Merlin, the umbrella organisation for the global independent label sector, has announced an agreement with MQA to deliver hi-res streaming.
Under the deal, record labels can encode their master recordings in MQA’s high fidelity technology, which will boost the uptake and growth of master quality audio streaming.
MQA is an award-winning technology that delivers master quality audio in a file small enough to stream or download. The format was launched in 2015, is currently available on Tidal, and is compatible with hardware products including Pioneer, Technics and Meridian.
Mike Jbara, MQA chief executive, said: ‘MQA's commitment is to provide exceptional sound quality from the studio recording all the way through to the consumer. We're excited to work with the leaders of the independent community to further fuel the availability of master quality recordings for music fans.’
Charles Caldas, chief executive of Merlin, added: ‘We are delighted to be partnering with MQA. From our own data, we know that Merlin members' repertoire performs best on paid-for subscription tiers, and it's to this high-spending consumer demographic that hi-resolution audio will have the greatest appeal.
‘Consequently, today's future-facing agreement makes perfect sense – offering our independent label members a fast track entry point to an exciting segment of the streaming market, and ensuring they remain at its forefront.’
Merlin acts collectively on behalf of thousands of independent record labels and distributors from more than 50 countries, allowing them access to new and emerging digital revenue streams.
On their behalf, Merlin has agreed global deals with the digital music services including Deezer, Google Play, KKBOX, Pandora, Soundcloud, Spotify, VEVO and YouTube.
Under the deal, record labels can encode their master recordings in MQA’s high fidelity technology, which will boost the uptake and growth of master quality audio streaming.
MQA is an award-winning technology that delivers master quality audio in a file small enough to stream or download. The format was launched in 2015, is currently available on Tidal, and is compatible with hardware products including Pioneer, Technics and Meridian.
Mike Jbara, MQA chief executive, said: ‘MQA's commitment is to provide exceptional sound quality from the studio recording all the way through to the consumer. We're excited to work with the leaders of the independent community to further fuel the availability of master quality recordings for music fans.’
Charles Caldas, chief executive of Merlin, added: ‘We are delighted to be partnering with MQA. From our own data, we know that Merlin members' repertoire performs best on paid-for subscription tiers, and it's to this high-spending consumer demographic that hi-resolution audio will have the greatest appeal.
‘Consequently, today's future-facing agreement makes perfect sense – offering our independent label members a fast track entry point to an exciting segment of the streaming market, and ensuring they remain at its forefront.’
Merlin acts collectively on behalf of thousands of independent record labels and distributors from more than 50 countries, allowing them access to new and emerging digital revenue streams.
On their behalf, Merlin has agreed global deals with the digital music services including Deezer, Google Play, KKBOX, Pandora, Soundcloud, Spotify, VEVO and YouTube.
