HIPGNOSIS' NEW
FORT KNOX

Hipgnosis Songs Fund can make another Merck, er, mark on its belt. The Merck Mercuriadis-led Fund and its investment advisor, The Family (Music) Ltd., have acquired catalog from producer Michael Knox, best known for having discovered and produced country superstar Jason Aldean. Knox is also SVP of peermusic pubco in Nashville, having previously served at Warner/Chappell back when it still had a slash.

The deal entitles Hipgnosis to Knox's producer royalties on eight of Aldean's recordings (four of which hit #1) during the artist's deal with Broken Bow Records. Knox's work has sold 35m+ singles and 18m albums, and earned 22 Country radio #1s.

"I am excited to be a part of the Hipgnosis movement," proclaimed Knox. "Merck has shown a lot of excitement and appreciation for my 20 years of hard work. It’s difficult letting go of something I love so much but finding someone as passionate about music as I am made this transition a lot easier."

Merck, meanwhile, is now seeking the nearest available plate of hot chicken.