The New Music Business with Ari Herstand

Epidemic Sound Removes Rights and Royalties From the Equation

Jun 9, 2025
Oscar Höglund, the co-founder and CEO of Epidemic Sound, discusses the revolutionary changes in music licensing and artist compensation. He describes how their subscription model disrupts traditional royalty structures while supporting independent artists. The conversation touches on the challenges of playlist-driven consumption and the creative tension artists experience between commercial success and authenticity. Höglund also highlights Epidemic Sound's innovative approach to revenue sharing, addressing the future of music distribution and empowering creators in the digital age.
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INSIGHT

Epidemic's Unique Ownership Model

  • Epidemic Sound changed music licensing by owning 100% of the rights in each track.
  • This allows them to offer a one-stop subscription service that simplifies licensing for content creators.
INSIGHT

Upfront Rights Buyout Advantage

  • Artists sell Epidemic 100% rights upfront and receive guaranteed payments plus ongoing royalties.
  • This approach replaces fractional rights with simpler, transparent revenue flows to support artists sustainably.
INSIGHT

Innovative Four-Pillar Artist Pay

  • Epidemic compensates artists with upfront fees, a usage-based soundtrack bonus, ongoing royalties, and equity shares.
  • Data-driven commissioning helps tailor music to actual creator demands for better monetization.
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