Merlin Network

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Merlin Network
TypeNon-profit
Merlin Network
IndustryMusic distribution
Founded2007
HeadquartersLondon[1]
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
  • Dave Hansen, Chairperson[citation needed]
  • Jeremy Sirota, Chief Executive
ServicesDigital music licensing
Members
Principal member labels
Websitemerlinnetwork.org

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.[2] The company is a member-based organization representing the digital licensing rights for tens of thousands of independent labels and distributors in nearly every country around the globe. As of 2019, Merlin has paid out over two billion dollars.[3][4]

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);[5] Charles Caldas was the first chief executive.[6] 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.[7]

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.[8]

In 2016, Merlin opened an office in Tokyo, Japan, to expand its global operations.[9]

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.[10] A landmark global licensing deal in December 2019 saw Merlin partnering with Boomplay Music.[11]

In 2020, Jeremy Sirota joined Merlin as its second CEO. The organization expanded its deals to include Apple, Snap, and Triller.[citation needed]

In January 2021, Merlin held a "Celebrate Music" event. At the event, it unveiled a new brand, a new logo, and an updated website.[12]

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.[13]

Structure[]

As of January 2021, Merlin's executive team is:

  • Jeremy Sirota, CEO
  • Charlie Lexton, COO
  • Helen Alexander, CFO
  • Jim Mahoney, SVP, Member & Partner Success
  • Dave Hansen, Executive Chairperson

The current Board was elected in 2020 and is composed of:

  • Alexandria Hock - Better Noise Music, SVP of Business & Legal Affairs
  • Carlos Mills - Mills Records, Founder & CEO
  • Chan Kim - Fluxus, Founder & CEO
  • Darius Van Arman - Secretly, Co-Owner
  • Emmanuel De Buretel - Because Group, Founder
  • Horst Weidenmueller - !K7, CEO
  • Justin West - Secret City Records, President
  • Katie Alberts - Reach Records, SVP of Operations
  • Marie Clausen - Ninja Tune, Head of N.A. & Head of Global Streaming
  • Martin Mills - Beggars Group, Chairman
  • Masahiro “Jack” Oishi - Danger Crue, CEO
  • Mérida Sussex - Stolen Recordings, Co-Founder
  • Michael Ugwu - Freeme Digital, Founder & CEO
  • Michael Lambot - [PIAS], Co-President
  • Pieter van Rijn - FUGA, CEO

Advisory Board Members:

  • Chris Maund - Mushroom Labels and Mushroom Music Publishing, COO
  • Jason Peterson - GoDigital Media Group, Chairman
  • Nando Luaces - Altafonte, Founder

References[]

  1. ^ [s.n.] (15 March 2018). Merlin Network strikes streaming deals for independent music in China. BBC News. Accessed February 2019.
  2. ^ "Merlin Appoints Facebook's Jeremy Sirota as CEO". Billboard. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
  3. ^ "No. 81: Charles Caldas | Power 100". Billboard. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
  4. ^ Sanchez, Daniel (19 June 2019). "Merlin Pays Out $845 Million to Labels and Distributor Members in 2018, Reaching Over $2 Billion in Payouts". Digital Music News. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
  5. ^ "Merlin Turns 5". Merlin. 16 July 2013. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
  6. ^ correspondent, Katie Allen, media business (22 January 2007). "Indie music labels join together to grab a slice of online revenues". the Guardian. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
  7. ^ "Merlin Announces 20 Percent Price Cut For Members". Billboard. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
  8. ^ Ugwu, Reggie. "Warner Music Working With Impala, Merlin to Sell Parlophone Assets to Indies". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on 28 July 2019. Retrieved 19 February 2013.
  9. ^ "Merlin Opens Japanese Office to Expand Global Operations". Merlin. 10 October 2016. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
  10. ^ Variety Staff; Staff, Variety (14 May 2018). "Merlin Sells All of Its Spotify Shares for an Estimated $125 Million-Plus". Variety. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
  11. ^ "Boomplay And Merlin Bring the World's Best Independent Music to Africa". Merlin. 10 December 2019. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
  12. ^ "Merlin Unveils Brand 'Refresh' With New Logo, Website, 'Celebrate Music' Event". Billboard. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
  13. ^ "Adaptr platform agrees licensing deal with Merlin". www.musicweek.com. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
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