Merlin Network
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2019}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Merlin Network
| logo = Merlin Network logo.svg
| logo_caption =
| caption =
| image =
| image_size =
| image_caption =
| type = Non-profit
| traded_as = Merlin Network
| founders =
| foundation = 2007
| location = London{{r|bbc}}
| area_served = Worldwide
| key_people = {{ubl|{{nowrap|Darius Van Arman, Chairperson{{citation needed|date=February 2020}}}}|Jeremy Sirota, Chief Executive}}
| industry = Music distribution
| products =
| services = Digital music licensing
| homepage = {{URL|merlinnetwork.org}}
| footnotes =
| members = {{collapsible list|framestyle=border:none; padding:0;
|title=Principal member labels
|2= Armada Music
|3= Because Music/London Music Stream
|4= Beggars Group
|6= Cinq Music Group
|7= Curb Records
|10= Epitaph Records
|11= Fluxus
|12= Hopeless Records
|13= !K7
|14= Mad Decent
|15= Merge Records
|16= Mom+Pop
|17= Mushroom Group
|18= Naxos Records
|19= Ninja Tune
|20= PIAS Group
|21= Polyvinyl Record Co.
|22= Pony Canyon
|23= Red Bull Records
|24= Redeye Distribution
|25= Secretly Group
|26= Secret City Records
|27= Stones Throw Records
|28= Sub Pop
|30= WARP Records
}}
}}
Merlin is a digital rights music licensing partner for independent record labels, distributors, and other music rights holders around the world. It was founded in 2007 with Charles Caldas as the chief executive. In January 2020, Jeremy Sirota stepped into the role of Merlin CEO.{{Cite magazine|title=Merlin Appoints Facebook's Jeremy Sirota as CEO|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8547564/merlin-jeremy-sirota-ceo/|access-date=2021-02-10|magazine=Billboard|language=en}} The company is a member-based organization representing the digital licensing rights for hundreds of independent labels and distributors in nearly every country around the globe. As of 2019, Merlin has paid out over two billion dollars.{{Cite magazine|title=No. 81: Charles Caldas {{!}} Power 100|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8497038/no-81-charles-caldas-power-100|access-date=2021-02-10|magazine=Billboard|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Sanchez|first=Daniel|date=2019-06-19|title=Merlin Pays Out $845 Million to Labels and Distributor Members in 2018, Reaching Over $2 Billion in Payouts|url=https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2019/06/19/merlin-network-2018-financials/|access-date=2021-02-10|website=Digital Music News|language=en-US}}
History
Merlin was launched in early 2007 at the Marché International du Disque et de l'Edition Musicale in Cannes. The company was founded by Alison Wenham (WIN), Michel Lambot (PIAS), Tom Silverman (Tommy Boy) and Martin Mills (Beggars Group);{{Cite web|date=2013-07-16|title=Merlin Turns 5|url=https://merlinnetwork.org/merlin-turns-5/|access-date=2021-02-10|website=Merlin|language=en-US}} Charles Caldas was the first chief executive.{{Cite web|last=correspondent|first=Katie Allen, media business|date=2007-01-22|title=Indie music labels join together to grab a slice of online revenues|url=http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2007/jan/22/news.newmedia|access-date=2021-02-10|website=the Guardian|language=en}} The organization's first commercial deal was a 2008 license with Spotify as one of the then-regional streaming service's original licensing partners.
The company has negotiated settlements for copyright infringement with distributors such as Grooveshark, Limewire and XM Satellite Radio. Its content has been distributed through TikTok, Facebook/Instagram, Deezer, Pandora Music, SoundCloud, Spotify, Vevo, YouTube Premium and other services.{{Cite magazine|title=Merlin Announces 20 Percent Price Cut For Members|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/6867332/merlin-20-percent-price-cut-members|access-date=2021-02-10|magazine=Billboard|language=en}}
In February 2013, Merlin and IMPALA signed an agreement with Warner Music Group after it acquired Parlophone, to transfer 30% of that label's value to Merlin and IMPALA members. The divestment ended with the transfer of rights to the independent sector.{{Cite web|last=Ugwu|first=Reggie|date=|title=Warner Music Working With Impala, Merlin to Sell Parlophone Assets to Indies|url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/global/1549326/warner-music-working-with-impala-merlin-to-sell-parlophone-assets|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728222119/https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/global/1549326/warner-music-working-with-impala-merlin-to-sell-parlophone-assets|archive-date=July 28, 2019|access-date=February 19, 2013|website=Billboard.com}}
In 2016, Merlin opened an office in Tokyo, Japan, to expand its global operations.{{Cite web|date=2016-10-10|title=Merlin Opens Japanese Office to Expand Global Operations|url=https://merlinnetwork.org/merlin-opens-japanese-office-to-expand-global-operations/|access-date=2021-02-10|website=Merlin|language=en-US}}
In March 2018 the company entered into agreements with the three Chinese streaming services – NetEase, Alibaba, and Tencent – for digital music distribution in China. In May 2018, the company sold all of its Spotify shares for an estimated $125 million-plus, passing the proceeds on to its members.{{Cite web|author=Variety Staff|date=2018-05-14|title=Merlin Sells All of Its Spotify Shares for an Estimated $125 Million-Plus|url=https://variety.com/2018/biz/news/merlin-sells-all-of-its-spotify-shares-for-an-estimated-125-million-plus-1202810275/|access-date=2021-02-10|website=Variety|language=en-US}} A landmark global licensing deal in December 2019 saw Merlin partnering with Boomplay Music.{{Cite web|date=2019-12-10|title=Boomplay And Merlin Bring the World's Best Independent Music to Africa|url=https://merlinnetwork.org/boomplay-and-merlin-bring-the-worlds-best-independent-music-to-africa/|access-date=2021-02-10|website=Merlin|language=en-US}}
In 2020, Jeremy Sirota joined Merlin as its second CEO. The organization expanded its deals to include Apple, Snap, and Triller.{{Cite web|last=LeBlanc|first=Larry|date=2021-09-03|title=Interview: Merlin CEO Jeremy Sirota|url=https://celebrityaccess.com/2021/09/03/interview-merlin-ceo-jeremy-sirota/|access-date=2021-09-23|website=CelebrityAccess|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=Snap strikes deals for licensed music in Snapchat app|date=3 August 2020 |url=https://musically.com/2020/08/03/snap-strikes-deals-for-licensed-music-in-snapchat-app/|access-date=2021-09-23}}
In January 2021, Merlin held a "Celebrate Music" event. At the event, it unveiled a new brand, a new logo, and an updated website.{{Cite magazine|title=Merlin Unveils Brand 'Refresh' With New Logo, Website, 'Celebrate Music' Event|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/9510311/merlin-brand-refresh-new-logo-website-celebrate-music-event/|access-date=2021-02-10|magazine=Billboard|language=en}}
In August 2021, Feed Media Group, the B2B music licensing subscription service, signed a music licensing deal with Merlin, for its Adaptr product. Adaptr is a subscription-based platform. The deal provides access to a catalog of licensed music from Merlin member labels, distributors, and their artists.{{Cite web|title=Adaptr platform agrees licensing deal with Merlin|url=https://www.musicweek.com/digital/read/adaptr-platform-agrees-licensing-deal-with-merlin/083850|access-date=2021-08-03|website=www.musicweek.com|language=en}}
In September 2021, Merlin and South Asian music and audio streaming service JioSaavn announced that they had extended and enhanced an existing music licensing partnership. The expanded partnership enabled Merlin’s membership to increase their presence in South Asia and expanded JioSaavn’s catalog offering to its worldwide audience.{{Cite magazine|title=Merlin Renews Licensing Deal With India's JioSaavn|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/streaming/9630377/merlin-jiosaavn-licensing-deal-renewal|access-date=2021-09-23|magazine=Billboard|language=en}}
Merlin added to its list of partners in October 2021 when it announced a deal with TREBEL, the maker of a licensed music app with on-demand and offline play sponsored by brand advertisers.{{Cite web|date=2021-10-28|title=Merlin strikes strategic partnership with free music streaming app TREBEL|url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/free-music-streaming-app-trebel-strikes-strategic-partnership-with-merlin/|access-date=2021-10-29|website=Music Business Worldwide|language=en-US}} The company ended the year by announcing an expanded licensing agreement with African music streaming service Boomplay.{{Cite web|date=2021-12-21|title=Music service Boomplay and Merlin expand licensing deal to 47 countries across Africa|url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/music-service-boomplay-and-merlin-expand-licensing-deal-to-47-countries-across-africa/|access-date=2022-01-20|website=Music Business Worldwide|language=en-US}}
In January 2022, Merlin partnered with UK-based Lickd to allow creators to legally use Merlin members' music in their YouTube videos.{{Cite web|date=2022-01-13|title=Merlin inks multi-year deal with music licensing platform Lickd|url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/merlin-inks-multi-year-deal-with-music-licensing-platform-lickd/|access-date=2022-01-20|website=Music Business Worldwide|language=en-US}}
Next, in early February 2022, Merlin announced a partnership with Twitch, the interactive live streaming service for content spanning gaming, entertainment, sports, music, and more.{{Cite web |title=Twitch partners with indie music licensing group Merlin |url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/02/02/twitch-merlin-partnership-music/ |access-date=2022-04-18 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}
April 2022 saw the company announce a deal with FLO, a leading streaming application in Korea.{{Cite web |date=2022-04-14 |title=Indie label agency Merlin strikes partnership with South Korean streaming app FLO |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/indie-label-agency-merlin-strikes-partnership-with-south-korean-streaming-app-flo/ |access-date=2022-04-18 |website=Music Business Worldwide |language=en-US}}
In October 2022, Pinterest announced a deal to brin{{Cite web |date=2024-06-12 |title=Meta renews licensing deal with Merlin for independent music across Instagram, Facebook and Messenger |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/meta-renews-licensing-partnership-with-merlin-for-independent-music-across-instagram-facebook-and-messenger1/ |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=Music Business Worldwide |language=en-US}} g Merlin members' musical repertoire to its platform.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-19 |title=Pinterest strikes deals with Warner, Merlin and BMG to expand music experience on platform |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/pinterest-strikes-deals-with-warner-merlin-and-bmg-to-expand-music-experience-on-platform12/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Music Business Worldwide |language=en-US}} That month also saw a partnership announced with China-based short-form video platform Kuaishou.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-24 |title=Merlin strikes multi-territory licensing deal with TikTok rival Kuaishou |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/merlin-strikes-multi-territory-licensing-deal-with-tiktok-rival-kuaishou/ |access-date=2023-01-13 |website=Music Business Worldwide |language=en-US}}
Merlin announced two new partnerships in December 2022: first with VR fitness app Supernatural{{Cite web |title=Merlin partners with VR fitness app Supernatural |url=https://www.musicweek.com/labels/read/merlin-partners-with-vr-fitness-app-supernatural/087074 |access-date=2023-01-13 |website=www.musicweek.com |language=en}} and then with STYNGR, a gaming music platform.{{Cite web |title=Merlin teams with gaming music platform Styngr |url=https://www.musicweek.com/digital/read/merlin-teams-with-gaming-music-platform-styngr/087117 |access-date=2023-01-13 |website=www.musicweek.com |language=en}}
In May 2023, Merlin unveiled a global licensing deal with Soundcloud.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-04 |title=SoundCloud, Merlin strike global deal to bring fan-powered royalties to indie labels |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/soundcloud-merlin-strike-global-licensing-deal-to-bring-fan-powered-royalties-model-to-indie-labels/ |access-date=2023-07-07 |website=Music Business Worldwide |language=en-US}} In late June, the company announced a partnership with all-in-one visual communication platform Canva to grant Canva customers in many countries access to use music clips in their designs.{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=2023-06-29 |title=Canva Inks Deals With Warner Music Group, Merlin to Let Users Incorporate Song Clips in Their Visual Designs |url=https://variety.com/2023/digital/news/canva-song-clips-warner-music-group-merlin-1235657782/ |access-date=2023-07-07 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
March 2024 saw a renewed partnership with Deezer.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-21 |title=Indie artists shift to artist-centric payments on Deezer, as streaming service signs new deal with Merlin |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/indie-artists-shift-to-artist-centric-payments-on-deezer-as-streaming-service-signs-new-deal-with-merlin/ |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=Music Business Worldwide |language=en-US}} The following month, Merlin announced a partnership with Audiomack.
In early June 2024, the organization announced the launch of Merlin Connect, a solution for emerging technology platforms to license fully cleared, quality independent music handpicked by Merlin members.{{Cite web |last=Rys |first=Dan |date=2024-06-05 |title=Merlin Launches New Initiative to Help Emerging Tech Platforms License Indie Music |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/merlin-connect-initiative-help-tech-license-indie-music/ |access-date=2024-06-05 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}} Later that month, Merlin renewed its strategic partnership with Meta in a deal that covers Meta properties including Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-12 |title=Meta renews licensing deal with Merlin for independent music across Instagram, Facebook and Messenger |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/meta-renews-licensing-partnership-with-merlin-for-independent-music-across-instagram-facebook-and-messenger1/ |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=Music Business Worldwide |language=en-US}}
The Merlin Engage mentorship program launched in 2023. With its recently-announced third year in 2025, it is a program catered to a diverse and unique Merlin membership. It pairs executive-level mentors with talented mentees to help shape the next generation of female leaders in the independent music space. The program crosses borders, cultures, and music genres to build community, inspire confidence, and offer support and workshops in building soft skills, such as managing up, powerful storytelling and handling adversity.{{Cite web |last=Bain |first=Katie |date=2024-03-01 |title=Women in the Male-Dominated Indie Music Sector Need Female Mentors. Merlin Is Here to Help |url=https://www.billboard.com/business/business-news/merlin-engage-female-mentorship-program-indie-music-executives-1235619617/ |access-date=2024-10-25 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}
Structure
= Executives =
As of January 2024, Merlin's executive team is:
- Jeremy Sirota, CEO
- Charlie Lexton, COO
- Adam Wright, CFO
- Jim Mahoney, SVP, Member & Partner Success
= Board members =
The current Board was elected in 2024 and is composed of:{{Cite web |last=Brandle |first=Lars |date=2024-01-10 |title=Merlin Unveils 2024 Board, Prioritizes ‘Meaningful, Sustainable and Value-Driven Member Growth’ |url=https://www.billboard.com/business/business-news/merlin-2024-board-members-exclusive-1235579154/ |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}
- Pascal Bittard, Owner, IDOL
- Golda Bitterli, VP of Sales, Revelator
- Jeffrey Chiang, Director of Global Business, Fluxus
- Marie Clausen, Managing Director North America, Ninja Tune
- Tom Deakin, Head of EMEA, AudioSalad
- Eniko Gallasz, Managing Director, WM Music Distribution
- Fer Isella, Founder and CEO, limbo music
- Megan Jasper, CEO, Sub Pop
- Chris Maund, Co-CEO, Mushroom Music
- Carlos Mills, Founder & CEO, Mills Records
- Louis Posen, President & Executive Director, Hopeless Records
- Michael Ugwu, CEO, Freeme Digital
- Darius Van Arman, Co-CEO of Secretly Group (Reappointed as Chairperson of Merlin's Board for 2024)
- Horst Weidenmüller, CEO & Owner, !K7
- Justin West, President & CEO, Secret City
- Simon Wheeler, Director of Global Commercial Strategy, Beggars
= Advisory board members =
- Jennifer Newman Sharpe, General Counsel, Exceleration