Familiarize Yourself

We have now entered a time where starting, running, or working for a record label may not be in your best interest. Chicago just experienced this firsthand when veterans Touch & Go Records began downsizing, and it is extremely visible in the majors as people are losing their jobs on a daily basis.

One label, and an independent label in particular, is riding this economy out andmaking news headlines all over the world.  Dangerbird Records began in 2004  by founders Jeff Castelaz and Peter Walker. In 2006 they put themselves on the map when (one of my favorites) the Silversun Pickups released Carnavas which made it onto the Billboard Top 100. Now, with their 2009 release, Swoon, the Silversun Pickups have once again put Dangerbird Records on the map, but this time they have made history.

After 11 years of the major label artists dominating the top of the charts, “Panic Switch” the newest single from the Silversun Pickups hit the #1 spot on Billboard’s  Modern Rock Songs chart in June. This is only the 3rd independently distributed artist to ever to hit the #1 spot on the modern rock charts in history. I guess it’s true when they say the 3rd times the charm!

So congrats Dangerbird Records for making it into the history books, we now expect more great things from you! Check out the impressive Dangerbird Roster, including Sea Wolf, Darker My Love, The Dears, and many other great artists at www.dangerbirdrecords.com

-AB

After posting this entry it has come to my attention that co-owner of Dangerbird, Jeff Castlaz, recently lost his 6 year-old son, Pablo, to a battle with cancer. Our hearts and prayers go out to Jeff and his family. Learn more about Pablo’s cancer and how you can donate to help cancer research.