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 and MySpace, 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."
Merlin website:
merlinnetwork.org.
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