Can I sell an independent catalog in any genre?
SPACE considers revenue-generating catalogs from independent artists, producers, labels and owners across genres. Hip-hop, R&B, pop, rock, jazz and other genres can be reviewed alongside ambient, lo-fi and electronic music. The relevant questions are what interest you control, what income it generates and what can be transferred, not whether the genre appears in a directory.
Start an individual catalog review when you are ready to describe that scope. No genre, track count or application guarantees an offer. Check the published offer policy for the free initial review and conditional process.
Prepare the catalog you want reviewed
- List the included recordings with artist, title, ISRC and release date. Mark future work and other exclusions separately.
- Reconcile statements by source and currency. Identify your own receipts after relevant deductions and third-party obligations.
- Gather agreements and splits. Flag outstanding advances, exclusive licenses, disputed ownership, samples and consent requirements.
- State whether you are considering selected recordings, a share or all of your defined interest. You do not need to guess a purchase price first.
The seller document checklist explains the records. The partial versus full sale comparison explains why a percentage alone does not define control.
If you operate a label
Separate the label's contractual interest from the artists' interests and the company itself. A catalog transaction does not automatically include the label brand, company shares, roster or future recordings. Those would require explicit agreement. Check assignment restrictions and who remains responsible for paying and reporting to artists.
For example, a label planning its next release can compare the cash it needs with the income it would retain after selling selected back-catalog interests. This is not a promise that SPACE will finance the next release. Use the independent label funding guide to compare a catalog sale with advances, loans or retaining the catalog.
Sources and review scope
Reviewed September 16, 2026. The U.S. Copyright Office distinguishes sound recordings from musical compositions. WIPO explains why separately identifiable rights, evidence and income matter to valuation. The SPACE offer policy above establishes our service scope. These resources do not replace advice about your contracts or jurisdiction.
FAQ
How long does the catalog sale process take?
SPACE's published initial-offer timeframe is typically 5-7 business days after relevant catalog information is received, subject to review. It is not a guaranteed deadline or a payment promise. Closing depends on the agreement, documentation and satisfied transfer conditions.
What documents do I need to sell my catalog?
Prepare a track list, royalty statements, a schedule of the interests you control, collaborator splits and relevant distribution, artist, producer and licensing agreements. Flag missing records, outstanding advances and consent requirements. A distributor account or PRO registration alone does not prove every right is transferable.
What if I am not ready to sell but want to understand my options?
The initial catalog-review application is free and does not oblige you to sell. The calculator is an assumptions-based scenario, not an appraisal or purchase offer. A potential buyer's review is not an independent valuation for tax, estate or litigation purposes.