los Angeles, California. The current line-up consists of Peter Walker on guitar and vocals, Garrett Deloian on bass, Chris Reynolds on drums, and Drew Phillips on guitar....
- The FlingThe Fling (band)The Fling is a band from Long Beach, CA consisting of Dustin Lovelis , Graham Lovelis , Justin Roeland , and Justin Ivey . The band was formed in its initial phase by Dustin as a recording project. Soon after, Graham, his younger brother started to collaborate...
- Fitz and The Tantrums
- Hot Hot HeatHot Hot HeatHot Hot Heat is a Canadian indie rock band formed in 1999 from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.-Career:Dustin Hawthorne and Steve Bays had been in many different bands together since 1995 and met Hawley in 1998. In 1999, Hawley bought a Juno 6 keyboard and asked Bays to try playing it, as no one...
- The LimousinesThe LimousinesThe Limousines are an American indietronica band based out of California's San Francisco Bay Area. Made up of multi-instramentalist/producer Giovanni Giusti andsongwriter/vocalist Eric Victorino, the duo formed in 2007 and has since gained...
- MaritimeMaritime (band)Maritime formed in 2003 out of the ashes of The Promise Ring and The Dismemberment Plan. After these two bands broke up, singer/guitarist Davey von Bohlen, drummer Dan Didier and bassist Eric Axelson hooked up and started a band called In English. The group quickly signed a deal with the record...
- Minus the BearMinus the BearMinus the Bear is an American indie rock band from Seattle, Washington. Founded in 2001, the group features current and former members of Botch, Kill Sadie, and Sharks Keep Moving...
- The One AM Radio
- Sea WolfSea Wolf (band)Sea Wolf is a band led by Alex Brown Church, an indie folk musician based in Los Angeles, California. Church attended film school at NYU and was a founding member of a group called Irving in 1998...
- Silversun PickupsSilversun PickupsSilversun Pickups is an alternative rock band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 2002. The band comprises Brian Aubert, Nikki Monninger, Christopher Guanlao, and Joe Lester....
- SkySaw
Management roster
- Eagles of Death MetalEagles of Death MetalEagles of Death Metal is an American rock band from Palm Desert, California, formed in 1998 by Jesse Hughes and Josh Homme. Despite their band name, Eagles of Death Metal are not a death metal band. Hughes stated that a friend was introducing Josh Homme to the death metal genre...
- Tony Hoffer
- Darker My LoveDarker My LoveDarker My Love is an indie psychedelic rock band based in Los Angeles, California. The band consists of 5 members. Tim Presley, a former member of the band The Nerve Agents and also a visual artist responsible for much of the band's imagery, formed the band in 2004 and contributes vocals and guitar...
- EulogiesEulogies (band)Eulogies is an American rock band based in Los Angeles, California. The current line-up consists of Peter Walker on guitar and vocals, Garrett Deloian on bass, Chris Reynolds on drums, and Drew Phillips on guitar....
- The DearsThe Dears-History:The band formed in 1995 and released their first album, End of a Hollywood Bedtime Story, in 2000. Their orchestral, dark pop sound and dramatic live shows cemented The Dears at the foundation of the then-emerging Canadian indie renaissance...
- Division DayDivision DayDivision Day is an alternative rock band based in Los Angeles, California. The band consists of four members: Ryan Wilson , Rohner Segnitz , Kevin Lenhart and Seb Bailey ....
- Dave Cooley
- Peter Walker
Former artists
- All Smiles
- Bad VeinsBad VeinsBad Veins is an indie rock duo from Cincinnati, Ohio, composed of Benjamin Davis and Sebastien Schultz. Davis primarily writes the music, plays guitar and keyboard, and sings, while also recording backtracking music on a reel-to-reel tape player, nicknamed Irene. Schultz plays the drums...
- Dappled Cities
- Joy ZipperJoy ZipperJoy Zipper is an American indie pop duo from Long Island, New York, made up of Tabitha Tindale and Vincent Cafiso, who are also a married couple. The duo has been playing dream pop since the late 1990s...
- La RoccaLa RoccaLa Rocca is an Irish rock band, formed in Dublin, Ireland in 2000.The band formed when college friends Nick Haworth and Alan Redmond met Bjorn Baillie in Cardiff, they were later joined by Bjorn’s older brother Simon. Three of the four members of La Rocca Bjorn Baillie, his brother, bassist Simon...
- Sabrosa PurrSabrosa PurrSabrosa Purr are a band from Los Angeles, California. They released their self-produced début EP, Music from the Violet Room on Dangerbird Records. The album was #6 on BAGeL Radio's list of the best albums of 2005. The follow-up Volaras EP was released on June 26, 2009...