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