Music Rights: A New Asset Class? With Merck Mercuriadis

jun. 26, 2024

Over the past two decades, the music industry has undergone significant transformations. Once plagued by piracy and declining revenues, it now enjoys remarkable growth and renewed investor interest. The Swedish House of Finance recently interviewed Merck Mercuriadis, founder of Hipgnosis Song Management, during his visit to Stockholm. The discussion focused on the emergence of music rights as an asset class.

Merck Mercuriadis is a British-Canadian music industry executive, artist manager, and entrepreneur. He has managed artists including Nile Rodgers, Beyoncé, Elton John, Gun N’Roses, Iron Maiden, Pet Shop Boys, Mary J. Blige among others. He is also the Founder and Chairman of Hipgnosis Song Management.

The interview discussed:

• History of Hipgnosis Songs Fund
• Why an average investor should be interested in music rights
• The risks involved in investing in music rights and how to mitigate them
• How funds select which music rights to acquire
• The impact of streaming services on the music rights market and Hipgnosis' business model
• Impact of Hipgnosis Song Management beyond financial returns