Indie Label Collective Merlin Signs MySpace Music Deal

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on November 23, 2009 - 9:00am.

Los Angeles - MySpace Music, the joint venture between the News Corp.-owned (NYSE: NWS) social network and the major record labels, on Monday announced a global licensing agreement with Merlin, which represents independent labels accounting for 10% of global music sales. The parties did not say whether Merlin received any equity stake in MySpace Music, although Merlin did note that they have agreed on an "indie participation plan" for Merlin labels and artists, representing "an opportunity to participate in and benefit from the financial growth of MySpace Music with very minimal threshold qualifications."

A Merlin representative will also attend and participated in MySpace Music board meetings.

The deal will give MySpace Music rights to stream music from artists on labels represented by Merlin, including Bjork, Tom Waits, Antony & The Johnsons and Animal Collective. Merlin artists will also be able to sell tracks via the service.

"Today's announcement further demonstrates both parties' commitment to the independent communities they represent," said MySpace Music president Courtney Holt.

"MySpace Music values the support of the independent community and it has been a top priority for us to create a program that would reward their steadfast support of the service. I am thrilled to have a plan in place that will allow them to reap additional financial benefits from their support and loyalty."

Related Links:
http://snipurl.com/te42y

http://www.merlinnetwork.org

http://music.myspace.com