New York - Merlin, a new trade body founded a year ago with the aim of representing the rights of independent labels worldwide, announced on Wednesday that its membership has grown to over 12,000 labels, representing over 8% of the U.S. market -- equal to that of major label EMI Music. The group claims to now be in essence a "fifth major label," and said it is currently in discussions with Last.fm (NYSE: CBS) and MySpace (NYSE: NWS), as well as other major digital companies, to ensure competitive remuneration for independents worldwide.

Globally, independent labels collectively account for just under 30% of the total music market, and 80% of all new releases.

"Independents have, until now, found it difficult to access many of the new and emerging online services in a commercially effective manner," said Merlin CEO Charles Caldas.

"In Merlin, independents finally have a commercial body that can act to ensure their rights are centrally represented, fairly remunerated and properly protected in the marketplace."

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http://www.merlinnetwork.org