Excelsior Recordings

What if a record label could capture the energy of Amsterdam’s vibrant music scene? Right here at Excelsior Recordings, that’s exactly what happened. Excelsior Recordings, nestled in Amsterdam, was born from a shared love of vinyl. In 1995, Ferry Roseboom and Frans Hagenaars, two music enthusiasts with a passion for vinyl singles, embarked on a musical journey. Initially, they released singles under the quirky name “Nothing Sucks Like Electrolux”. This venture evolved into something much bigger when Roseboom’s band, Daryll-Ann, needed a new label. Roseboom and Hagenaars decided to expand their operations. Excelsior Recordings officially emerged in 1996 after a name change prompted by a complaint from the appliance giant Electrolux. Excelsior quickly became a haven for Dutch alternative and indie rock artists. The label’s early roster included bands like Caesar, Daryll-Ann, Johan, Benjamin B, Scram C Baby, and Simmer. Excelsior Recordings continued to grow, signing notable acts like Spinvis, Triggerfinger, Hallo Venray, Queen’s Pleasure, Tim Knol, and Roosbeef. Many of these iconic recordings were crafted within Hagenaars’ own studio. Excelsior’s distinctive orange-marked albums became a hallmark of the label, each bearing its unique catalog number. For a time, Excelsior even distributed releases for V2 Records, expanding its reach both domestically and internationally. The label even ventured into the UK, Danish, and German markets, furthering its impact on the music scene. Excelsior Recordings established its own unique Supportersclub in 2011, inviting fans to directly support the label and receive exclusive merchandise. The label even launched a sub-label, Re., dedicated to reissuing out-of-print Dutch pop albums, keeping the musical history alive. Excelsior Recordings remains a vital part of Amsterdam’s musical landscape, a testament to the power of independent music.