Another day, another purchase for Merck Mercuriadis’ Hipgnosis Songs Fund.
Following two successful funding rounds – $260 million last summer and $185 million in an oversubscribed round last month – Hipgnosis hasn’t wasted any time in acquiring key songwriting catalogs.
So far, the music IP company has acquired significant stakes or a complete acquisition in:
- Giorgio Tuinfort (David Guetta).
- Teddy Geiger (Shawn Mendes).
- The-Dream (Justin Bieber, Rihanna).
- Poo Bear (Chris Brown, Justin Bieber).
- Itaal Shur (Santana).
- Bernard Edwards (Chic).
- Tricky Stewart (Rihanna, Beyoncé).
- TMS (Jess Glynne, Little Mix).
- Ari Levine (The Smeezingtons – Levine, Bruno Mars, and Philip Lawrence).
- Jamie Scott (Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran, and One Direction).
Yesterday afternoon, and signaling a shift into country music, Hipgnosis wholly acquired Michael Knox’s music catalog.
The American producer is best known for discovering and producing for the American country music singer Jason Aldean. Knox has produced eight albums for Aldean. Four of those releases consecutively reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. Working together with Aldean, Michael Knox has sold over 35 million singles in addition to 18 million albums. Together, they have 22 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts.
With experience serving at Warner/Chappell, Knox currently serves as Senior Vice President of peermusic Nashville.
Now, just a day later, the music IP company has confirmed yet another acquisition.
Don’t expect Hipgnosis to slow down anytime soon.
The Board of Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited and its investment adviser, The Family (Music) Limited has acquired a music catalog from Sam Hollander.
The American songwriter and producer has co-written multi-platinum certified hit songs for Fitz and the Tantrums, One Direction, Katy Perry, Blink-182, Weezer, Train, Metro Station, Boys Like Girls, Daughtry, and Olly Murs. At the heart of his catalog, however, are 14 songs Hollander wrote with Panic at the Disco, his longtime collaborators. These include 9 No. 1 songs and a double platinum-certified album, Pray for the Wicked.
Hollander has co-written songs such as ‘Say Amen (Saturday Night)’, ‘Look Ma’ and ‘Emperor’s New Clothes’ by Panic! At The Disco, ‘HandClap’ by Fitz & The Tantrums, ‘Rock Me’ by One Direction, ‘Cupid’s Chokehold’ by Gym Class Heroes, ‘Marry Me’ by Train, ‘Shake Me’ by Metro Station, and many others which are also multi-platinum.
Hipgnosis has acquired 100% of Hollander’s interest including ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) income in his catalog which comprises of 499 songs.
Financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed.
Speaking about the acquisition, Mercuriadis said,
“Sam Hollander has a hot hand. His numerous collaborations with Panic! At The Disco have been ruling the airwaves for almost 5 years now and setting new standards of success. From Panic! to One Direction and Fitz and The Tantrums, he always helps to deliver the crossover hit that every band wants and needs.”
Hollander added,
“When I began the process of selling my catalog to Hipgnosis, it felt like I was joining the 1927 Yankees. The legends Merck, Nile (my old friend/hero), and their incredible team have a forward-thinking game plan that is both bold and exciting. It’s such an honor to know that my songbook will play on alongside some very esteemed company in the hands of these champs.”
Featured image by Hipgnosis Songs Fund.