Pioneering deal features artist-driven profit share model
In a groundbreaking deal, Influence Media Partners has announced that the company has invested in Grammy nominated country music superstar Blake Shelton’s master recordings catalog, which comprises all of his commercial releases from 2001 to 2019. During that time, Shelton accumulated 27 No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, including top hits “Boys ‘Round Here,” “Honeybee,” “Nobody But You” (with Gwen Stefani), “God’s Country” and his breakthrough 2001 smash “Austin.” The two parties have also created a joint venture, partnering to amplify his works and entitling Shelton to participate in a share of the profit generated. Warner Music Group will continue to lead distribution for Shelton’s catalog, which has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide to date.
“I can’t believe it’s been 20 years since my first album and single,” Shelton shares. “Sometimes I still feel like the kid from Oklahoma I was back then! While a lot has changed during that time, my passion for music hasn’t. I’m excited to be working with Lylette, Rene and the team at Influence Media on so much of my catalog and to introduce my songs to the next generation of country fans.”
“Blake is one of the most exciting luminaries to emerge in both country music and television in the past two decades,” adds Influence Media Founder and Co-Managing Partner, Lylette Pizarro. “His music’s continued resonance with new and established audiences makes him the perfect business partner for Influence. We’re particularly proud of the fact that Blake will continue to be an active participant in his catalog moving forward, and to have a tailored joint venture in place that will ensure he remains an active profit participant. We’re excited to work closely with Blake, his management team at Starstruck and our partners at Warner Music Nashville to identify strategic opportunities for his modern country classics.”
Shelton’s discography through 2019 consists of 11 studio LP’s, including a Christmas album, two EP’s and three compilation albums.
This partnership follows Influence Media’s recently announced $750 million fund platform to invest in high-value compositions from diverse artists with backing from BlackRock Alternative Investors and Warner Music Group. To date, Influence Media’s fund has invested in over 20 catalogs from artists including platinum recording artist Future, Puerto Rican songwriter-producer Tainy, singer-songwriter Julia Michaels, songwriter Ali Tamposi, the hitmaking team The Stereotypes, singer-songwriter Jessie Reyez, and singer-songwriter Skyler Stonestreet.
