Music catalogs have become an increasingly valuable asset in the entertainment industry, with their value extending far beyond just the songs themselves. As streaming has become the predominant way people consume music, owning the rights to these catalogs has become a lucrative business. And among those shaping the future of this industry is Golnar Khosrowshahi, founder and CEO of Reservoir Media.
With a background in law and a passion for music, Khosrowshahi founded Reservoir Media in 2007. And over the years, her company has become one of the leading independent music publishers, with an impressive catalog of over 110,000 songs. But Khosrowshahi’s journey towards success was not an easy one.
In a recent interview with Billboard On The Record, Khosrowshahi shared her insights on how she built a music catalog powerhouse and what the future holds for music ownership.
Khosrowshahi’s love for music began at a young age, growing up in a family of musicians and music lovers. She was drawn to the business side of the industry and pursued a law degree with a focus on copyright and intellectual property. She started her career at BMI, a performing rights organization, before setting her sights on building her own company.
Reservoir Media was founded at a time when the industry was not paying much attention to music catalogs. Khosrowshahi saw this as an opportunity and strategically started acquiring song catalogs, building a diverse and high-quality collection. With a deep understanding of the value of music rights, she positioned Reservoir Media as a leader in the industry.
But Khosrowshahi’s success did not come without challenges. In the early days, she faced resistance from the traditional music industry and had to overcome many obstacles to secure funding for her business. However, with perseverance and a strong vision, she was able to grow her company into the powerhouse it is today.
In recent years, the music industry has undergone a massive shift with the rise of streaming platforms. This has led to a surge in the value of music catalogs, making them a coveted asset for investors. But as more and more companies enter the space, competition has increased, making it challenging for independent publishers like Reservoir Media to stand out.
However, Khosrowshahi remains unfazed by the competition and sees it as a positive sign for the industry. With more players entering the market, there are more opportunities for songwriters and artists to sell their music rights and receive fair compensation. And as an advocate for fair pay for creators, Khosrowshahi believes that this is a much-needed change in the music industry.
Reservoir Media’s success also lies in its approach to acquiring music catalogs. Khosrowshahi and her team don’t just focus on acquiring popular songs; they also look for underrated gems that have the potential to become hits or be used in films, commercials, and TV shows. This strategic approach has proven to be successful, with Reservoir Media’s catalogs being used in everything from hit TV shows and films to advertising campaigns for major brands.
But what sets Reservoir Media apart from other publishing companies is its investment in technology. With a dedicated team of data analysts, Reservoir Media has developed sophisticated systems to track and collect royalties for its songwriters and artists. This not only ensures that their creators are fairly compensated but also sets a standard for the industry.
Khosrowshahi’s success story is a testament to the value of perseverance and innovation in the music industry. With a passion for music and a sound business strategy, she has built a music catalog powerhouse that continues to thrive in an ever-changing landscape. And as the industry continues to evolve, we can expect Reservoir Media to play a crucial role in shaping the future of music ownership.
In conclusion, Golnar Khosrowshahi and Reservoir Media have proven to be pioneers in the music publishing industry. With a strong vision and innovative approach, they have built a valuable and diverse catalog that continues to yield success. And as the demand for music catalogs increases, it’s clear that Khosrowshahi and her company will play a vital role in shaping the future of music ownership.
