Merlin and Pandora announce partnership

Merlin, the global rights agency for the independent label sector, and internet radio service Pandora have announced a new partnership.

Jim Ottewill
  • By Jim Ottewill
  • 7 Aug 2014
  • min read
Merlin, the global rights agency for the independent label sector, and internet radio service Pandora have announced a new partnership.

The new deal, which applies to Pandora’s US business, is aimed at helping Merlin’s membership of indie labels boost their international audience and the royalties they receive from internet radio.

As part of the arrangement, Pandora will accelerate the discovery of new music via tailored playlists while Merlin artists will have access to Pandora’s data to inform their tour schedules and partners.

The deal will also create communication channels to allow Merlin labels to engage more directly with their fans.

Charles Caldas, Merlin chief executive officer, said: ‘For the independent sector, internet radio is an increasingly important part of the digital market, and we want to see it continue to grow, and grow fast.

‘For the thousands of labels Merlin represents, this agreement with Pandora provides a real best of both worlds scenario: a hugely important opportunity to increase our members’ revenues and access unparalleled opportunities for exposure, whilst continuing to support a collective licensing framework.’

Merlin’s membership embodies over 20,000 independent record labels and distributors worldwide.

Visit merlinnetwork.org for more information.