Exceleration Music has made a financial investment in India-headquartered independent record label, Azadi Records, marking its first partnership in Asia.
The company did not disclose the size of its investment in Azadi, but noted that it will also provide Azadi with access to its global network and infrastructure.
Charles Caldas, a partner at Exceleration Music, will assume a role on Azadi Records’ board following the investment. In this capacity, Caldas will contribute his expertise to guide and oversee the label’s strategy, performance, and growth.
The indie label was founded by Mo Joshi and Uday Kapur in 2017. Mo Joshi has worked with artists such as Akala and Joss Stone, and with touring festival venue Chai Wallahs and UK booking agency, Diplomats of Sound.
The label has discovered India-based talent like hiphop duo Seedhe Maut and Prabh Deep, the first rapper to win a Toto Funds the Arts (TFA) music award. Azadi also represents producer Sez on the Beat, who has worked with Indian rappers, as well as PnB Rock and Rich the Kid.
In 2020, the label was named Indie Label of the Year by Indian music outlet, Loudest Magazine.
The label’s upcoming releases include Seedhe Maut’s mixtape ‘Lunch Break’, an EP from Ranj & Clifr, and a collaborative album by UK-based rappers Sonnyjim & PAVAN.
“Thanks to our partnership with Exceleration, Azadi Records is poised to enter a new phase of growth while maintaining our independence. I look forward to working closely with Charles and the rest of the team to further develop the business, while continuing to support our artists and help amplify their voices among local and global audiences,” said Azadi Records CEO and Co-Founder Mo Joshi.
“Thanks to our partnership with Exceleration, Azadi Records is poised to enter a new phase of growth while maintaining our independence.”
Mo Joshi, Azadi Records
Charles Caldas, Partner at Exceleration Music, added: “Our mission at Exceleration is to work with remarkable, culturally meaningful labels and entrepreneurs, and Azadi definitely fits that mold.
“Since I met Mo in Mumbai in 2018 it was clear to me that what he was building at Azadi was special. Fearless, innovative, and socially aware, Azadi has the hallmarks of a great independent label, and I look forward to helping Mo and the Azadi team achieve their full potential.”
The Azadi partnership adds to Exceleration’s expanding portfolio of label partners, which already includes names like Mom+Pop Music, Kill Rock Stars, SideOneDummy, and Heroic Music Group.
“Since I met Mo in Mumbai in 2018 it was clear to me that what he was building at Azadi was special.”
Charles Caldas, Exceleration Music
Exceleration was formed by music industry figures including Glen Barros, Amy Dietz, John Burk, Dave Hansen, and Charles Caldas. The company invests in independent labels and artists.
The company says that it offers services to entrepreneurs seeking capital for expansion or an exit from their investments.
Exceleration’s roster also includes partnerships with labels such as Alligator, Bloodshot, Candid, The Ray Charles Foundation/Tangerine, and +1 Records.
