Business Details
43 Years
experience
Trusted Music IP Brokerage Services in New York
Countdown Entertainment has established itself as a premier broker of music and entertainment intellectual property since 1983. Our expertise spans facilitating transactions for music publishing catalogs, masters, streaming royalties, and entire entertainment companies. With decades of industry experience and a global network of contacts, we specialize in connecting buyers and sellers to secure optimal deals for valuable IP assets. Our team's deep understanding of the music industry's evolving landscape enables us to navigate complex transactions with precision and professionalism. We serve a diverse clientele including investors, attorneys, producers, and artists, leveraging our proven track record with iconic artists like Jimi Hendrix, The Ramones, and Curtis Mayfield. Our commitment to due diligence, transparency, and personalized service has earned us recognition as a trusted broker in the entertainment sector. We provide comprehensive guidance through every stage of the transaction process, from initial valuation to final deal execution. Our unique ability to identify niche buyers and match them with specialized properties sets us apart in the competitive IP marketplace. Headquartered in New York City, we maintain a worldwide reach that supports both domestic and international transactions. With a legacy built on integrity and results, Countdown Entertainment continues to shape the future of music IP brokerage through innovation and industry leadership.
Services
Music Publishing Catalog Brokerage
Music Masters Brokerage
Entertainment Company Sales
Streaming Royalties Brokerage
IP Acquisition Consulting
Served areas
- Worldwide
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in music industry transactions
- Our global network includes major labels and boutique investors
- We brokered sales for Hall of Fame artists across all genres
- We provide end-to-end transaction support with proven results
- Our team maintains deep relationships with international buyers
What people say
Honest, reliable, and loyal broker
Thrilled with their work
Smooth acquisition process
Diligent and respected broker
Persistence in spades
Services
Music Publishing Catalog Brokerage
We facilitate the sale of music publishing catalogs through our global network of buyers and sellers. Our expertise includes valuation, due diligence, and negotiation for both emerging and established catalogs. With decades of industry experience, we ensure optimal returns for our clients through strategic matchmaking and transaction execution.
Music Masters Brokerage
Our masters brokerage service connects rights holders with qualified buyers for original recording assets. We handle complex transactions involving legacy recordings and contemporary masters, leveraging our industry relationships to secure competitive offers while maintaining strict confidentiality throughout the process.
Entertainment Company Sales
We specialize in brokering entertainment company acquisitions and divestitures. Our services include business valuation, buyer identification, and deal structuring for music labels, production companies, and IP portfolios. Our track record includes successful sales of iconic entertainment entities to major industry players.
Streaming Royalties Brokerage
We facilitate transactions for streaming royalty rights and digital performance income streams. Our services cover catalog valuation, market analysis, and negotiation for both perpetual rights and term-based licenses. We help rights holders maximize value from their digital assets through targeted buyer outreach.
IP Acquisition Consulting
We assist investors and companies in acquiring music-related intellectual property assets. Our services include market analysis, due diligence, and negotiation support for catalog purchases. With access to exclusive opportunities and off-market deals, we help clients build valuable IP portfolios aligned with their investment strategies.
People
James Citkovic
Founder & IP Broker
Recognized as a top international music IP broker with over 40 years in the industry. Founded Countdown Entertainment in 1983, transitioning from music management to IP brokerage. Instrumental in major catalog sales for artists like Jimi Hendrix and The Ramones. Maintains global relationships with buyers and sellers.
Questions
What types of music IP do you broker?
We handle music publishing catalogs, master recordings, streaming royalties, entertainment company sales, and related intellectual property assets globally.
How do you help sellers maximize value?
We leverage our global buyer network, conduct thorough market analysis, and provide strategic guidance to secure optimal pricing and terms for IP assets.
What notable transactions have you completed?
We've brokered sales for Hall of Fame artists including Jimi Hendrix, The Ramones, Curtis Mayfield, and Kenny Rogers across multiple genres.
What services do you offer buyers?
We assist with catalog acquisition, market analysis, due diligence, and negotiation support to help investors build valuable music IP portfolios.
How do you handle international transactions?
With our global network and experience, we facilitate cross-border deals while managing legal and logistical requirements for international IP transfers.
Reviews (9)
Mark Chapman
Jan 20, 2021
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I became acquainted with James approximately 8 years ago. What started as a strong and valuable business relationship has developed into a strong and invaluable personal relationship, a friendship which I hold in the highest regard. His mentoring and advice has contributed greatly to my band's success. Because of James we recently signed a publishing and record label contract. I can never thank James enough for what he has done for DoubleWide Debris. He has my eternal gratitude. Thank you James! Mark Chapman and DoubleWide Debris
Gaye Carleton
Apr 09, 2020
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I have known this company for 30+-years -- several of my clients have worked with them during this time. They are honest, hard-working, create results and have a "never say die" attitude about what they do. I highly recommend this company.
Paul Lockwood
Jun 01, 2018
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As a singer/songwriter, I have worked with James and Countdown for 25 years. I have always felt like he and his team have my best interests in mind when it comes to anything regarding the music industry -- recording contracts, publishing deals, even personalized assistance and insight about venues, tours, etc. I trust him implicitly and owe a great deal of my success as a working artist to both his professional expertise and all-around good sense shared with clients. I highly recommend James and Countdown to both musicians just starting out and veterans like me who need a trusted professional in their corner every step of the way.
Gillian & Wolf, Blue Star
Thanks for all your help. It was nice to be able to get advice and not just leads and we appreciate very much all the time you spent helping us. We are pleased to say that one of your leads has lead to our collaboration with highly acclaimed world famous guitarist. Our first album has recently been completed, and is being toured in Europe and South America Spring & Summer. Also one of your contacts who previously turned us down because our music didn't fit their remit, has recently contacted us again and asked us if we had anything new as they were impressed with our presentation.
They have now listened to our new material and are offering a music publishing deal and to release one album in the USA. We would recommend to anybody the use of your services. Thanks again for all your help and advice.
They have now listened to our new material and are offering a music publishing deal and to release one album in the USA. We would recommend to anybody the use of your services. Thanks again for all your help and advice.
Kaine Grant
Although the premise of your services is quite sound, I had no idea that it would work so fast! In the three weeks I've received a legitimate music-licensing offer!
Alexander Schultz
Hi James, I just received an offer. Thank you so much for your business, time and advice. You are experienced and honest, which are two qualities that I respect and value a lot. I obviously don't know everything, but man - I know sooo much more now than before I started to work with you - so, thanks.
Shannon Eileen
Dear James and Lovie, I finally got a deal thru one of your leads. It's about time, huh? ;) Thanks again!
Bonnie Lindsay
James, I just signed the record deal you got for me. Everytime people ask me how I got hooked up with the label I tell them about you! When I first met my lawyer, he asked that and said he knew you and respected your taste in artists - so I think you helped me land my lawyer as well! So again, I wanted to thank you for everything you've done for me...you have no idea how much I appreciate it all. I mean, if it weren't for you I'd probably still be selling beer in a country bar! Thanks again James!
Ruben Angel
James, I am pleased to tell you that you just got me another deal. This is the 5th deal now with your services, and this one is from Paul Cooke (the songwriter and producer of "Sade").