Merlin and Spotify Renew Global Licensing Agreement

Spotify and Merlin, the independent music licensing company that claims to represent 15% of the worldwide music market, have inked a new deal to continue their 17-year-long partnership.

Spotify and Merlin:

• Merlin’s catalog includes the music of major companies such as Anjunabeats, Armada Music Group, Epitaph Records, Hopeless Records, Stones Throw, Sub Pop, Symphonic, and more.

• Its music spans 70 countries.

• Spotify recently inked similar licensing deals with major labels Sony Music Group, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group. Prominent indie publisher Kobalt Music Group also signed a multi-year deal with Spotify.

What they said:

• Jeremy Sirota, CEO, Merlin: “Merlin’s mission is to empower our members to own their future. Spotify remains a key and forward-looking partner in advancing that mission. In a rapidly changing industry, this isn’t just about securing terms that value the contributions of our members’ artists; it’s about building frameworks that unleash creativity and ensure our dynamic global membership — which accounts for 15% of the market — can continue to grow, thrive, and lead.”

• Alex Norström, Co-President & Chief Business Officer, Spotify:  “Independent music has always been at the heart of discovery on Spotify, and our partnership with Merlin makes that possible at a global scale. This renewal reflects our commitment to ensuring independent labels and artists continue to thrive on streaming platforms, while we work together to grow the value of music for creators everywhere.”