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Trapital

Inside KKR's Investments in Music

Apr 26, 2024
Anna Nicolaou, a Financial Times journalist specializing in music rights, dives into KKR's intriguing role in the music investment landscape. They discuss KKR's strategic moves, including their $500 million debt deal with HarbourView and the implications of rising interest rates on music valuations. Nicolaou highlights shifts in the market with new players emerging, contrasting contemporary catalogs like The Weeknd's with older assets. The conversation also forecasts future trends in music licensing, especially with AI's impact shaping new opportunities for artists.
29:22

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • KKR's recent strategic exit from music catalog investments highlights the impact of fluctuating valuations and interest rates on the industry.
  • Universal Music Group's aggressive acquisition strategies exemplify how major labels are adapting to maximize revenue in a competitive streaming landscape.

Deep dives

Evolution of KKR's Music Investments

KKR's involvement in the music rights space has undergone significant changes, particularly with its ventures in acquiring and managing music catalogs. Initially, KKR made impactful deals, such as acquiring Ryan Tedder's music catalog in 2021 and later purchasing music publishing assets through Cobalt Capital. However, by early 2024, KKR was reported to be selling its music catalog as valuations dropped, indicating a strategic exit from the industry. Just weeks after this news, KKR engaged in a $500 million debt deal with Harborview Equity Partners, showing an ongoing interest in music, albeit through different financial channels.

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