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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Independent music publisher Primary Wave acquired the rights to Britney Spears’ entire music catalog, taking over ownership shares of hits including “…Baby One More Time,” “Oops!… I Did It Again,” “(You Drive Me) Crazy,” and “I’m a Slave 4 U.”
The deal is notable because Spears remains an active artist, unlike most catalog sales, which typically involve deceased musicians or those no longer actively releasing music. Primary Wave has previously acquired stakes in the estates of The Notorious B.I.G. and Whitney Houston.
Bieber sold his back catalog in January 2023 for $200 million to Hipgnosis Songs Capital, but only his catalog up to that point, excluding later releases like “SWAG.” Spears’ deal covers her entire catalog, and reports suggest the sale amount was roughly comparable.
Yes. In 2023, Spears released “Mind Your Business” with will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas, and while she has said she doesn’t plan to perform in the U.S. again, she hasn’t ruled out recording new music.
Spears was released from her 13-year conservatorship in 2021, following years of global protests under the “Free Britney” movement that began in 2008, which called attention to the arrangement’s restrictions on her personal and financial autonomy.
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