[PghBaldy]

What is going on now that so many bands are selling their catalogues? Changes in taxes or royalties or copyright law?

[DoodleBob]

I think it's a combo of estate planning and that the money is there for the taking. It's chiefly older acts that are cashing out - AIC is a relative baby in this lot, coming from the 90s. Plus Spotify has killed record sales and the pandemic killed touring.

Personally if I was a creditor of the firms buying these rights, I would be concerned. I don't see how they'll recoup. Consider Elvis - his star is fading and in 20 years he'll be forgotten. Will anyone care about Springsteen in 20 years/after he's dead? It's not like he influenced anyone younger than 45.

[pepsi_junkie]

They are making no money on the songs. People are not buying physical copies of CDs / LPs in large numbers, they are streaming. And the revenue the artists get from streaming is a pittance. Basically for most artists a large up-front lump sum is far favorable to a trickle for the rest of your life if you want to live a decent lifestyle and still leave something to your heirs.