Headline:
Taylor Swift and Drake Music Rights Giant Files to Sell Shares in U.S. IPO Move…see more…
In a bold step that could reshape the global music investment landscape, Concord, the music company behind the rights to hits by superstars like Taylor Swift and Drake, has officially filed to sell shares in the United States. The move signals a significant bet on the enduring value of music rights in a streaming-dominated era and marks a new chapter in the ongoing financialization of the entertainment industry.
According to filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Concord’s parent company, Concord Music Group Holdings Inc., is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) that could value the firm in the billions. The IPO, if successful, would make Concord the latest player in a wave of music-rights giants entering the public markets, following the path of Warner Music Group and Universal Music Group.
The company’s catalog spans thousands of artists and tracks, including rights to iconic works by Taylor Swift, Drake, Phil Collins, Cyndi Lauper, and more. These rights include both publishing and recorded music rights, making Concord a formidable force in royalty generation. Its growing catalog has become increasingly attractive to investors as the consumption of music via platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube has driven predictable, recurring revenue streams.
In its IPO filing, Concord emphasized its mission of “championing artists, preserving cultural legacies, and monetizing music globally.” The company noted that it manages more than 1 million copyrights and over 400,000 sound recordings, with earnings coming from both direct music sales and licensing for film, television, advertising, and video games.
“Music is an asset class that delivers reliable returns, and we’re seeing institutional interest like never before,” said Concord CEO Bob Valentine in a statement released alongside the filing. “Going public allows us to scale further, unlock more capital, and continue investing in the creative community.”
The IPO filing did not disclose how many shares Concord plans to sell or the anticipated price range. However, analysts expect a multi-billion-dollar valuation based on comparable public music companies and Concord’s massive and diverse catalog. The company intends to trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “CNCD.”
Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Nashville, Concord has grown rapidly over the past decade through a string of acquisitions, including the high-profile purchase of the music publishing arm of Imagem in 2017 for nearly $500 million, which brought in the catalogs of Daft Punk and Pink Floyd. It also acquired assets from Downtown Music and other independent music firms, further diversifying its portfolio.
Concord’s strategy has been consistent: buy high-quality catalogs that generate stable, long-term royalties. With the rise of streaming services and the global proliferation of music consumption, these assets have proven to be both lucrative and resilient to economic downturns. Industry estimates suggest that global music publishing revenues alone topped $12 billion in 2023, with growth expected to continue into the next decade.
What makes this IPO particularly noteworthy is the presence of superstar artists like Taylor Swift and Drake in Concord’s orbit. While Swift’s master recordings for her early albums were famously sold and resold in a series of contentious deals, Concord holds rights to some of the publishing associated with her catalog, as well as extensive rights tied to Drake’s collaborations and sampling. Investors often see such megastar affiliations as a proxy for revenue reliability.
Beyond individual stars, Concord’s holdings include major musical theater compositions, jazz recordings, gospel archives, and classical music—sectors with long lifespans and regular licensing opportunities.
While the music-rights investment space has grown increasingly crowded in recent years—highlighted by players like Hipgnosis Songs Fund and Primary Wave—Concord’s decision to go public could revitalize investor interest amid concerns about market saturation and valuation pressures. Notably, Hipgnosis has faced challenges, including a dramatic drop in share price and management disputes. Concord, by contrast, has emphasized its “artist-first” approach and stable leadership as competitive advantages.
“Concord is not just a financial player,” said music industry analyst Lisa Morrison. “It positions itself as a creative partner to artists, which has helped it secure deals others couldn’t. That’s a key part of its investment thesis.”
Still, some analysts caution that the IPO will test whether Wall Street remains bullish on music as an asset class. With interest rates elevated and tech-driven growth slowing, investors may demand stronger financial performance and clearer monetization strategies than in previous years.
In its filing, Concord reported revenue of $750 million in 2024, with adjusted EBITDA of $210 million. Licensing, streaming, and performance royalties accounted for more than 80% of that income. The company said it expects continued double-digit growth driven by emerging markets, catalog expansions, and AI-driven content placement.
Moreover, Concord is betting heavily on global expansion. The company recently opened new offices in Latin America and Southeast Asia and announced partnerships with telecom firms to deliver localized streaming bundles.
The IPO will also allow early backers, including Wood Creek Capital Management and several private equity investors, to exit or reduce their positions. Proceeds from the offering are expected to be used for debt reduction, future acquisitions, and strategic growth initiatives.
As the IPO moves forward, all eyes will be on how well Concord prices its shares and how the market responds to another major bet on music’s enduring financial appeal. For fans of Taylor Swift and Drake, it’s a reminder that behind every hit is a web of rights, royalties, and investors betting on a song’s lasting power.
Whether Concord’s IPO hits the high notes or faces market turbulence remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: t
he business of music is louder than ever.