In recent years, the music industry has undergone a dramatic transformation. With the rise of digital streaming platforms and the decline of physical album sales, the concept of music ownership has been completely redefined. And at the center of this shift lies a quietly growing but immensely valuable asset – music catalogs.
A music catalog refers to a collection of rights to a specific group of songs, usually owned by a music publisher or a record label. It includes the rights to use the songs in various formats, such as streaming, downloads, synchronization for film and TV, as well as physical sales like CDs and vinyl. And as streaming becomes the dominant form of music consumption, these catalogs have become essential to the success and profitability of the music industry.
One woman who has been at the forefront of this evolution is Golnar Khosrowshahi, the founder and CEO of Reservoir Media, a leading independent music publisher. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Khosrowshahi has built Reservoir into a music catalog powerhouse, boasting a diverse and impressive catalog of over 110,000 copyrights and representing some of the biggest names in music, including Lady Gaga, Camila Cabello, and John Legend.
In a recent interview with Billboard On The Record, Khosrowshahi shared her insights on the changing landscape of music ownership and how Reservoir has positioned itself at the forefront of this industry shift.
Building a music catalog empire
Khosrowshahi’s love for music began at a young age, growing up in Iran listening to her father’s extensive collection of vinyl records. After moving to the United States at the age of 11, she continued to immerse herself in music, eventually pursuing a career in the industry.
She started her career at EMI Music Publishing, where she quickly rose through the ranks and became the youngest senior executive in the company’s history. After a successful stint at EMI, Khosrowshahi founded Reservoir in 2007 with a vision to create a company that would focus on building a strong and diverse music catalog.
At a time when streaming was not yet the dominant form of music consumption, Khosrowshahi’s foresight and determination to build a strong collection of music rights set Reservoir on a path to success. Today, the company has grown to become one of the most influential and valuable independent music publishers in the world.
The changing landscape of music ownership
The rise of digital streaming platforms in the early 2000s marked a significant shift in the music industry, where physical album sales were no longer the main source of revenue. This led to a surge in the demand for music catalogs, as they became the primary source of income for artists and record labels.
According to Khosrowshahi, the value of music catalogs has increased exponentially in recent years, making it a highly sought-after asset for music industry players. She explains, “Music catalogs hold immense value because they provide a steady stream of income through various channels, not just from album or single sales but also from licensing for film, TV, and commercials.”
As the music industry continues to evolve, owning a music catalog has become a crucial component of success. It not only provides a steady stream of income for artists and record labels but also offers a stable investment opportunity for investors and companies looking to diversify their portfolios.
The role of technology in shaping the future of music ownership
With the rise of streaming platforms, technology has played a significant role in shaping the future of music ownership. The advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made it easier for music publishers like Reservoir to efficiently manage and protect their extensive catalogs.
Khosrowshahi explains, “Technology has made it possible for us to handle a massive volume of songs and identify and track where our music is being used worldwide. This has not only increased our efficiency but has also helped us protect our copyrights and ensure our artists are properly compensated.”
Furthermore, technology has also made it possible for music catalogs to be easily accessible and searchable, making it easier for artists and creatives to find and use music for their projects. This has opened up new opportunities for musicians, allowing them to reach a wider audience and increase their earnings.
Empowering artists and shaping the future of music ownership
One of Reservoir’s unique selling points is its artist-first approach, where the company empowers its artists by providing them with creative and commercial support while ensuring their rights are protected. This has helped Reservoir attract
