Deftones have reportedly sold the majority of their music catalog to Warner Music Group in a significant deal. Sources spoke with Billboard about the transaction.
The report details the scope and structure of the catalog sale. It includes information about which band members participated in the transaction.
“Deftones have sold most of the band’s music rights to Warner Music Group (WMG), according to sources,” Billboard reported. “While terms of the deal and its timing are unknown, sources say that when the catalog was being shopped, the band was seeking a mid‑ to high‑double‑digit multiple.”
The sale encompassed multiple revenue streams from the band’s catalog. Not all members participated equally.
“Sources say the Deftones rights package sold included the band’s master‑recording royalties, its co‑publishing stake, and writer royalties,” the report continued. “WMG already owns the band’s master recordings, while the band’s co‑publisher is Warner Chappell. Sources further suggest that only four members sold their rights, with the exclusion of one member of the band, who retained his publishing stake and will still be receiving his share of the master‑recording royalties.”
The timing of the deal may have significant implications for its valuation. The band’s catalog has seen increased activity in recent years.
“Sources say the deal could have occurred as long as two years ago, as that’s when some suitors say they were first approached by Deftones’ representatives shopping the band’s music assets,” Billboard noted. “The sale date would impact the valuation because over the last three years the catalog’s sales and streaming activity have exploded.”
This catalog sale comes amid a broader surge in Deftones’ popularity and commercial success. The surge is driven by both their established fanbase and new digital platforms.
The band’s recent commercial resurgence has been particularly notable on streaming platforms and social media. The Mosh reported that Deftones have experienced a significant surge in popularity that has contributed to the increased value of their catalog. This renewed interest has been fueled in part by viral trends on TikTok. The band’s music has found new audiences among younger listeners on the platform.
The financial implications of the deal are substantial for the participating band members. Lambgoat noted that at a 25% royalty rate split equally among all five members, the four selling members would receive approximately $3.6 million annually. This comes to about $900,000 for each participating member. This calculation provides insight into the significant ongoing revenue streams generated by the band’s catalog.
The transaction reflects the band’s long-standing relationship with Warner Music Group. This relationship has evolved over decades of collaboration. Metal Injection confirmed that the sale includes master-recording royalties, co-publishing interests, and writer’s royalties. This represents a comprehensive transfer of the band’s most valuable intellectual property assets.
The deal represents another major catalog acquisition in the ongoing trend of artists selling their music rights to major labels and investment firms. Musicians seek to capitalize on the current high valuations in the music rights market.
