Zara Larsson buys back recording catalog, launches new Sommer House label – Music Business Worldwide

Multi-platinum Swedish pop star Zara Larsson has bought back her entire recording catalog.

According to a statement, the artist has struck what’s described as a “unique agreement” with TEN Music Group CEO Ola Håkansson, and has now “taken control of her entire recording catalog”. Larsson signed to the independent Swedish music company in 2011.

Larsson’s catalog has been streamed over 9 billion times.

The artist also announced today (June 8) that she will be launching her own record label, Sommer House.

The label will be licensed through Epic USA and distributed by Sony Sweden for all forthcoming Zara Larsson releases.

Larsson signed a deal with Epic in 2013 and signed a worldwide deal with Sony Music Publishing in March 2021.

In a statement issued today, Larsson thanked Håkansson and TEN “for giving me the opportunity to break out as an artist and helping me start my career”.

She added that the label is “also making something happen that is so, so rare for a woman in the music industry – the capability to own my own catalog”.

Larsson’s announcement comes two years after another superstar artist, Taylor Swift, revealed plans to re-record her masters for commercial exploitation after Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings acquired all of Big Machine (and its Taylor Swift masters) for a sum believed to amount to $330m in June 2019.

In December 2019 Swift confirmed that she was blocking sync uses of her classic hits because Scooter Braun owned the masters at the time.

In November 2020 Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings sold the master rights to Taylor Swift’s first six studio albums to Shamrock Capital, for around $300m.

“I really want to say thank you to Ola and everyone at TEN for giving me the opportunity to break out as an artist and helping me start my career. You are now also making something happen that is so, so rare for a woman in the music industry – the capability to own my own catalogue.”

Zara Larsson

Zara Larsson said: “I really want to say thank you to Ola and everyone at TEN for giving me the opportunity to break out as an artist and helping me start my career.

“You are now also making something happen that is so, so rare for a woman in the music industry – the capability to own my own catalog. With that it makes perfect sense that I would start my own record company.

“I very much look forward to my future and to a continued collaboration with Sony as well.”

“This is a natural and exciting development in Zara’s continuing music career.”

Ola Håkansson

TEN Music Group CEO Ola Håkansson said: “This is a natural and exciting development in Zara’s continuing music career. We have worked together for more than 10 fantastic, eventful years and Zara is, despite her young age, an established and respected international artist with extensive experience of the international music scene today.

“It is going to be really exciting to follow Zara’s ongoing music career. I wish her the best of luck, and I am convinced the she is going to achieve all her musical dreams and get to show her amazing artistry on the worlds biggest stages.”

“Zara is a cornerstone artist for Epic Records. As she continues to deliver incredible music, we’re privileged and excited to be part of the next chapter of her dynamic career.”

Slvia Rhone, Epic

Epic CEO Slvia Rhone said: “Zara is a cornerstone artist for Epic Records. As she continues to deliver incredible music, we’re privileged and excited to be part of the next chapter of her dynamic career.”Music Business Worldwide