Aquarian Holdings partnered with Raven Capital to launch Raven Music Partners, a $250m venture focused on acquiring music copyrights across multiple genres, including country, rock, pop, and Christian music.

The joint venture will acquire approximately 15,000 song rights, including tracks like Morgan Wallen’s Whiskey Glasses, Meghan Trainor’s All About That Bass, and James Arthur’s Say You Won’t Let Go. Aquarian, best known for its private credit investments, is serving as the anchor investor for Raven Music Partners’ acquisitions.

Raven Music Partners, an affiliate of alternative investment manager Raven Capital, specializes in acquiring and managing music copyrights. It works closely with independent artists, songwriters, and labels to maximize revenue streams. Its Nashville-based affiliate, Endurance Music Group, will oversee catalog management and sourcing new deals within the music industry.

The move comes as streaming continues to dominate the music industry, accounting for 84% of recorded music revenue in the first half of 2024, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. With streaming revenue projected to grow at a 10% CAGR through 2030, investors are increasingly targeting music royalties for their stable, royalty-based income and potential asset appreciation.

“Aquarian recognized a compelling opportunity in a crowded music royalties sector, drawn to the predictable cash flow and its low correlation to broader economic trends,” said Rudy Sahay, founder and managing partner of Aquarian Holdings. He emphasized Raven Music Partners’ disciplined investment approach and strong industry relationships as key advantages.

Jeremy Tucker, founder and managing member of Raven Music Partners, noted that Aquarian’s investment strengthens the firm’s ability to serve as a trusted steward of music intellectual property, making it an attractive buyer for songwriters and artists looking to monetize their catalogs.

DLA Piper acted as legal advisor to Aquarian, while Winston & Strawn LLP advised Raven Capital on the transaction.