Sony Music Publishing has acquired Hipgnosis Songs Group, which follows its rebranding to Recognition Music Group three months ago. Hipgnosis’ copyright catalogue is immense, with over 4,000 copyrights such as songs from Justin Beiber, One Direction and Alex Warren. It’s very clearly a huge step forward for Sony Music Publishing for them to gain access to a large array of music copyrights.
Emails related to the acquisition obtained by multiple sources for Billboard, read that Sony Music Publishing has “entered into an agreement with Recognition Music Group (‘RMG’) to acquire its subsidiary Hipgnosis Songs Group (‘HSG’), effective immediately.”
The following is an excerpt from another email Billboard provided that was stated to be to Hipgnosis’ clients and composers, stating that “With a unique roster of contemporary songwriters and timeless classics, HSG aligns with SMP’s mission to elevate and support the work of the world’s most impactful songwriters and we are honored to represent you and your songs. Over the next few months, we will be transitioning the company to SMP’s services and systems. We are working closely with HSG to ensure that all clients will receive the high level of service that you have come to expect. No further action is required from you at this time.”
It is unknown how composers, songwriters, clients and Hipgnosis will operate now that they have been acquired by Sony Music Publishing, however it may be a promising move for both companies as they could push a unified effort under Sony with their respective businesses to become more successful. It has just as much potential for going south, however, so how this acquisition affects the music industry could potentially be big going forward.
