Data, Dollars, and Deals: Sherrese Clarke Breaks Down the Future of Music Rights at Trapital Summit

At the recent Trapital Summit, industry leaders, investors, and innovators gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of music rights, with Harbor View Equity Partners CEO Sherrese Clarke Soares offering key insights into the maturation of the space, the role of data analytics, and the importance of future-proofing music investments.

The Evolution of Music Rights Investment

Sharice Clarke opened the discussion with a reflection on how the music rights space has matured over the past decade. "The science experiment is over," Clarke stated. "The asset class has grown up, it's much more institutionalized." With over $2 billion in assets under management across two funds, Harbor View has transitioned beyond just music investments into the broader entertainment and media content landscape.

Clarke emphasized how data analytics have transformed decision-making in music rights. "The proliferation of streaming has given us the tools to make smarter decisions and to defend those choices to the investment community," she explained. Historically, music investments were seen as high-risk propositions, but the rise of streaming and data analytics has provided clearer visibility into revenue projections and audience behavior.

Balancing Legacy and Contemporary Catalogs

One of the standout aspects of Harbor View's strategy is its focus on balancing legacy catalogs with more recent works. The average age of the Harbor View catalog is approximately 12 years, encompassing tracks from artists like Lorde and hits like Blurred Lines. Clarke explained, "We’re focused on building a portfolio that stands the test of time, avoiding both obsolescence risk and one-hit-wonder pitfalls."

While legacy catalogs, like those of Fleetwood Mac or Pat Benatar, hold sentimental value, Clarke acknowledged the importance of staying relevant to younger audiences. "In 20 years, my kids will probably be listening to Usher or 24K Magic—but maybe not Fleetwood Mac."

Independent Artists and the Power of Fandom

Clarke highlighted the growing power of independent artists in the music rights space, noting how direct fan engagement and digital platforms have shifted the balance of influence. "Today, the audience tells you where to go," she said. "We just follow that." This audience-driven approach has led Harbor View to invest in overlooked segments, such as regional Latin music, long before they hit mainstream recognition.

She also touched on the misconception of equating fame with financial returns. "Fame doesn’t always correlate with revenue," Clarke said. "Some of the most successful investments aren’t tied to household names but to artists with deeply engaged niche audiences."

Expanding into Entertainment and Media

The conversation also covered Harbor View's expansion into the broader entertainment and media sectors. Clarke explained how insights from music investments inform their approach to other verticals, such as television and film. "Music is data-rich, and it tells us so much about audience behavior," she said. "We use those insights to identify content opportunities in other spaces."

Harbor View's recent investments include projects like Hell's Kitchen: The Musical, which features songs from Alicia Keys' catalog, and a slate of music biopics, including one centered on Queen Latifah.

Strategic Investments and Long-Term Vision

When discussing acquisition strategy, Clarke emphasized a cautious yet ambitious approach. "We don’t just want to be a check," she explained. "We want to add value and create long-term impact." Harbor View evaluates investments not just on immediate returns but on their potential to remain relevant and valuable over decades.

This approach extends beyond music rights into potential investments in sports teams, media platforms, and other adjacent industries. "We’re not celebrity investors," Clarke noted. "Every dollar we invest has to make sense for our stakeholders."

The Road Ahead

As the panel concluded, Clarke shared her vision for Harbor View's future. The goal, she said, is to build a holistic capital solution for the entertainment ecosystem—encompassing assets, financing, and strategic partnerships.

"We want to be massively impactful," Clarke said. "Not just a drop in the water, but a driving force in shaping the future of entertainment investments."

The Trapital Summit provided a compelling look into how data, strategy, and vision are redefining the music rights landscape. With leaders like Sharice Clarke at the helm, the future of music investment looks more calculated—and promising—than ever before.