Sia Sold Half of Music Catalogue for $180 Million
The singer secured a major deal with Pophouse amid an ongoing divorce settlement process.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Divorce
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Sia has sold a 50 percent stake in her music catalogue to the investment company Pophouse for a total of $180 million. The deal arrives as the artist navigates divorce proceedings from Daniel Bernad, which were initiated in March 2025.
Why it matters
The sale is complicated by the couple's two-year marriage, necessitating a structured financial agreement to separate assets. A portion of the proceeds linked to songs created during the marriage remains under legal review.
Sia received $165 million for songs written before her marriage, while Daniel Bernad accepted a $1 million payment to waive rights to those specific funds. A remaining $15 million linked to music created during their two-year union is currently held in escrow.
The players
Sia
An internationally recognized singer and songwriter who originated from Australia.
Pophouse
An investment firm that acquires stakes in music catalogues and intellectual property.
Daniel Bernad
The former spouse of the artist who reached an agreement regarding catalogue sale proceeds.
The details
The agreement includes a payout to Daniel Bernad to resolve rights claims, allowing Sia to retain the majority of the pre-marital proceeds. The former couple is now tasked with determining the final distribution of the escrowed funds.
Timeline
March 2025: Sia filed for divorce from Daniel Bernad.
Culture Shift
This deal mirrors the ongoing industry shift where legacy artists move toward private equity partnerships to monetize their intellectual property. It underscores how personal transitions are increasingly entangled with complex, high-value corporate asset sales.
The division of these assets carries no direct impact on the daily routines or purchasing habits of the average consumer. The financial arrangement remains a private matter between the artist and her former spouse.
The takeaway
Divorce settlements involving high-value intellectual property often require escrow arrangements to ensure all assets are accounted for during the split. This case highlights how pre-marital work is frequently protected through specific contractual waivers in legal separations.
Further reading
Learn more about the legal complexities of high-profile asset division in our Divorce section.
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Would you support a musician selling their music catalogue to an investment firm?
