In the ever-evolving world of music, the catalog market has become an increasingly important aspect for artists and record labels alike. With the rise of streaming services and the decline of physical sales, the value of a musician’s catalog has skyrocketed. In fact, according to Reservoir’s Golnar Khosrowshahi, the catalog market is set to reach new heights in 2026. In a recent episode of Billboard’s On the Record podcast, Khosrowshahi gives insight into this thriving market and discusses her work with legendary artists Miles Davis and De La Soul.
Reservoir is a leading independent music company that specializes in the acquisition and management of music copyrights. As the President and Chief Operating Officer, Khosrowshahi has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the music industry. In the podcast, she shares her thoughts on the current state of the catalog market and where it is headed in the future.
Khosrowshahi begins by explaining the concept of a music catalog. In simple terms, a catalog is a collection of songs that an artist or label owns the rights to. This includes both the master recordings and the underlying compositions. In the past, catalogs were primarily seen as a source of revenue through physical sales and licensing deals. However, with the rise of streaming, the value of a catalog has significantly increased.
According to Khosrowshahi, the catalog market in 2026 will be worth billions of dollars. This growth can be attributed to the increasing popularity of streaming services, which have made music more accessible than ever before. As a result, catalogs are now a valuable asset for both established and emerging artists. In fact, Khosrowshahi predicts that catalogs will become a major source of income for musicians in the future.
One of the reasons for this predicted growth is the changing landscape of the music industry. With the decline of physical sales, artists and record labels are looking for alternative sources of revenue. This has led to a surge in catalog acquisitions, with major players like Reservoir leading the way. Khosrowshahi explains that Reservoir has been actively acquiring catalogs, including those of legendary artists like Miles Davis and De La Soul.
The acquisition of these iconic catalogs is a testament to Reservoir’s commitment to preserving and promoting musical legacies. Khosrowshahi believes that these catalogs hold immense value, not just in terms of revenue, but also in preserving the cultural and artistic significance of these artists. She mentions that Reservoir is working closely with the estates of Miles Davis and De La Soul to ensure that their music continues to reach new audiences and inspire future generations.
In addition to acquiring catalogs, Reservoir also offers a range of services to its artists, including creative and sync licensing, as well as global distribution. This allows artists to fully capitalize on their catalog and reach a wider audience. Khosrowshahi emphasizes the importance of these services in the current music landscape, where streaming has made it easier for artists to connect with fans all over the world.
As the podcast comes to a close, Khosrowshahi leaves listeners with a positive and inspiring message. She believes that the catalog market is only going to get bigger and better, and artists should embrace this opportunity to monetize their work and secure their legacies. She encourages artists to take control of their catalogs and work with companies like Reservoir to maximize their potential.
In conclusion, the catalog market in 2026 is set to be a thriving and lucrative industry, thanks to the rise of streaming services and the efforts of companies like Reservoir. Golnar Khosrowshahi’s insights into this market and her work with legendary artists serve as a testament to the value and potential of music catalogs. As we look towards the future, it is clear that catalogs will continue to play a significant role in the music industry and the preservation of musical legacies.
