Founded in 2008, Merlin has made landmark agreements with platforms such as Spotify, YouTube, Deezer, Pandora, TikTok, and Meta, as well as a series of strategic partnerships in China with NetEase Cloud Music, Ali Music Group and Tencent Music Entertainment for independent actors. In January 2020, Jeremy Sirota assumed the role of CEO of Merlin.
Labelcamp is one of the very few Merlin-approved delivery platforms. It serves many Merlin members around the world by delivering content on their behalf to all music services with which Merlin has agreements. As a preferred delivery partner, and by working closely with Merlin’s Operations teams, Labelcamp is able to offer its customers the most reliable and fastest integration with all of Merlin’s newly signed music platforms.
This organization now represents 15% of the global digital music market. As a result, Merlin is considered the “virtual fourth major”. The collective weight allows independent labels and distributors of sufficient size to work directly with the DSPs by negotiating strategic agreements with the largest streaming services on behalf of its members. This is a key initiative for the industry, a valuable tool for the development of independent music, and an advocate for diversity in global music production.
The new Board lineup brings leaders from the independent music industry in 12 different countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, and Oceania. The Merlin Board is elected from and by its membership, which represents tens of thousands of independent record labels, distributors, and rightsholders from around the world.
Pascal Bittard, founder and president of Labelcamp & IDOL:
« Since its creation, Merlin has empowered the independent music community in the digital age, advocating for the best possible terms from DSPs and other actors.
Their work is one of the reasons why independent labels and distributors have such a strong position in the music world today.
IDOL, a member since day one and a close collaborator with the Merlin team, is grateful to be included in fulfilling its mission. »
Jeremy Sirota, CEO of Merlin:
« Merlin’s Board members bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the organization. Their perspectives help to represent the interests of our members in France and around the world. I look forward to closely working with Pascal, and all of our Board members, in the year ahead.«