Merlin Celebrates 15 Years of Charting a Better Future for Independents
Brussels, 14th March 2023,
Merlin, the independents’ digital music licensing partner, is thrilled to announce 2023 as “15 Years of Merlin” to celebrate its 15th anniversary.
Since its founding, Merlin has grown to represent 15% of the global recorded music market share. Merlin members are independent record labels, distributors, label services companies, and other rightsholders. Merlin’s growing membership spans the rights of tens of thousands of labels from 68 countries around the world, representing the most diverse music in the world.
Merlin has played a pivotal role in helping independent music rights holders compete on a level playing field in the digital age. Merlin’s partners benefit by licensing via Merlin to gain access to the most dynamic, engaged and tech-forward membership, their incredible artists, and the largest and most diverse catalog of music in the world. Merlin’s premium deals with digital partners include Apple, Deezer, Meta (Facebook), SoundCloud, Spotify, TikTok, YouTube, and 40 other digital partners around the world. Merlin’s partnerships also include other innovative platforms such as Pinterest, Snap, Supernatural and Twitch, bringing the richness of independent music into social media, fitness apps and gaming.
“15 Years of Merlin” is about showcasing Merlin’s pride in driving long term value to its members around the world. The celebration will include various events, initiatives and activations throughout the year, including an upcoming special party for Merlin members and partners on June 14th during A2IM Indie Week.
Merlin’s CEO Jeremy Sirota expressed his enthusiasm in celebrating its members and the values of Merlin, stating, “We are incredibly proud of what Merlin has accomplished over the past 15 years. Our success would not have been possible without the support of our members, the diligence of the Merlin team, the strategic input from our Board, and the meaningful relationships with our digital partners. We look forward to continuing to serve the independent music community for many years to come.”
Read Merlin’s official statement to stay updated on “15 years of Merlin” and all latests news and developments here.
More about Merlin
Merlin is a member led, music focused organisation providing digital music licensing for independents across the globe. Members benefit from Merlin’s premium deals, but work directly with key digital partners. Merlin’s membership consists of independent labels, distributors, and other rights-holders, representing tens of thousands of labels and hundreds of thousands of artists from every country in the world. Merlin works collaboratively with digital partners, delivers value back to those digital partners, and seeks to drive other incremental benefits to its members.
Members of IMPALA and other associations of independent companies get a discount on Merlin’s admin fees. For more on the fundamental relationship between associations and Merlin, see here.
Merlin’s membership includes independents such as Altafonte, Amuse, Armada Music, AudioSalad, AVL Group (including CD Baby, DashGo and FUGA), Beggars Group, Cinq Music Group, Dim Mak, DistroKid, Domino, Epitaph Records, Foundation Media, Freeme Digital, IDOL, Kontor New Media, Mad Decent, MNRK Music Group, Monstercat, Mushroom Music, Ninja Tune, ONErpm, [PIAS], Pony Canyon, Redeye, Secret City, Secretly, Symphonic Distribution, Sub Pop, Vydia, and hundreds more.
Find out more about Merlin here.
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More about IMPALA
IMPALA was established in 2000 and now represents nearly 6000 independent music companies. 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, runs various award schemes and has a programme aimed at businesses who want to develop a strategic relationship with the independent sector – Friends of IMPALA.