5 May 2008: Merlin Secures Biggest Bundle Of Rights Outside Big Four - Memberships Tops 12,000 Labels In 1st Month, confirming Merlin As “5th Conversation”

Merlin, the world’s first global rights body for independents, has seen its membership swell to over 12,000 labels in its first month of full operation – representing, without a doubt, the largest and most commercially significant bundle of music rights outside of the majors.

The compelling roster confirms Merlin as the “5th conversation” to be had, the only efficient vehicle for globally licensing independent music there is.

Merlin’s membership already includes:

• In the US: heavyweight labels such as KOCH (the largest in the US), Concord , Razor and Tie , Saddle Creek and Epitaph (all amongst the top independents in the US)

• In the UK: market leading labels such as Beggars Group (the largest in the UK), Domino , Warp , Cooking Vinyl and Kitchenware

• In Europe:  The largest independents such as [PIAS] Group (largest pan-European indie), Wagram , Naïve , SPV , Ministry of Sound Germany , Edel/Kontor , Aggro Berlin , Naidoo Records

as well as leading independents from around the world such as Canada’s Nettwerk and True North and Australia’s Inertia and Shock .

The world’s most prominent aggregators and distributors, including IODA , [PIAS] Digital , Finetunes , Kontor , Red Eye , Kudos , State 51 and Shock Distribution have also been quick to sign up, recognising the value of a central, global entity in representing and protecting the rights of the independents.

Merlin will only act when it’s globally elected board deem it appropriate, with all profits distributed to members. The pioneering rights body is currently in discussions with a variety of influential new music services to ensure competitive remuneration for independents worldwide.

 

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