MASS MEDIA HIPGNOSIS

Hipgnosis head Merck Mercuriadis is the subject of a lengthy 12/18 New York Times feature by Ben Sisario, which outlines his disruptive presence in the biz. The feature digs down into the current landscape, Merck's "song management vs. publishing" argument, the explosion in catalog valuation and other dynamics. Various creators who've done deals with Hipgnosis, including Dave Stewart, Debbie Harry, Nile Rodgers and No I.D., offer their perspectives. What once was regarded as a "river of nickels," Sisario reminds us, is now seeing the most vertiginous growth of any musical sector. Check it out here.