Independent Labels See International Bonanza

Global indie licensor Merlin delivered some great news to the independent label community Thursday, and all of it was centered on international growth.

Explosive Growth In Latin America

• Merlin’s 2017 Latin American earnings increase five-fold in three years 
• US member labels see streaming revenues from LATAM territories almost double as a percentage of their business
• Brazil is now the 6th biggest-earning territory for Merlin’s independent label members – ahead of France, Australia and Canada
• At current rates of growth, Merlin expects to generate over $60m in revenues in 2018 across its audio streaming service partners in Latin America, with US-based members representing around 50% of those earnings.

“We now have irrefutable evidence that the new dynamics of streaming are opening up previously inaccessible territories to independent music, with a phenomenal consumption surge in Latin America and across Asia. What feels particularly exciting is that we’re only at the start of this growth trajectory – and with potential of relatively untapped markets, including China, Russia and Africa, still to be realised.” - Charles Caldas, CEO, Merlin

Opening China To Indies

Merlin has announced its first participation in the fast-evolving Chinese music market – agreeing a series of strategic non-exclusive licensing partnerships with the country’s five leading digital music services: NetEase Cloud Music (NetEase Cloud Music), Xiami (Ali Music Group), QQ Music, Kugou and Kuwo (all Tencent Music Entertainment).

The deals create a new path for independent music businesses looking to enter the Chinese market.