Britney Spears is the latest contemporary artist to sell the rights of her entire music catalog, according to multiple sources cited in a report by Rolling Stone. The move is massive for an artist like Spears whose music has created the language of modern pop since the late ‘90s, setting the template for pop anthems throughout her almost three-decade career.
According to reports, Spears sold the rights to her entire music catalog to independent music publisher Primary Wave, who will now take over her ownership share of her biggest hits, including “… Baby One More Time,” “Oops! … I Did It Again,” “(You Drive Me) Crazy,” and “I’m a Slave 4 U,” among others. These songs in particular cemented her reputation as one of pop’s most influential figures.
Primary Wave has created its business around acquiring catalogs from major artists. The company previously purchased a 50 percent stake in the estate of late music greats like The Notorious B.I.G, Whitney Houston, Bob Marley, and Prince. What makes the Spears deal unique is the fact that the sale is pushing through while she is still an active artist. Whereas more recent singers like Justin Bieber had also sold their back catalog in January 2023 for 200 million dollars. What makes both contemporary artists differ is Spears’ entire catalog was sold while Bieber’s back catalog was sold prior to other recent releases like SWAG.
Details of how much of the deal is sold for were not disclosed. However, outlets say it was roughly the amount as Bieber’s back catalog sale to Hipgnosis Songs Capital.
Spears was released from her controversial 13-year conservatorship in 2021, following years of global protests under the “Free Britney” movement since 2008. While she has said she does not plan to perform in the United States again, she has not ruled out recording new music. In 2023, she released “Mind Your Business” with will.i.am of Black Eyed Peas.
