NY:LON Connect conference talks streaming prices, indie successes

Music Ally’s NY:LON Connect conference yesterday gathered experts and leaders from the music business to discuss some of the industry’s top topics. One session debated the prices for streaming music access and asked whether a lower monthly rate would help bring in more paying listeners. Another session focused on labels and how they can address the large share of media consumption given to video. This included a presentation by Charles Caldas, CEO of indie label network Merlin. Continue Reading

Pandora’s Merlin deal affirmed as admissible benchmark for CRB rate-setting

The U.S. Copyright Registrar issued a decision to the Copyright Royalty Board, ruling that Pandora’s use of its licensing deal with indie group Merlin was admissable evidence. It’s important because the Merlin deal is a lynchpin in Pandora’s argument for lower royalty rates starting in 2016. Continue Reading

Streaming income driving growth for Merlin members

Indie licensing agency Merlin conducted a survey of its members and found that digital service revenue increased in 2014 for nearly three-quarters of its respondents. Digital revenue now accounts for more than half of overall income for more than half of Merlin’s members. The survey pointed to streaming and subscriptions as key factors in the growing digital revenue. Continue Reading

Indies sign on to Apple Music following free trial royalty reversal

Multiple major independent groups have voiced support for Apple Music following the tech company’s choice to pay royalties during the free trial period of its upcoming streaming service, with many signing contracts that reflect that new policy. WIN, Beggars Group, Merlin, and IMPALA are all joining the bandwagon. Continue Reading

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Internet Radio Rewind #046: YouTube Analytics; Merlin magic for SoundCloud; FCC liberates Pandora; more

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The weekly update of the streaming audio industry, from RAIN News. THIS WEEK: YouTube Analytics; DASH Radio emerges; Merlin magic for SoundCloud; FCC liberates Pandora; the ideal cost of music. Continue Reading