Catalog Launches Innovative Music Licensing Platform for Artists

A new platform named Catalog has launched, promising to transform the music licensing industry for artists. This innovative service, having proven its effectiveness in private beta testing with notable brands like Hermès and Dior, aims to bridge the gap between artistic integrity and the demanding timelines of visual media. Catalog introduces what it claims to be the first end-to-end curated sync marketplace, providing a strong alternative to the $1.3 billion “royalty-free” stock music sector that critics argue undermines the cultural value of music licensing.

With backing from esteemed independent labels such as !K7, Beggars Group, Domino, Ninja Tune, Warp, Mute Song, City Slang, and Partisan Records, Catalog aims to reclaim control and revenue for artists. The platform launches with an impressive catalogue of over 30,000 tracks from 1,800 artists across 60 leading imprints, showcasing a diverse array of talent, including Laurent Garnier, Belle and Sebastian, and Kurt Vile.

Founded by Frederic Schindler, who was recognized as AIM’s 2025 Music Supervisor of the Year, Catalog emerged from frustration with a traditional licensing model that has historically redirected billions of dollars to “ghost artist” libraries. These anonymous stock music suppliers often prioritize convenience over artistic authenticity. “The solution isn’t to abandon artistry for convenience; it’s to fix the friction,” Schindler stated. “We built Catalog to empower storytellers to use music they love, and to redirect that billion-dollar revenue stream back to the artists who are the lifeblood of our culture.”

Streamlined Licensing Process

Catalog combines expert human curation with advanced technology, enabling users to search and license tracks within hours rather than the months often required by traditional channels. Its proprietary Sync Smart Pricing™ tool utilizes thousands of data points, ranging from an artist’s history to cultural context, to provide transparent, market-rate estimates for each licensing opportunity. The entire licensing process is made more efficient, as final licenses are generated and authenticated on the blockchain, eliminating what was once a cumbersome legal procedure.

The platform has already demonstrated its effectiveness through notable collaborations. During Hermès’ Men’s Ready to Wear 2026 show, Catalog successfully replaced a last-minute track request in less than 24 hours, a process that typically takes weeks. Industry professionals, including Christof Ellinghaus, CEO of City Slang, praised the platform’s efficiency, stating, “This placement demonstrated Catalog’s ease of process and powerful usability. And trust us, we usually hate platforms!”

A Shift for Independent Musicians

For independent musicians, Catalog’s launch represents a potential shift in the sync licensing landscape, offering greater access and more equitable opportunities. Historically, artists outside major label systems have faced significant hurdles, including slow negotiations and opaque pricing models that often result in underpayment. By streamlining discovery, negotiation, and payment and partnering directly with independent labels that prioritize artistry, Catalog aims to level the playing field.

This new model not only facilitates connections between independent musicians and clients in film, television, advertising, and fashion but also allows for the licensing of culturally rich, authentic music. As the platform seeks to replace the race-to-the-bottom pricing of “royalty-free” libraries, it reinforces the idea that creativity, integrity, and fair compensation should prevail.

In essence, Catalog serves as a reminder that even in an increasingly tech-driven world, the value of great art remains significant. Artists deserve to benefit when their work influences culture, and Catalog strives to ensure that this happens. Interested parties can learn more about Catalog and apply for membership on their official website.