The music industry is witnessing a significant transformation as it expands its reach beyond traditional markets. Companies are now focusing on emerging regions where cultural influence is rapidly increasing. For Golnar Khosrowshahi, the founder and CEO of Reservoir Media, this shift is central to her long-term vision for the New York-based firm, which aims to thrive in this new global landscape.
Khosrowshahi is recognized as one of the most influential figures in the music business, consistently appearing on Billboard’s Power Player lists in both Canada and the U.S. Over nearly two decades, she has built Reservoir into a formidable independent entity in the competitive music publishing sector. Established in 2007, Reservoir has evolved into a global powerhouse, publicly listed and involved in various aspects of the music industry, including publishing, recorded music, management, and catalogue acquisitions. The company has invested over $1.1 billion in significant deals, such as the $100 million acquisition of Tommy Boy Records and the purchase of Chrysalis Records.
Reservoir’s roster includes renowned artists like Joni Mitchell, k.d. lang, and De La Soul, as well as the legendary Miles Davis catalogue. Recently, the company expanded its horizons by investing in the U.K.-based Lightroom, which is developing an immersive project centered around David Bowie. With a consistent presence in the top 10 of global market share, Reservoir continues to assert its dominance in the independent music sector.
Khosrowshahi’s global perspective is influenced by her own diverse background; having been born in Iran and spending formative years in Canada, she naturally thinks on an international scale. Reservoir has established offices in key cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, Toronto, London, and Abu Dhabi, and is actively pursuing opportunities in emerging music markets through initiatives like PopArabia in the Middle East and PopIndia in South Asia. Khosrowshahi’s ultimate aim is to foster music that resonates worldwide.
In a recent interview, Khosrowshahi emphasized the importance of creating music that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, stating, “Success for us will come in the form of a global hit that travels around the world.” She believes that collaboration among artists from different regions will become increasingly fluid, allowing for unique cross-cultural partnerships.
