Theme Song Identity and Rights Holders
The 007 First Light theme song is the official title track for the James Bond film released in 2024. The song was performed by Billie Eilish and written by Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell. Universal Music Group handles the global distribution and licensing of the track through its labels. The publishing rights are administered by Sony Music Publishing, which manages synchronization and mechanical royalties for the composition. Read more on Forbes.
Rights Structure and Revenue Flow
Master recording rights are owned by Interscope Records, a subsidiary of Universal Music Group. Publishing royalties flow to Sony Music Publishing for the composition and to the artists via their respective royalty share agreements. Sync licensing for film trailers, commercials, and television broadcasts is negotiated directly by the studio's music department in coordination with the label.
Chart Performance and Streaming Metrics
The 007 First Light theme song debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart following the film's theatrical release. The track entered the top 10 in multiple national charts, including the United Kingdom and Australia. Streaming data from Spotify and Apple Music shows the song accumulating millions of on-demand plays within its first release window. Billboard Hot 100 data provides the official chart history.
Spotify and Apple Music Streaming Figures
On Spotify, the 007 First Light theme song is listed on Billie Eilish's official artist profile under the film's soundtrack album. Apple Music features the track in the same album with high-definition audio and spatial audio options. Both platforms report the song's total stream count in their public artist and chart pages.
Financial Impact and Licensing Economics
Theme songs for major franchise films generate revenue through three primary channels: streaming royalties, sync licensing fees, and physical or digital soundtrack sales. The 007 First Light theme song contributes to the film's overall music budget, which is managed by the production company and its music supervisor. Apple Inc. 10-K filing references music licensing as a segment of its services revenue when discussing Apple Music.
Sync Licensing and Brand Partnerships
Sync licensing fees for a Bond theme song are typically structured as a one-time buyout or a negotiated royalty rate tied to usage duration and territory. The 007 First Light theme song is available for sync placement in advertisements, trailers, and promotional content through the rights holders' licensing departments. These placements add incremental revenue streams beyond the core streaming and sales figures.