Former Shock CEO Charles Caldas is the newly appointed CEO for Merlin, an independent music licensing agency already being described as the world's "fifth major".
Merlin aims to form licensing deals with emerging digital media, inking their first agreement with digital music company SNOCAP. Merlin, which has itself emerged from the world's independent record company sector, was launched last Saturday at the MidemNet music industry conference in Cannes.The company aims to create a synergy between the world's plethora of independent labels and artists, who combine to represent 80% of the world's releases, and 30% of music sales. Employing the philosophy, "Equitable deals for ALL independents", Merlin claims it has the potential to replace the need for thousands of independent record deals.
Caldas said in a statement, "The form of copyright apartheid currently being applied to the value of independent rights is unacceptable. Merlin will enable independents around the world to participate in new licensing and revenue models on competitive terms and give new services more direct access to their repertoire. Together we are bigger than the largest major."
The company, which will act as a standalone non-profit based in London and The Netherlands, is aiming to secure deals with sites such as MySpace and YouTube, who currently host music and video from artists without permission from copyright holders.
Merlin has the support of the World Independent Network (WIN), whose members include AIM in the UK and AIR in Australia, as well as boutique labels such as The Beggars Group and Ministry of Sound. They will also "welcome input and participation" from all the world's independent record labels.
WIN President Alison Wenham noted, "Merlin is the culmination of several years' work, and will be a unique global vehicle for licensors and licensees alike. Independents will now achieve parity with each other and with the majors in getting a fair share of the revenues now being generated by new business models."
