MERLIN AND SINGA INK PARTNERSHIP TO BRING THOUSANDS OF ORIGINAL RECORDINGS TO KARAOKE
London / New York, 2nd December 2025
Merlin, the digital music licensing partner for the world’s leading independent labels and distributors, has partnered with Singa, the leading karaoke technology company, to make thousands of original master recordings available on the platform.This historic deal marks a major leap forward in the evolution of karaoke, transforming an analog pastime into a modern, high-quality, rights-first digital experience. Through this partnership, karaoke singers at home and in Singa-powered venues worldwide are able to perform along with the original masters of songs from Merlin’s global membership.
For Merlin members and their artists, the partnership unlocks new revenue streams. For karaoke fans, it means access to more songs, greater variety, and an unmatched singing experience powered by the original master recordings, and not reproductions or soundalike versions.
“Independent artists and labels have passionate fans among karaoke singers, many of whom haven’t had the chance to perform their favorite deep cuts,” said Atte Hujanen, Co-Founder and CEO of Singa. “Now, thanks to our proprietary technology and this partnership, they can sing along to high-quality, original recordings. Merlin is helping us bring a broader and more diverse catalog to karaoke, while ensuring that more revenue goes back to the artists and songwriters who deserve it.”
“This partnership is about unlocking new opportunities for independent music and maximizing a space that has an immense impact on music discovery,” said Jeremy Sirota, CEO, Merlin. “Merlin’s mission is to empower our members to own their digital future. By working with innovative partners like Singa, we’re creating new revenue streams for our members and ensuring their artists’ work is valued properly.”
The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to innovation, transparency, and fair value for creators. As karaoke continues to evolve into a global digital entertainment category, Singa and Merlin are paving the way for a future where artists, fans, and rights holders all benefit from the joy of singing.
About Merlin
Merlin is the digital music licensing partner for the world’s leading independent labels and distributors. We’ve negotiated premium deals with Apple, Canva, Deezer, Meta, Spotify, YouTube, and 40 other innovative platforms around the world. Our global membership is from 70+ countries around the world, representing 15% of the recorded music market. Merlin operates for the benefit of its members, without investors looking for an exit, and is funded entirely by our low 1.5% admin fee. Merlin helps the world’s leading independents to own their digital business through world-class deals and white-glove support.
About IMPALA
IMPALA was established in 2000 and now represents over 6000 independent music companies in Europe. 99% of Europe’s music companies are small, micro and medium businesses and self-releasing artists. Known as the independents, they are world leaders in terms of innovation and discovering new music and artists – they produce more than 80% of all new releases and account for 80% of the sector’s jobs. IMPALA’s mission is to grow the independent music sector sustainably, return more value to artists, promote diversity and entrepreneurship, improve political access, inspire change, and increase access to finance. IMPALA works on a range of key issues for its members and started a new co-funded work programme as an EU cultural network in 2025. IMPALA runs various award schemes and has a programme aimed at businesses who want to develop a strategic relationship with the European independent sector – Friends of IMPALA
