HIPGNOSIS LANDS FRASER SMITH CATALOG

Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited and its investment advisor, The Family (Music) Limited, have announced the acquisition of a music catalog from British songwriter and producer, Fraser T. Smith, who has co-written and produced seven U.K. #1 and two U.S. #1 singles, and has contributed to 17 #1 albums. Hipgnosis has acquired 100% of Smith’s worldwide writer's share of performance income of his catalog of 298 songs.

Smith co-wrote and produced "Set Fire to the Rain" from Adele’s 2011 album 21, which is the best-selling album of the 21st century. The song won a Grammy for Pop Solo Performance, achieved 13 #1s and 35 Top 10s globally, and was certified 4x Platinum in the U.S. and 2x platinum in the U.K. Smith was also co-writer and co-executive producer on Stormzy’s U.K. #1 album Gang Signs & Prayer. The catalog also includes Smith's collaborations with Taio Cruz, James Morrison feat Nelly Furtado, Tinchy Stryder feat N-Dubz, Jesse & Joy, Kano, Sam Smith, Dave, Plan B, Cee Lo Green, Craig David and more.

Merck Mercuriadis, Founder of The Family (Music) Limited and Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited, said: “It’s an honour to welcome Fraser T. Smith and Sarah T. Smith to the Hipgnosis family. He writes and produces enormously successful songs that make popular music not only special but culturally important.”

Smith added: “Merck’s pedigree as a music industry executive, manager and visionary is almost unprecedented - and above all, he truly realises the value of the song in popular culture. I’m excited to be part of the Hipgnosis family, and know that this part of my songwriting catalogue is in very safe hands.”