Dr. Richard James Burgess and his son Ace Burgess have officially launched two music-focused companies that use analytics to assess catalog value and recover unpaid royalties for independent artists and acquisition funds.
The new ventures, AudioNumber and Interline Media Group, combine data intelligence with publishing administration services, allowing catalog investors, rightsholders and music companies to “scale, optimize, and unlock new value,” according to a press release on Wednesday (January 21).
Dr. Richard James Burgess will serve as Chairman of both companies. He spent a decade running the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) as President and CEO before stepping down in 2024. He currently chairs UK collection society PPL. In 2022, he was awarded an MBE for his services to the music industry.
His son, Ace Burgess will serve as President and CEO of AudioNumber and Interline Media Group. He previously managed engineering teams at Tunecore as VP of Engineering.
AudioNumber offers valuation technology to catalog acquisition funds and music companies looking to identify underpriced assets.
“Technology should remove friction, not relationships — it should free us to focus more time on the human side of the business.”
Ace Burgess, AudioNumber and Interline Media Group
The platform targets companies and rightsholders rather than individual artists, focusing on clients who can use analytics to inform investment and optimization decisions.
Interline Media Group handles publishing administration, using AudioNumber’s technology to collect royalties for artists and songwriters.
The companies launched in February 2025. Interline began signing artists in May and has since secured multiple publishing administration agreements. The company reported month-over-month revenue growth exceeding 100%, although it did not disclose the actual figures.
Interline has also formed partnerships with catalog acquisition funds and publishing companies, and recovered “tens of thousands” of dollars in uncollected royalties for clients, according to the press release.
The companies are backed by strategic investors and advised by Allen Bargfrede of Avance Advisors.
“By pairing high-impact intelligence with hands-on administration, we’re generating new value for artists while providing essential insight to investors and rights-holders who need actionable, decision-ready analysis.”
Dr. Richard James Burgess, AudioNumber and Interline Media Group
Commenting on the launch, Ace Burgess said: “We built AudioNumber for the people and companies who can truly use deep data to move the needle.”
“It isn’t just about automation and systems; it’s about understanding each songwriter’s unique situation and aligning our interests. Technology should remove friction, not relationships — it should free us to focus more time on the human side of the business.”
Richard James Burgess added: “Our proprietary technology identifies opportunities that traditional methods miss.”
“By pairing high-impact intelligence with hands-on administration, we’re generating new value for artists while providing essential insight to investors and rights-holders who need actionable, decision-ready analysis.”
The companies say they have a pipeline of additional publishing administration deals in development.
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