Merck Mercuriadis

Merck Mercuriadis, Founder of Hipgnosis Songs Fund, discusses acquiring music catalogs from renowned artists like Neil Young, Chris Cornell, and Nikki Sixx. He shares insights on revolutionizing the music industry, fair compensation for songwriters, and the importance of relationships in the music business.

Merck Mercuriadis, CEO of Hipgnosis Songs Fund, has over 40 years in the music industry, collaborating with stars like Elton John and Beyonce. He discusses the transformation of music into a vital investment, with 90% of US households now subscribing to streaming services. Merck highlights how fair compensation for artists is often overlooked in revenue splits. He shares insights on acquiring 57,000 songs for £1.2 billion, the strategic marketing of classic hits, and the evolving landscape of music as both art and a lucrative asset.

Nile Rodgers, a Grammy-winning guitarist renowned for his work with Chic and legends like David Bowie, joins Merck Mercuriadis, founder of Hipgnosis Songs Fund, to explore the intersection of music and investment. They discuss artist advocacy in the streaming era and the challenges of fair compensation. Nile shares how he crafted iconic hits like 'We Are Family' and 'Let's Dance,' illustrating the emotional depth behind songwriting. Their camaraderie and insightful anecdotes shine a light on the enduring impact of Chic's timeless sound.