Meet the CEO of Royalty Solutions

At Royalty Solutions, leadership goes beyond business—it’s about passion, family legacy, and a deep understanding of the music industry’s inner workings. In this exclusive Q&A, our CEO, Mark Spier, shares how growing up in a third-generation music publishing family shaped his career path and inspired him to help artists, songwriters, and labels collect what they’ve rightfully earned. With a background in both computer science and accounting, Mark has built a company that combines cutting-edge technology with personalized service to meet the unique needs of each client.

Away from the numbers, you’ll find Mark swinging on the golf course, enjoying pickleball matches, or cheering on the Giants and Mets. Join us as we dive into his journey and vision for the future of Royalty Solutions!

Q&A With Our CEO, Mark Spier

Can you share a bit about your professional background and what led you to become the CEO of Royalty Solutions?

I come from a family deeply rooted in the music industry—I’m a third-generation music publisher. I started in the business by taking over the company from my father, which gave me firsthand insight into the complexities of the music business, especially around royalty payments and licensing. Seeing the struggles that artists, songwriters, and labels faced with tracking and collecting their earnings inspired me to build a company focused on making royalty accounting more transparent and efficient. That’s how Royalty Solutions came to be, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to continue the legacy of supporting creators in the music industry.

What inspired you to focus on music royalty accounting and licensing services, and what excites you most about this industry?

My background in computer science and accounting provided the perfect foundation for tackling the complexities of music royalties. I’ve always been passionate about the intersection of technology, data, and finance, and the music industry presents a unique opportunity to combine all three. Music royalty accounting is a field where precision truly matters, and my training allows me to build systems that ensure artists and labels are paid accurately and fairly. What excites me most is how technology is revolutionizing the industry—we’re not only solving existing problems but also shaping the future of how the music business operates. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of that transformation.

How do you balance the needs of different clients, such as record labels, independent artists, and publishers, in your service offerings?

At Royalty Solutions, we pride ourselves on tailoring our services to meet each client’s unique needs. Whether it’s a large record label or an independent artist, we make sure to understand their specific goals and financial concerns. Our approach is built on flexibility—offering a range of services, from straightforward royalty calculations to more complex licensing and publishing agreements, so clients can choose what best supports their career or business. The key to balancing their needs is listening carefully and providing transparent communication at every step.

What interests or pastimes keep you inspired beyond work?

Outside of work, I stay active by playing golf and pickleball—both are great ways to unwind and challenge myself physically. I’m also a big sports fan, especially of the Mets and the Giants. I’ve been going to Giants football games for over 50 years, so cheering them on is a long-standing tradition. Of course, spending time with my family is a big priority, and it’s always a great way to balance the demands of running a business with the important moments in life.

How do you ensure transparency and accuracy in royalty calculations?

Transparency and accuracy are core values at Royalty Solutions. We use state-of-the-art technology to track every detail of royalty data, ensuring that every calculation is precise and every payment is accounted for. We regularly audit our processes and work closely with clients to address any questions or concerns. By combining technology with a proactive, client-first approach, we make sure that royalty calculations are always accurate and transparent.

What roles do technology and data play in your company’s approach to managing royalties and licensing?

Technology and data are at the heart of how we manage royalties and licensing at Royalty Solutions. I’m always looking for ways to improve accuracy and efficiency—if an existing solution doesn’t meet our needs, I draw on my computer science background to create one. For instance, we developed our own in-house mechanical licensing system, TuneLicensing, and built a custom royalty statement portal that gives clients easy access to their financial data. Leveraging these tools ensures that our processes are seamless, transparent, and reliable, directly benefiting our clients.

What strategies do you use to stay ahead of trends and changes in the music industry and royalty management?

Staying ahead of industry trends requires constant learning, adapting quickly, and embracing innovation. At Royalty Solutions, we closely monitor changes in music consumption, such as the rise of new streaming platforms and shifts in licensing regulations. We also keep up with technological advancements like AI, blockchain, and data analytics to optimize royalty management. I regularly attend industry conferences, network with key players, and collaborate with other professionals to stay informed about the latest developments. By staying proactive, we ensure that Royalty Solutions can adapt quickly and continue to offer cutting-edge solutions for our clients.

What are some key trends or changes in the industry that you think will impact the company in the near future?

The music industry is constantly evolving, and several key trends will significantly impact our work at Royalty Solutions. One of the biggest changes is the continued growth of streaming, which has transformed how royalties are generated and distributed. As streaming platforms expand and new markets open up, tracking and managing these royalties will become even more complex. Another trend is the increasing role of technology and data analytics in royalty management—automation, AI, and blockchain are becoming more integrated into our systems, driving efficiency and transparency. There’s also a growing push for greater transparency in royalty distribution from artists and songwriters, which aligns perfectly with our mission. By staying ahead of these trends, we can ensure that Royalty Solutions continues to meet the evolving needs of our clients.

Looking ahead, what are your goals for Royalty Solutions, and what are you most excited about for the future of the company?

My goals for Royalty Solutions are to continue expanding our technological capabilities and grow our client base across the global music industry. I’m excited about leveraging emerging technologies like AI to create even more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly royalty management systems. We want to remain at the forefront of the industry, not just by offering excellent service but by shaping how royalties are handled in an increasingly complex digital landscape. I’m also passionate about growing our team of experts and building strong, lasting relationships with artists, labels, and publishers. The future of Royalty Solutions is bright, and I’m excited to help more creators get paid fairly for their work while continuing to innovate in this ever-evolving industry.

As Royalty Solutions looks to the future, we’re excited to continue shaping the landscape of royalty management—one transparent payment at a time. Stay with us as we push the boundaries of innovation in the music industry!