Trapital The Business Behind Iconic Music Catalogs
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Jul 30, 2025 Explore the fascinating world of iconic music catalogs and what makes them so valuable. Discover the intricate dynamics behind legendary artists like Queen and Michael Jackson, and learn how their enduring appeal influences financial success. Dive into the impact of music genres on catalog valuation and the significance of streaming in today’s market. Uncover the future of music rights and what it means for artists and investors alike.
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Owning Everything Unlocks Franchise Value
- Owning all rights for an artist (masters, publishing, NIL, distribution) creates rare strategic optionality.
- That consolidation makes a catalog operate like a franchise with many monetization levers beyond streaming.
Two Types Of Catalog Deals
- Catalog deals split into predictable annuities and upside plays with extra monetization opportunities.
- Iconic catalogs trade at much higher multiples because buyers pay for asymmetrical future upside.
Iconic Catalogs Command Huge Multiples
- Shot Tower Capital found ten 'iconic' catalogs sold at 20x+ multiples versus 13–16x for others.
- Examples likely include Queen, Michael Jackson, Dylan, Springsteen and other legacy superstars.