February 21, 2023
Rihanna is an illustrious artist. She is among the best selling female artists of all time, and was one of the greatest hitmakers of the 2000s and 2010s. She has since grown to become the richest...
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February 20, 2023
Streaming is now the driving force of the music industry, making up 84% of the industry revenue in the U.S. While streaming is much more convenient for listeners, many artists argue that it is near im
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February 23, 2023
Who is the greatest rapper of all time? Is it even possible to crown just one person? Well, Billboard and Vibe did exactly that. And, according to them, that person is Jay-Z. In honor of Hip-Hop’s
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February 18, 2023
Kaytranada (Louis Celestin) is a Haitian-Canadian record producer and DJ. He is a highly acclaimed electronic artist, having earned two Grammys and countless other awards for his work. Kaytranada has
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February 17, 2023
What happens when a famous music producer takes an interest in self-help books? The Creative Act is your answer. But who is Rick Rubin? Without a doubt, Rubin has an impressive track record in the
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February 14, 2023
The music industry is a place full of musicians, producers, and creators who have the magical ability to make those perfect sounds we hear everyday through our digital devices. We want to listen close
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February 14, 2023
What do popular video games franchises Super Mario, Legend of Zelda, and Star Fox all have in common? They were all produced and published by Nintendo, and the iconic music themes that you hear in...
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February 8, 2023
Being a successful woman in the music industry is no easy feat. Not only do they deal with the typical trials and tribulations of being a musician, but there are also gender-specific challenges.
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February 8, 2023
“Is it just me, or are songs getting shorter these days?” This is a question I have often pondered, especially in the last few years. It appears that in the era of social media, attention spans are
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February 6, 2023
SG Lewis (Samuel George Lewis) is a rising star in the dance/electronic music realm. He is a DJ/producer turned singer-songwriter, and is known for his disco-inspired, transcendent sound. He routinely
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February 4, 2023
Sam Smith just released their new album “Gloria” on the 27th of January. As described by Pitchfork, “Gloria flips between hyperpop, country, dancehall, disco, 2-step, and intimate, Kehlani-esque R&B”.
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February 5, 2023
Virtual reality and the metaverse have become popular topics in the music industry where more and more technology and music have been combined, creating something that could revolutionize the entire
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At first, it just sounded like another business deal. But this one actually means a lot more for how music works right now. When news came out that Britney Spears sold the rights to her music catalog, it wasn’t super shocking on the surface. A lot of major artists have been doing the same thing lately.
But with Britney, it hits a little differently.
Her music isn’t just a catalog. It’s songs that basically shaped 2000s pop, and are still being played everywhere now, whether it’s playlists, throwbacks, or clips on TikTok.
Why Artists Are Selling Catalogs Right Now
Streaming changed how long music lasts. Songs don’t really “expire” anymore. A track from 15 years ago can randomly trend again and start pulling in streams like it just dropped.
That’s why catalogs have become so valuable. They keep making money over time instead of peaking once and fading out.
When artists sell, they’re usually trading long-term earnings for a large upfront payout. It’s less about the moment and more about locking something in.
And it’s happening a lot more now across the industry.
What Actually Changes When a Catalog Is Sold
Selling a catalog doesn’t mean the music disappears or changes overnight. But it does shift who’s making decisions behind the scenes.
That can include:
→ where songs get placed (movies, ads, playlists)
→ how often they’re pushed or promoted
→ how the artist’s older work gets used moving forward
So even if fans don’t notice right away, the direction of that music over time can change depending on who owns it.
Why This One Feels Different
With Britney, the conversation around control has always been part of her story. So seeing her step back from owning her catalog feels a bit more layered than just a financial move.
At the same time, it also shows how common this has become. Even artists with massive legacies are choosing to step away from managing their catalogs directly.
What New Artists Can Take From This
If anything, this trend is a reminder that making music is only part of the picture.
Ownership matters more than most people think, especially long term.
Even if you’re just starting out, it’s worth being aware of:
→ who owns your masters
→ what rights you’re signing away
→ how your music can be used later on
You don’t need to have everything figured out early, but understanding it makes a difference over time.
Final Thought
Selling a catalog used to feel like something artists did at the very end of their careers. Now it’s just part of how the industry works.
And whether artists keep their music or sell it, one thing’s clear.
Songs don’t really lose value anymore → they just keep finding new ways to show up.
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