Ben Koller launches Metallica-backed Heavy Music Collective with royalty expert Dan Hegarty

Drummer Ben Koller (Converge, Mutoid Man, Killer Be Killed) has partnered with royalty specialist Dan Hegarty (Conflict One Zero) to launch the Heavy Music Collective, a division of publishing administrator Word Collections. The project is designed to help heavy music artists recover mechanical royalties, particularly those left unclaimed from streaming platforms.

Word Collections received significant funding in 2023 from Metallica’s investment arm Black Squirrel Partners, which now supports the new initiative. This connection has made Metallica not only a client but also a key backer of the infrastructure behind the collective.

The Heavy Music Collective’s roster already includes Metallica, Baroness, Converge, The Offspring, Greta Van Fleet, and Yngwie Malmsteen. Its focus is on simplifying the often confusing process of royalty collection across different countries, each with its own licensing systems.

A central aim of the collective is to recover royalties before they expire under U.S. law, where unclaimed earnings may be redirected to major publishers after three years. The service also operates on a no-recovery, no-fee basis, which reduces upfront costs for artists. In addition, it emphasizes eliminating unnecessary intermediaries to ensure musicians receive more of what they are owed.

With its blend of industry expertise and financial backing, the Heavy Music Collective positions itself as a practical tool for artists navigating the challenges of the modern streaming economy.