Merlin & Spotify Extend Multi-Year Global Licensing Partnership

Merlin, the global licensing partner representing the world’s leading independent music labels and distributors, has renewed its multi-year global licensing agreement with Spotify.

This renewed deal affirms the sustained importance of independent music on the streaming platform and ensures Merlin’s members continue to have their work available to Spotify’s global audience. This new global licensing deal continues Merlin and Spotify’s 17-year collaboration.

“Merlin’s mission is to empower our members to own their future. Spotify remains a key and forward-looking partner in advancing that mission,” said Jeremy Sirota, CEO, Merlin. “In a rapidly changing industry, this isn’t just about securing terms that value the contributions of our members’ artists; it’s about building frameworks that unleash creativity and ensure our dynamic global membership—which accounts for 15% of the market—can continue to grow, thrive, and lead. Together, we are committed to a future where independent music drives discovery and value for artists and fans.”

“Independent music has always been at the heart of discovery on Spotify, and our partnership with Merlin makes that possible at a global scale,” said Alex Norström, Co-President & Chief Business Officer, Spotify. “This renewal reflects our commitment to ensuring independent labels and artists continue to thrive on streaming platforms, while we work together to grow the value of music for creators everywhere.”

This deal positions Merlin’s member labels as crucial partners in shaping a future streaming ecosystem that is sustainable and artist-centered. Merlin’s membership features prominent independent labels like Ninja Tune, Sub Pop, Warp Records, Epitaph, Secretly, and many more from over 70 countries worldwide.

The extension comes amid notable pushback from some artist communities who are increasingly critical of Spotify. Collectives of independent musicians in cities such as Seattle and Chicago have joined together in large numbers to remove their music from Spotify. More than 75 Chicago artists have signed an open letter protesting Spotify’s compensation model, expressing concerns about unlabeled AI-generated music and former CEO Daniel Ek funding AI military tech.

The renewal between Merlin and Spotify showcases the ongoing importance of strategic partnerships in the digital music ecosystem. But the artist exodus from key U.S. cities underscores the complex challenges the streaming giant faces balancing widespread access with artist satisfaction and ethical considerations.