The Journal
Expert guidance on catalog sales, royalty advances, and music business funding — from the capital markets firm for creative assets.
Latest Articles
American auditing misses 20-40% of international royalties. Discover how CFA's UK/Swedish ownership recovers money U.S. auditors can't access.
Complete guide to music catalog valuation methodology, streaming analytics, and institutional metrics that determine your catalog's worth.
Compare selling your catalog vs getting a royalty advance. Understand the financial implications and make the right choice for your situation.
Why distribution advances beat traditional label deals. Keep your masters, maintain creative control, and earn more long-term while accessing capital.
Complete wealth management guide for artists post-sale. Learn about taxes, smart investments, retirement planning, and protecting your money.
Simple steps to maximize your catalog's valuation through proper documentation, metadata, and registrations. Most artists leave thousands on the table.
Industry Reports & News
MEDiA Research
Comprehensive analysis of the music IP market, deal volumes, multiples, and emerging buyer categories shaping the landscape.
View Report →Billboard
Tracking the major players — from Blackstone to Kobalt — and how institutional capital is reshaping music rights ownership.
Read Article →Financial Times
Institutional investors are treating song catalogs as an alternative asset class — and the numbers are compelling.
Read Article →Music Business Worldwide
Running list of every major music rights transaction — deal sizes, buyers, sellers, and catalog details updated monthly.
View Tracker →Reuters
Analysis of interest rate impacts, valuation trends, and the evolving buyer landscape for music intellectual property.
Read Article →Goldman Sachs
Goldman's landmark research on music streaming economics, forecasted industry growth to $142B by 2030, and investment implications.
Read Article →Notable Catalog Transactions
Tracking significant music catalog and music IP transactions from 2025–2026. Sources include Billboard, MBW, Financial Times, Reuters, and company filings.
| Artist / Catalog | Buyer | Est. Value | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queen Publishing + recorded rights (consideration) | Sony Music | ~$1.27B | 2025 | Billboard |
| Pink Floyd Recorded music + likeness rights | Sony Music | ~$400M | 2025 | Financial Times |
| Michael Jackson 50% stake in publishing catalog | Sony Music | ~$600M+ | 2025 | Reuters |
| Rod Stewart Publishing + recorded masters | Irving Azoff / Iconic Artists Group | ~$100M | 2025 | Billboard |
| Katy Perry Stake in recorded + publishing rights | Litmus Music (Carlyle-backed) | ~$225M | 2025 | MBW |
| Dr. Dre Select publishing + producer royalties | Shamrock Capital / Universal Music | ~$200M+ | 2026 | Billboard |
| Neil Young 50% of publishing catalog | Hipgnosis Songs Fund / Blackstone | ~$150M | 2025 | MBW |
| Shakira Publishing catalog | Hipgnosis Songs Fund | ~$100M | 2025 | Reuters |
| The Cure Recorded catalog | Primary Wave | ~$100M+ | 2026 | Billboard |
| Future Publishing catalog (612 tracks) | Influence Media Partners | ~$75M | 2025 | MBW |
Note: Deal values are estimates based on publicly reported figures and may include contingent payments, earnouts, or undisclosed terms. This data is compiled from public sources and is not exhaustive. CFA was not involved in all transactions listed. For current catalog valuation or to discuss a potential sale, contact our team.
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