Catalog
The complete collection of recorded works owned or controlled by an artist, label, or publisher.
Definition
A catalog refers to the body of recorded music owned by an artist, songwriter, record label, or publisher. It includes all past releases and represents a significant asset that generates ongoing royalty income.
Catalog acquisitions have become a major investment trend, with companies paying hundreds of millions for the rights to iconic artists' music libraries.
Why It Matters
Your catalog is a long-term asset that can generate income for decades through streaming, licensing, and sync placements. Understanding catalog value helps artists make informed decisions about rights and acquisitions.
For established artists, selling catalog rights has become a way to monetize life's work, while buyers see catalogs as stable, income-generating investments.
Examples in Practice
A legendary artist sells their catalog of 300 songs for $200 million to an investment fund, receiving a lump sum while the buyer collects future royalties.
A label's catalog of 1990s hip-hop recordings generates steady income through streaming, sample clearances, and film placements.
A songwriter's catalog of hits written for other artists produces $500,000 annually in publishing royalties across mechanical, performance, and sync income.