Investing in music royalties offers a unique avenue to generate passive income while building generational wealth. On Royalty Exchange, you can buy into some of the most iconic music catalogs, benefiting from consistent earnings and long-term growth. Here’s a deep dive into six standout opportunities available right now earning massive amounts of annual passive income.
1. Luke Combs’ “She Got the Best of Me” – Songwriter Royalties
- Last 12 Months Earnings: $77,759
- 3-Year Average Earnings: $69,204
- Historical Earnings: $687,441 since 2016
- Term: Lifetime Rights
Luke Combs is a dominant force in country music, and his heartfelt hit She Got the Best of Me continues to top radio and streaming charts. With earnings this past year increasing by over 12% compared to the 3-year average, this asset offers significant potential for stable returns and even recent growth.
Why Invest:
- Proven growth in royalties
- Strong performance on country radio and streaming platforms
- Lifetime rights ensure generational earning potential
Risk: U.S.-only earnings limit global income potential, but domestic demand remains strong.
2. Dire Straits – Rock Sound Recording Royalties
- Last 12 Months Earnings: $15,178
- Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR): 20.18% over the last five years
- Catalog Age: 40+ years
This catalog spans hits like Money for Nothing and Sultans of Swing, solidifying Dire Straits’ legacy as rock royalty. Streaming accounts for 68% of earnings, reflecting consistent fan engagement across generations. The past year earnings have also increased by 8.7% compared to the 3-year average, demonstrating continued growth in the digital age of music consumption. The generational appeal of this catalog ensures generational wealth building and stable earnings for decades to come.
Why Invest:
- High CAGR showcases increasing returns
- Iconic tracks with enduring cultural relevance
- Diversified revenue streams, including streaming and physical sales
Risk: Smaller annual returns compared to modern pop catalogs but offset by long-term stability.
3. Lana Del Rey’s Honeymoon – Producer Royalties
- Last 12 Months Earnings: $23,167
- 3-Year Average Earnings: $14,897
- Historical Earnings: $136,185 since 2016
Lana Del Rey’s Honeymoon captures her ethereal indie sound, resonating with millions of fans worldwide. With earnings this past year showing a 56% increase over the 3-year average, this catalog represents a massive growth opportunity. Streaming revenue has increased drastically the past 2 years thanks to Lana's music finding a whole new audience with a younger demographic thanks to her huge appeal on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Why Invest:
- Increasing royalty payments indicate rising popularity
- Multiple income streams from streaming and sync placements
- Currency-converted earnings (GBP to USD) offer international diversification
Risk: Earnings depend on exchange rates, adding minor financial complexity.
4. SZA & Rihanna – Songwriter Royalties
- Last 12 Months Earnings: $68,735
- 3-Year Average Earnings: $50,412
- Historical Earnings: $330,572 since 2016
- Term: Lifetime Rights
Featuring tracks like Consideration (Rihanna featuring SZA), as well as classics from SZA's debut studio album Ctrl, this catalog blends the star power of two iconic artists. The catalog’s revenue grew by over 36% compared to the 3-year average, underscoring its upward trajectory. The earnings in this catalog have increased year over year since 2020 demonstrating continued upside.
Why Invest:
- Collaboration of two Grammy-winning artists
- Consistent streaming growth, driven by popular platforms
- Lifetime rights ensure perpetual income
Risk: Heavy reliance on streaming, though these artists maintain high fan loyalty and are continuing to find new audiences.
5. The Commodores’ “Brick House” – Publishing Royalties
- Last 12 Months Earnings: $18,630
- Historical Earnings: $138,564 since 2013
- Copyright Expiration: 2072 for top tracks
The Commodores' classic Brick House and other funk staples have remained a staple of R&B playlists and sync opportunities. With copyrights extending until 2072, this catalog ensures decades of earnings potential. The last 12 months of earnings are 24% greater than the 3-year average demonstrating astonishing growth despite the age of this catalog. Usually old catalogs display stability and consistency in earnings, lowering risk. With this one, not only do you get low risk, but continued upside in passive income generation.
Why Invest:
- Long copyright terms secure generational income
- Sync placement in films (e.g., A Christmas Story Christmas) boosts revenue
- Evergreen appeal with consistent earnings
Risk: Sync income can fluctuate, but streaming provides steady returns.
6. New Kids on the Block & Akon – Songwriter Royalties
- Last 12 Months Earnings: $16,528
- 3-Year Average Earnings: $9,885
- Historical Earnings: $73,434 since 2015
Tracks like Summertime and Be With You feature prominently in this catalog, blending pop nostalgia with modern R&B. With a 67% increase in earnings over the 3-year average, this catalog is positioned for growth.
Why Invest:
- Diverse artist contributions appeal to multiple audiences
- Earnings growth highlights catalog resilience
- Lifetime rights allows any investor to continue to collect income for generations
Risk: Slightly lower overall returns compared to the rest in this article, balanced by predictable income.
How to Get Started With Music Royalties Investing
Investing in royalties is simple on Royalty Exchange:
- Create an Account: Gain access to exclusive auctions featuring top music catalogs.
- Browse Listings: Filter by earnings, artist, and term to find the best fit for your goals.
- Place Your Bid: Participate in fair and transparent auctions, knowing every offer counts.
Whether you’re a seasoned investor or exploring new ways to create passive income, music royalties are a powerful tool for building wealth across generations.
On Royalty Exchange you can sign up as an investor and search through thousands of music catalog listings that include producer and songwriter royalties to some of the biggest songs of the past few decades. Discover why song royalties are one of the best investments to grow your wealth in 2024 and download the free Ultimate Guide To Music Royalties to learn everything you need to know about investing in royalties.
