Exceleration Music has acquired the catalog of Dutch independent, Heroic Music Group.
Heroic Music Group is a Dutch independent label, publisher, and artist management company founded by Budi Voogt and Tim van Doorne in 2013.
Heroic has managed the careers and released music from artists such as TikTok creator Ark Patrol, Unlike Pluto, rei brown, Stephen, San Holo, DROELOE, and Taska Black.
“Budi and Tim have created a great example of the best kind of new-generation, self-sufficient independent music company.”
Charles Caldas, Exceleration
This deal is the first for Exceleration in Europe, and the latest in a series of investments and partnerships.
These include its recently announced venture with New York indie Mom+Pop Music, recent winners of A2IM’s Libera award for Large Independent of the Year, as well as deals with indie label, Kill Rock Stars and Bloodshot Records; Los Angeles label, SideOneDummy; and an alliance with the Justin Townes Earle estate announced in 2021.
Exceleration also owns the jazz label, Candid Records, and has partnered with Alligator Records and the renowned Ray Charles Foundation.
Exceleration partner, Charles Caldas said, “Budi and Tim have created a great example of the best kind of new-generation, self-sufficient independent music company.
“Since meeting them during my tenure at Merlin, I was deeply impressed with the way they were intent on building their groundbreaking, future-facing company focused on strong values, underpinned by a truly independent spirit, a path we are also trying to forge with Exceleration. It’s an honor to be able to be custodians of the great music they have released.”
Heroic Co-Founder & CEO Budi Voogt said, “Glen, Charles, and the Exceleration partners have built a great reputation as stewards of independent music.
“We’re glad to partner with them as we have a shared philosophy, believe in their vision, and know they have a wealth of experience. They will be great custodians of the catalog and we’re excited to see them take it to new heights.”
“Glen, Charles, and the Exceleration partners have built a great reputation as stewards of independent music. We’re glad to partner with them as we have a shared philosophy.”
Budi Voogt, Heroic
Heroic Co-Founder & COO, Tim van Doorne said, “We took a year to find the right party to adopt our responsibilities to all the great artists we’ve worked with this past decade.
“I’m very happy we were able to reach an agreement with Exceleration who, with their shared independent mindset and incredible team, can continue our legacy with new energy.”
The acquisition of SideOneDummy Records in January 2022, brought into the Exceleration stable artists such as Flogging Molly, The Gaslight Anthem, and Gogol Bordello, as well as more recent signings Nahko and Medicine for the People, PUP, Jeff Rosenstock, Tolliver, Rozwell Kid and PÆRISH.
In January 2022, Exceleration onboarded a raft of new hires in Global Sales, Label Management, Commercial Partnerships, Finance, and A&R to drive operations and anticipated growth.
Exceleration was launched in January 2021 by former Concord Music Group CEO Glen Barros.
From day one, the company’s Partners have included Dave Hansen (former GM of Epitaph Records and Executive Chairman of Merlin), Charles Caldas (the first CEO of Merlin), Amy Dietz (previous GM of Ingrooves) and John Burk (Grammy-winning producer and former President of Concord Records).Music Business Worldwide
