An Open Letter

Maximizing the Value of Your Music Publishing and Royalties

Dear Artist,

Perhaps you’ve been contemplating the sale of your music publishing, prompted by discussions with your manager or lawyer, or maybe you’re simply doing your own research. Whatever the reasons, selling your music publishing can be the right move for some and the wrong time for others. As a dedicated advocate for the creative heartbeat of the music industry—where musicians, artists, songwriters, and producers pulse with creativity—I offer a message filled with both urgency and opportunity.

The music landscape is bustling with untapped potential and unknown threats, particularly in the realm of AI, music publishing rights and royalty streams. Every day, industry trades report another major artist selling their catalog for astronomical sums. However, what many do not realize is that these artists could often secure even higher returns had they properly marketed their catalogs to all potential buyers.

This is akin to selling a unique piece of art to the first bidder without exploring the true market demand. Too often, we have witnessed the disservice done to those who, unaware of their options, sell their publishing rights without realizing their full value.

When it comes to selling a home, savvy homeowners understand the power of the open market. They recognize that allowing multiple bidders to drive up the price is the optimal path to realizing the asset’s full value. Similarly, your publishing rights deserve a platform where multiple interested parties can compete, ensuring that you receive the best possible financial outcome for your life’s work.

In an industry where the contributions of artists, producers, and rights owners are the cornerstone of success, it is our mission to ensure that your assets are given the respect and attention they deserve. My role as a music lawyer and my collaboration with esteemed music brokers is to serve as your champion in this process.

Our goal is simple: to represent you and advocate for the maximum return on your most valuable asset—your music.

If you are considering selling your publishing or royalty streams, or if you simply want to understand the breadth of your options, I implore you to reach out. Let us work together to ensure that your assets are showcased on a stage befitting their worth, where every potential buyer can appreciate their value and bid accordingly.

Even if you’re considering selling your publishing rights to your current publisher, believing they will manage it best, it’s crucial to gather multiple offers. This approach ensures you have the necessary information to make an informed decision and possibly leverage better terms in your favor.

Having partnered with a team renowned for its strong track record, I am part of an organization that has expertly managed the consultancy for sales involving major music publishing catalogs, digital royalty streams, master recordings, and associated properties. Together, they have handled more than 150 music rights deals across a diverse range of genres, with total transactions exceeding $1 billion.

This is more than a transaction, though. It’s about respect for your craft, your hard work, and your future.

Artists decide to sell their music catalogs for various reasons, each reflecting their unique circumstances and life stages. For some, it’s about estate planning—ensuring their legacy is managed the way they wish after they’re gone. Others might seek liquidity, needing immediate access to funds for personal or professional reasons. Additionally, diversifying assets can protect against market volatility, providing financial stability by converting music rights into varied investments. Understanding these motivations helps tailor our approach, ensuring each artist’s needs are met with personalized, expert guidance

Let’s start a conversation that could significantly impact your financial landscape. Engaging in informed discussions and strategic planning concerning your music rights now could place you at a competitive advantage as new technologies become more prevalent.

Contact us, or have someone on your team reach out, and together, we will navigate the path to your deserved success.

We deeply value the privacy of our clients and are committed to maintaining confidentiality in all our interactions. To ensure this, we are always willing to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) at the outset of our engagements.

Sincerely,

David Marc Harris, Esq.