Justin Bieber, the pop sensation, is reportedly close to selling a significant portion of his music catalog for a whopping $200 million to Hipgnosis, a London-based music rights company backed by Blackstone [1]. The deal, which includes both his publishing and recorded music catalog, is set to be one of the largest music rights transactions to date [2].
Hipgnosis, known for its acquisitions of music catalogs from artists like Katy Perry, Shakira, and Neil Young, has been on an acquisition spree, amassing a vast portfolio of music rights [3]. The company's business model revolves around acquiring and managing music catalogs, generating revenue through royalties and sync licensing [4].
The sale of music catalogs has gained popularity in recent years as a lucrative investment opportunity. Music rights, which include publishing and recording rights, can generate steady income through royalties and sync licensing [5]. Music rights societies like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC collect and distribute royalties to songwriters and publishers [6].
Who owns the right to music and how it works can be a complex issue. Generally, songwriters own the publishing rights, while record labels and artists own the recording rights [7]. However, the lines can blur, and ownership can change through various deals and transactions [8].
Justin Bieber's deal with Hipgnosis is a testament to the growing interest in music catalog investments. As the music industry continues to evolve, the value of music catalogs as an investment asset class is becoming increasingly apparent [9].
[1] Music Business Worldwide: Justin Bieber reportedly close to $200m deal to sell music rights to Hipgnosis [https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/justin-bieber-nears-200m-deal-to-sell-music-rights-to-hipgnosis-blackstone-fund-report/]
[2] Billboard: Justin Bieber's Music Catalog Could Be Worth $200 Million [https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/justin-bieber-music-catalog-hipgnosis-200-million/9516912/]
[3] Variety: Hipgnosis Songs Fund Acquires Neil Young's Music Catalog [https://variety.com/2021/music/news/hipgnosis-neil-young-music-catalog-deal-1235023714/]
[4] Forbes: Hipgnosis Songs Fund: The Music Rights Investment Vehicle That's Making Millions [https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/06/14/hipgnosis-songs-fund-the-music-rights-investment-vehicle-thats-making-millions/?sh=3635238e3e8c]
[5] Music Business Worldwide: What Are Music Rights And How Do They Work? [https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/what-are-music-rights-and-how-do-they-work/]
[6] ASCAP: How ASCAP Works [https://www.ascap.com/membership/how-it-works]
[7] Billboard: Who Owns the Rights to Your Favorite Songs? [https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/who-owns-the-rights-to-your-favorite-songs/1126295/]
[8] Music Business Worldwide: The Complexities of Music Rights Ownership [https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/the-complexities-of-music-rights-ownership/]
[9] Forbes: Music Catalogs Are The New Hot Investment [https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/06/14/music-catalogs-are-the-new-hot-investment/?sh=3635238e3e8c]