In the ever-evolving music industry, the role of a music publisher is becoming increasingly important. With the rise of streaming services and the decline of physical album sales, the value of a song’s catalog has become a crucial factor in an artist’s success. And no one knows this better than Golnar Khosrowshahi, the founder and president of Reservoir, a leading independent music publisher.
Recently, Khosrowshahi sat down with Billboard’s On the Record podcast to discuss the state of the catalog market in 2026. With her extensive knowledge and experience in the industry, she provided valuable insights into the future of music publishing and why she’s excited to work with legendary artists like Miles Davis and De La Soul.
As the founder of Reservoir, Khosrowshahi has built a successful career by recognizing the value of music catalogs. She has a keen eye for finding hidden gems and turning them into profitable assets. In fact, Reservoir’s catalog has grown to over 100,000 songs, including hits from artists like Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, and John Legend.
In the podcast, Khosrowshahi discusses the changing landscape of the music industry and how it has affected the value of music catalogs. She explains that with the rise of streaming services, the revenue generated by a song has shifted from traditional album sales to streaming royalties. This has made the catalog market more competitive, with publishers vying for the rights to popular songs.
However, Khosrowshahi remains optimistic about the future of the catalog market. She believes that with the right approach, a catalog can continue to generate revenue for decades. This is where Reservoir’s expertise comes into play. With a team of dedicated professionals, Reservoir is able to identify potential revenue streams for a song and maximize its value.
One of the most exciting projects Khosrowshahi is currently working on is the acquisition of the catalogs of legendary artists Miles Davis and De La Soul. She explains that these artists have a timeless appeal and their music will continue to be relevant for years to come. By acquiring their catalogs, Reservoir is not only preserving their legacy but also ensuring a steady stream of revenue for the artists and their families.
Khosrowshahi also emphasizes the importance of building relationships with artists and their teams. She believes that a strong partnership is crucial in order to effectively manage a catalog and ensure its success. This is why Reservoir works closely with artists and their representatives to understand their vision and goals for their music.
In addition to managing catalogs, Reservoir also focuses on developing new talent. Khosrowshahi is passionate about nurturing up-and-coming songwriters and helping them reach their full potential. She believes that by investing in new talent, Reservoir is not only securing its future but also contributing to the growth of the music industry as a whole.
As the music industry continues to evolve, the role of a music publisher like Reservoir will become even more vital. With their expertise and innovative approach, Reservoir is well-positioned to thrive in the changing market. And with Khosrowshahi at the helm, there’s no doubt that Reservoir will continue to be a major player in the catalog market.
In conclusion, Golnar Khosrowshahi’s appearance on Billboard’s On the Record podcast provided valuable insights into the catalog market in 2026. Her passion for music and her dedication to preserving and maximizing the value of catalogs is truly inspiring. With her vision and Reservoir’s expertise, the future of music publishing looks bright and promising. And we can’t wait to see what exciting projects and collaborations Khosrowshahi and Reservoir have in store for us in the years to come.
