Max Martin and Shellback Sell Catalog Including Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande Songs to HarbourView Equity Partners (EXCLUSIVE)

HarbourView Equity Partners has announced a strategic alliance with Wolf Cousins, the acclaimed songwriting collective co-founded by the iconic duo Shellback and Max Martin. For over three decades, these two producer-songwriters have left an indelible mark on the pop music landscape, shaping the sound of countless hits. Under this agreement, HarbourView has secured the publisher’s share of a curated selection of compositions from the collective’s catalog, which features numerous chart-topping tracks performed by global superstars including Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and the Weeknd. While sources close to the deal indicate the acquisition price falls in the low nine-figure range, representatives from HarbourView have declined to comment on the exact financial details. Industry analyst Mark Johnson of Music Market Watch noted, “This deal underscores the increasing demand for catalog investments in a streaming-dominated era, where timeless songbooks like Wolf Cousins’ are viewed as highly valuable assets.”

“At HarbourView, our focus is on investing in culturally significant intellectual property and the visionary talent behind it,” said Sherrese Clarke, Founder and CEO of HarbourView Equity Partners. “Max Martin and Shellback continue to shape contemporary music as hitmakers, and through Wolf Cousins, they have built a remarkable creative ecosystem that spans multiple generations and genres. We are thrilled to partner with them and help preserve the legacy of this exceptional catalog.” Shellback and Martin—whose full names are Karl Johan Schuster and Karl Martin Sandberg, respectively—jointly stated, “Wolf Cousins was founded to bring songwriters and producers together in an environment rooted in collaboration, mentorship, and artistic growth. HarbourView’s long-term vision and commitment to creators make them an ideal partner for this body of work.” Since its inception, the collective has been a powerhouse in the music industry, with contributors like Ilya Salmanzadeh, Oscar Holter, and Tove Lo enriching an extensive library of global hits that have defined pop and rock music over the past decade. Notably, Max Martin’s influence extends far beyond songwriting; he holds the record for the third-most number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100, trailing only Paul McCartney and John Lennon, a testament to his enduring impact on popular culture.

The partnership encompasses a targeted group of compositions performed by a diverse array of artists, including Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Imagine Dragons, Ellie Goulding, Tove Lo, DNCE, and Demi Lovato. Standout tracks include iconic songs such as Taylor Swift’s “Style” and “…Ready For It?,” Ariana Grande’s “Problem,” “Into You,” and “No Tears Left To Cry,” The Weeknd’s “Can’t Feel My Face,” Imagine Dragons’ “Believer,” Ellie Goulding’s “Love Me Like You Do,” Tove Lo’s “Habits (Stay High),” and DNCE’s “Cake By The Ocean.” Several of these songs also feature in & Juliet, the hit Broadway and West End musical built around Max Martin’s music, which has garnered acclaim for its innovative blend of classic pop with theatrical storytelling. Warner Chappell continues to oversee the administration of the catalog, ensuring the tracks remain accessible for licensing and performance. Founded in 2021, HarbourView has rapidly expanded its portfolio, reaching approximately $3.88 billion in regulatory assets under management and acquiring over 70 music catalogs. These include works by legendary figures such as Quincy Jones, Chaka Khan, Kelly Clarkson, T-Pain, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, James Fauntleroy, George Benson, Luis Fonsi, Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac, Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo, Nelly, Wiz Khalifa, and Kane Brown. Legal representation for HarbourView in this transaction was provided by Fox Rothschild, DLA Piper, and Advokatfirman Hammarskiöld & Co AB.