Dangerbird Records, the boutique label based in Silver Lake, Calif., has signed an exclusive distribution and artist development deal with Universal Music Group’s Fontana.
Dangerbird, which was previously distributed by Alternative Distribution Alliance, is home to Silversun Pickups, who were nominated for best new artist at last year’s Grammy Awards, and has sold close to a million copies of their two Dangerbird releases, 2006’s Carnavas and 2008’s Swoon.
The label, which was founded in 2004 by manager Jeff Castelaz and singer-songwriter Peter Walker, has also released albums by popular indie bands like Hot Hot Heat and Darker My Love.
Fontana is UMG’s independent distributor for more than 80 labels including Rap-A-Lot Records, Downtown and Vagrant Records.
“Dangerbird Records has proven to be a strong and successful brand in all of their endeavors,” said Fontana president Ron Spaulding in a statement released Monday. “It is an honor and privilege to work with their staff and artists, who are about trust, confidence and mutual respect.”
“Our new partnership with Fontana strengthens Dangerbird’s ability to deliver for its artists,” added Castelaz. “Delivering for our artists is the only thing that matters to us. Fontana recognized precisely what we needed from a distribution partner: a strong thrust in the retail marketplace, and an ally as we continue to grow. It’s clear we’ve found the right new home for Dangerbird and its artists.”
Among the potential benefits of partnering with Fontana? Extra marketing muscle and superior presence in retail.