Why discipline beats hype in music rights investing

What separates enduring music rights companies from the rest?

In this episode of Music Moneyball, we’re joined by Golnar Khosrowshahi, Founder and CEO of Reservoir, to explore how a disciplined, data-led approach has shaped one of the most respected independent music companies in the world.

Golnar reflects on the deals that shaped Reservoir’s evolution, from TVT to Tommy Boy, and how they reinforced a long-term, music-first investment philosophy. We discuss how Reservoir evaluates music at the song level, prices risk realistically, and creates value through operational execution. The conversation also looks at Reservoir’s growing presence in emerging markets, where local partnerships position the business for the next wave of global music growth.

Brought to you by Standard Innovation.

04:09 – why discipline beats complexity in music investing
08:22 – building without an exit: a public company with a long-term mindset
10:40 – the deals that shaped Reservoir: TVT, Tommy Boy, and more
13:08 – real risk, real capital: questioning every deal
15:17 – data reality check: underwriting with 500+ revenue sources
16:18 – decay curves explained: modeling music cashflows over time
18:00 – song-level forecasting: where most valuation models go wrong
31:01 – emerging markets: why “doing business by proxy” fails

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► About Standard Innovation
Standard Innovation is the data consultancy that helps music investment funds unlock higher valuations and exit multiples through better infrastructure.

► Episode Links
Reservoir Music: https://www.reservoir-media.com
Standard Innovation: https://standard-innovation.com

► Credits
Golnar Khosrowshahi — CEO and Founder, Reservoir
Theme: “Meet Me” — Outlines (Written by Sam Cox) — Courtesy of Bespoke Records