Merlin
Merlin is a global digital music licensing organization founded in 2007 that represents independent record labels, distributors, and music rights holders worldwide. As a non-profit, member-led organization, Merlin negotiates premium licensing deals with major digital platforms like Apple, Spotify, and others, ensuring independent music companies have equitable access to digital markets. The organization operates with a low 1.5% admin fee and serves hundreds of independent labels across nearly every country.
Sources
Information sourced from Merlin Network official website, Wikipedia, and industry publications including Music Business Worldwide and Revelator.
Updated:
Jun 5, 2025
Merlin
Merlin is a global digital music licensing organization founded in 2007 that represents independent record labels, distributors, and music rights holders worldwide. As a non-profit, member-led organization, Merlin negotiates premium licensing deals with major digital platforms like Apple, Spotify, and others, ensuring independent music companies have equitable access to digital markets. The organization operates with a low 1.5% admin fee and serves hundreds of independent labels across nearly every country.
Sources
Information sourced from Merlin Network official website, Wikipedia, and industry publications including Music Business Worldwide and Revelator.
Updated:
Jun 5, 2025
Related News
Related News

Careers & People
Jul 2, 2026
1 min read
Harmen Hemminga Joins Merlin as VP, Business Development
The exec was previously at Downtown

Harmen Hemminga Joins Merlin as VP, Business Development
The exec was previously at Downtown
Careers & People
Jul 2, 2026

Awards & Milestones
Jun 12, 2026
3 min read
2026 A2IM Indie Week Recap
Major themes, keynotes and a Libera Awards lookback

2026 A2IM Indie Week Recap
Major themes, keynotes and a Libera Awards lookback
Awards & Milestones
Jun 12, 2026

Culture & Lifestyle
Jun 12, 2026
9 min read
Vol 82 - My friends are reading NIF in the bathroom
ROSTR announces venues at NIVA, the NMPA inks new AI licensing deals & Selena gets caught in the mix.

Vol 82 - My friends are reading NIF in the bathroom
ROSTR announces venues at NIVA, the NMPA inks new AI licensing deals & Selena gets caught in the mix.
Culture & Lifestyle
Jun 12, 2026

Awards & Milestones
Jun 9, 2026
3 min read
Geese and Oklou Lead the Night at the 2026 Libera Awards
Plus True Panther walks away with six awards and Secretly win big as distributor and publisher of the year

Geese and Oklou Lead the Night at the 2026 Libera Awards
Plus True Panther walks away with six awards and Secretly win big as distributor and publisher of the year
Awards & Milestones
Jun 9, 2026

Policy & Legal
Jun 8, 2026
1 min read
Merlin and Jamen Capital Acquire Curve Royalty Systems from Universal
The deal follows UMG’s acquisition of Downtown Music in February

Merlin and Jamen Capital Acquire Curve Royalty Systems from Universal
The deal follows UMG’s acquisition of Downtown Music in February
Policy & Legal
Jun 8, 2026

Culture & Lifestyle
Jun 5, 2026
9 min read
Vol 81 - Came back when it mattered, I read you
UMG makes money moves, M.I.A. sues Kid Cudi & Doja gets catty with Elon.

Vol 81 - Came back when it mattered, I read you
UMG makes money moves, M.I.A. sues Kid Cudi & Doja gets catty with Elon.
Culture & Lifestyle
Jun 5, 2026

Careers & People
Jun 3, 2026
2 min read
Merlin Bolsters Global Partnerships Team with Senior Promotions
Includes the elevation of Emma Robinson to Vice President, Partnerships

Merlin Bolsters Global Partnerships Team with Senior Promotions
Includes the elevation of Emma Robinson to Vice President, Partnerships
Careers & People
Jun 3, 2026

Careers & People
Jun 2, 2026
2 min read
On The Move: Andrew Jenkins Departing Universal Music Publishing; Seb Permal Jumps to Warner Music Central Europe
Plus Jeff Stempeck joins Stem, Julie Swidler to exit Sony Music & more

On The Move: Andrew Jenkins Departing Universal Music Publishing; Seb Permal Jumps to Warner Music Central Europe
Plus Jeff Stempeck joins Stem, Julie Swidler to exit Sony Music & more
Careers & People
Jun 2, 2026
📨 Subscribe to NIF
Get news dropped in your inbox 👇
Featured Jobs
Selected open roles from Jobs by ROSTR











