Katy Perry has officially sold her music. rights to Litmus Music. The news come after months of rumors but has now been confirmed by The Carlyle Group earlier this week. According to multiple sources in the industry, experts have put the price of the deal at approximately $225 million USD.
With the acquisition of her music catalog, the Carlyle-backed group Litmus Music, the deal includes Perry’s stakes in master recordings, publishing rights for the five albums she released between 2008 and 2020 — One of the Boys, Teenage Dream, Prism, Witness and Smile. Universal Music Group does continue to own the masters to those albums.
Litmus Music first launched in summer of 2022 and made its first major acquisition in December 2022 for Keith Urban’s rights to his master recordings. Over the years, Katy Perry has slowed her career to focus on Las Vegas residencies, philanthropic work and her family. Managing Director at Carlyle Matt Settle said, “We believe this is a testament to the team’s ability to partner with the world’s top artists. Katy’s iconic songs have not only achieved outstanding commercial success but have significantly influenced popular culture.” CEO and co-founder of Litmus Music Hank Forsyth said, “Katy’s songs are an essential part of the global cultural fabric. We are so grateful to be working together again with such a trusted partner whose integrity shines in everything that she does.” Carlyle has invested over $3 billion USD in the sports, media and entertainment space since 2018 and are continuing to look for ways to expand its marketshare.
Litmus Music, a music rights business backed by our Global Credit platform, announced a creative partnership with @katyperry, covering all five of her studio albums, including 16 multi-platinum singles, highlighting Litmus’ artist-focused approach. More: https://t.co/XXMm79WGcn pic.twitter.com/Q92jYUXiy5
— The Carlyle Group (@OneCarlyle) September 18, 2023
In other music news, Offset recently announced his new album Set It Off.
