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Hipgnosis signs Mark Ronson
By Andy Malt | Published on Thursday 23 April 2020
The Hipgnosis Songs Fund has announced that it has acquired 70% of Mark Ronson’s music catalogue – a total of 315 songs.
Founder of the song investment fund, Merck Mercuriadis, says: “Mark has been amongst the most exciting creators in the world over the last 20 years co-writing and producing records for the most important artists of their time including Amy Winehouse, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga and Dua Lipa. I have been an admirer ever since [2007 single] ‘Stop Me’ and it’s an honour welcoming him … to the Hipgnosis family”.
‘Stop Me’, of course, was Ronson’s rework of The Smiths’ ‘Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before’. Mercuriadis was managing Morrissey at the time of its release.
Ronson adds: “I’ve known Merck for nearly fifteen years. The very first time we interacted was when I nervously and humbly asked permission to cover ‘Stop Me’ back in 2006, back when he managed Morrissey. I was just starting out and he was very kind and generous with me. He was an artist’s guy then and he’s an artist’s guy now”.
“I’ve always had enormous respect for his having such a credible, seminal management roster – artists I was truly influenced by from Nile Rodgers to Jane’s Addiction”, adds Ronson. “And that same respect has continued with what he’s done with Hipgnosis. He’s acquired the catalogues of some of my favourite creatives, and I’m excited to be joining those ranks”.
Hipgnosis aims to persuade investors to put their money into music rights rather than more traditional investment portfolios. The company reckons that it can provide reliable and significant returns, while bringing in a new source of investment for the music industry. Other catalogues it currently owns include those of Timbaland, The Chainsmokers, Benny Blanco, Kaiser Chiefs, Dave Stewart and Bernard Edwards.
