Firebird acquires majority stake in Goodlife Management
Firebird, a US-based music investment and artist partnership platform backed by Raine Group and other investors, has acquired a majority stake in UK-based artist management company Goodlife Management, expanding its presence in the electronic music sector.
Goodlife Management represents artists including Fred again.., The Blessed Madonna and Ki/Ki.
The agreement brings founders Oliver Sasse, Lucy Sasse, Ellie Shaw and David Watters, along with their team and roster, into Firebird’s growing network of management businesses.
Firebird operates as a capital-backed platform focused on investing in artist careers and music companies across management, recorded music and live.
Its portfolio already includes companies such as Mick Management, Red Light Management, JET Management, Hills Artists and Special Projects.
The company said the partnership with Goodlife “significantly bolsters” its position within electronic music.
As part of the transaction, Oliver Sasse will take on a senior adviser role at Firebird. In this capacity, he will focus on identifying acquisition opportunities across the dance and electronic music space, including catalogues, labels, management businesses and live-related ventures.
Firebird CEO Nathan Hubbard said the company plans to invest “upwards of half a billion dollars” in artist partnerships over the next 24 months, having already deployed more than $300 million to date.
“Oliver Sasse and the Goodlife team have been at the forefront of the global popularity for electronic music for the last decade, fostering unique artists and delivering innovative approaches to building longer lasting, more impactful global careers,” Hubbard said.
Oliver Sasse highlighted a long-standing personal connection with Firebird’s leadership as a foundation for the deal.
“Nat Zilkha and Nathan Hubbard and the Firebird team are exceptional leaders in moving the metrics that matter most for artists, and are innovating new business models that represent what’s next for our industry globally,” said Sasse.
The transaction relates to Goodlife Management only. Alex Gibson, who co-manages Fred again.. alongside Sasse, is not part of the deal, although the existing co-management arrangement will continue.