MERLIN AND UDIO PARTNER TO ADVANCE AI FOR INDEPENDENT MUSIC
London, 20th January 2026
Merlin, the digital music licensing partner for the world’s leading independent labels and distributors, today announced a new landmark partnership with Udio, an AI-powered music creation platform. This partnership establishes a framework for licensing Merlin’s independent members’ repertoire to train AI models while protecting the value of real artistry and ensuring fair compensation.
Through this collaboration, Udio will develop new AI models trained on licensed music from participating Merlin members, with protections built in to safeguard artists’ rights. Crucially, the deal includes protections designed to maintain the value of human artistry. In addition to training, Merlin and Udio are collaborating to unlock new first-of-a-kind forms of creative expression that were previously unimaginable.
This announcement reinforces Merlin’s position at the forefront of the evolving AI landscape, demonstrating how the music industry can work with AI companies on a licensed basis.
“As AI develops, it is critical to Merlin that we work with partners who respect artists, their work, and the requirement to license music,” said Charlie Lexton, CEO of Merlin. “For some time, Merlin and Udio have been engaged in conversations focused on a foundation of consent and fair remuneration. We are excited by Udio’s vision and how they clearly respect and value our members and their artists.”
“Independent artists are the driving force of this partnership,” said Andrew Sanchez, Co-Founder and CEO of Udio. “By teaming up with Merlin, we’re ensuring they maintain control over their work and are compensated for their creativity. Together, we’re building a platform that gives fans and creators unmatched tools, real power and a deeper connection to the music they love. We’re not just imagining the future of music creation — we’re making sure independent artists are helping us lead it.”
Charlie Lexton added, “Our partnership illustrates that Merlin is committed to participating in shaping the opportunities AI promises, rather than simply reacting to its development.”
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
