James Fauntleroy sells publishing catalogue share to HarbourView

HarbourView Equity Partners has acquired a stake in the publishing catalog of Mariah Carey and SZA songwriter James Fauntleroy.

Newark-based HarbourView came forward with news of the deal for Inglewood native James Fauntleroy’s music IP. The IP in question here refers to “select publishing assets,” although neither the catalog investor nor the selling party would disclose the exact rights.

However, Fauntleroy, 40, has written works that have been recorded by Bruno Mars (“That’s What I Like” and the more recent “Die With a Smile”), Kelly Clarkson (“Einstein”), Rihanna (“Te Amo”), Snoop Dogg (“California Roll”), Cardi B (“Please Me”), Drake (“Finesse”), Justin Timberlake (a number of tracks in The 20/20 experience and its successors) and Beyoncé (“Blow” and “No Angel”), to name just a few.

Likewise, HarbourView did not publicly disclose the financial terms of the transaction, but took the opportunity to point out that its total catalog for both compositions and recordings includes over 29,000 songs. In addition, CEO Sherrese Clarke Soares praised the career achievements of four-time Grammy winner Fauntleroy in a statement.

“James Fauntleroy has had an incredible impact with his contributions across multiple genres, including pop, hip-hop and R&B,” said the HarbourView director. “With his keen instinct for creating global hits, he has cemented his position as one of the best singer/songwriters and producers of this generation. We are delighted to welcome him to the HarbourView family.”

Meanwhile, Fauntleroy, the executive producer of “Kingship,” expressed his belief that the sale would open new doors for his career.

“My catalog sale to HarbourView is the culmination of years of work and dedication I’ve invested in the creative community and the craft of songwriting,” shared the 1500 Sound Academy co-founder. “This partnership has already opened more doors for growth and opportunity for me, and I’m incredibly excited and grateful to begin this next chapter together.”

In total, HarbourView has signed IP deals with works by Luis Fonsi, Brad Paisley, Lady A, Blackbear, Christine McVie and, most recently, Noel Zancanella since its debut in 2021. The company, which secured “nearly $500 million” in debt financing backed by KKR royalties in March, announced the pact with Zancanella last week.

Despite the other activity (attributable to Iconoclast and Primary Wave) that has been going on in the music IP sector recently, the headlines have not been all positive. In a move that is unlikely to inspire confidence among potential catalog sellers, Hipgnosis, which bought Barry Manilow’s work in 2020, is reportedly suing the singer-songwriter across the pond over a disagreement over bonus payments.