Former Spotify exec David Ecker joins Exceleration Music as Label Development Manager

Exceleration Music has appointed David Ecker, a former Spotify operating; and Rachel Cunningham, formerly of Gimme Radio, take the senior role.

Ecker will serve as Exceleration’s Director of Brand Development, managing day-to-day relationships with the company’s label and artist partners.

Ecker previously worked on the streaming giant Spotify and Artist Partnerships team, most recently as Director of Artist and Label Partnerships, US Independents.

At Spotify, Ecker has led creative campaigns for Phoebe Bridgers, Bon Iver, Mitski, Flying Lotus and Porter Robinson. He also developed partnerships with leading independent labels and distributors, and created and co-runs the ‘Digs Jazz’ series, demonstrating his expertise in jazz.

“From the very beginning, it was clear to me how the company cares about both the music and the musicians who brought it to life. They really understand what it means to be an independent artist and label.”

David Ecker

“I am extremely excited to be joining Exceleration’s passionate, talented and value-driven team. From the very beginning, it was clear to me how the company cares about both the music and the musicians who brought it to life. They really understand what it means to be an independent artist and label. I look forward to continuing to serve the indie community in this new role as I work closely with Exceleration’s list of amazing record labels and artists,” said Ecker.

Rachel Cunningham, meanwhile, has been appointed to lead Fan Engagement and Commerce at Exceleration, spearheading the development of an audience growth and e-commerce strategy to drive online business. Next to fans of Exceleration.

Previously, she held the role of Head of Fan Engagement & Ecommerce Marketing for San Francisco-based Gimme Radio. Her experience includes launching hip-hop and national online stores at Gimme Radio and overseeing marketing for Gimme Metal.

Cunningham also serves as a digital marketer and e-commerce specialist with harmony and Hastings Entertainment.

“Excellence has caught my attention because of the amazingly experienced team of music executives who are shaking up the industry and increasing the value of labels and artists. I’m incredibly happy to be adding to that mission by focusing on fan interaction, because, in my experience, music fans are the backbone and future of the industry. I can’t wait to grow my career with Exceleration while helping to advance the careers of some of the best independent artists in the world,” said Cunningham.

“Excellence has caught my attention because of the amazingly experienced team of music executives who are shaking up the industry and enhancing the value of record labels and artists.”

Rachel Cunningham

The appointments come after the company appointed Cassie Michel as Digital Operations Associate and Adam Ferrari as Chief Accountant in January.

Other recent hires include Creative Director David Goman in October, and before Popular music group managing director Mike Gillespie and old-sound cloud operating Bela Zecker in January 2022.

Darin Soler, Global Head of Marketing and Commercial Partnerships, said: “One of the things that excites me at Exceleration is bringing the best of technology to labels in the independent community. There’s no reason smaller firms don’t have the same opportunities and expertise as majors across all platforms, and hiring professionals like David and Rachel is what makes it happen. .

Outstanding is show in January 2021 with the aim of advancing “the future of labels and independent artists.”

At the time of launch, Exceleration said it was “backed by substantial capital investment” and that it “plans to leverage the extensive expertise and deep understanding of the independent music culture of its partners.” to make the right investments in independent music rights and the individuals who create them.”

Its partners include global music industry leaders such as Dave Hansen (former GM of Epitaph Records and Executive Chairman of Epitaph Records). Merlin), Charles Caldas (Merlin’s first CEO), Amy Dietz (Former GM of Ingrooves) and John Burk (Grammy Award-winning producer and former President of Concord Records).

Exceleration’s recent deals include Mom+Pop, +1 Records, Blood recordright to Justin Townes Earle recording, and Hero Music Group. It also recently acquired the US indie label Kill a rock star and established strategic partnerships with indie studios, Sideonedummy Profile.

Earlier this year, the company established a strategic partnership and invested in a New York-based product portfolio. +1 Record, an independent label that helped launch the careers of The Kooks, Anna of the North and The Heavy, among many others.

Global Music Business