Independent Icons Take Control: Merlin Connect and Nina Protocol Unlock New Era of Artist-to-Fan Connection 09 Sep 2025
Merlin, the digital music licensing partner for the world's leading independent labels and distributors, announced today that Merlin member music has launched on Nina Protocol. Nina is an indie-centric music platform where artists keep 100% of sales revenue and fans can purchase music directly while unlocking exclusive content. This partnership, which is a part of the Merlin Connect initiative, brings quality independent music, simplified operations, and strategic support to emerging platforms like Nina.
NEWS & PRESS
Fifth edition of Music Mudder raises over £68,000 and counting for Nordoff and Robbins Music Therapy
The fifth edition of Music Mudder, the unique music-inspired endurance event organised by leading talent agency Wasserman Music, in partnership with music therapy charity, Nordoff and Robbins, raised over £68,000 and counting for the charity, with more than 430 music industry peers taking on the...more
The Nighttime Foundation launches as a non-profit for global nightlife communities
The Nighttime Foundation has now launched as a global non-profit born out of the advocacy work of nightlife research and consultancy, VibeLab, and spearheaded by a board that brings the multi-faceted expertise needed to champion nightlife. By building on connections...more
Nightlife must be at the heart of high street revival, says NTIA boss Michael Kill, as Government announces Pride in Place programme from MHCLG
“We welcome this initiative to put power back into communities and breathe new life into our high streets. Pubs, bars, clubs and grassroots venues are more than just businesses, they are cultural anchors, central to local identity and community life. As...more
South American Independent Music Associations Join the JusticIA Coalition
Trade associations from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Paraguay, representing more than 200 independent music companies, join the JusticIA coalition Joint declaration recognizes potential of Gen AI and calls for the protection and preservation of intellectual property rights throughout Latin America. Associação...more
FIVE Holdings Secures $460 Million Facility to Fuel Global Expansion
FIVE is set to invest $500 million over the next two years to expand and elevate its portfolio of world-class entertainment assets. FIVE is committed to expanding its presence in Dubai and Ibiza while simultaneously adding to its portfolio across the...more
The White Label Auction of rare vinyl test pressings bids to achieve a record total for the BRIT Trust music charity
Over 170 lots including star items.… view here Artist-signed white label albums from Coldplay, Chemical Brothers, Ed Sheeran, Iggy Pop, Paul Weller, PiL, Pink Pantheress, Rod Stewart, Robbie Williams, Wolf Alice, and others. A rare 1975 7” single test pressing of Queen’s Bohemian...more
CTM Outlander purchased the music publishing catalogue of one of the most successful international EDM artists: Yellow Claw
CTM Outlander is proud to announce the acquisition of the music publishing catalogue of Yellow Claw, one of the most successful and influential international electronic dance music (EDM) acts of the past decade. This strategic acquisition marks a significant expansion of...more
Bravado and REVERB Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance and Amplify Sustainable Tour Merch Efforts
Bravado, the world’s leading artist merchandise and lifestyle company, today announced a strategic partnership with REVERB, the nonprofit organization that empowers musicians and their fans to take action for people and the planet. This collaboration aims to elevate the storytelling...more
Mitsubishi Estate's £800 million investment to create 4,000 jobs in major boost for UK's creative industries
Former ITV Studio on the Southbank to become thriving creative industries hub, set to create 4000 new jobs - backing government's modern Industrial Strategy. £800 million investment is the latest vote of confidence in UK economy and government's Plan for Change. Minister for...more
The rise & endless fall of the Mercury Prize…
Submitted comment by Kev Nixon, author of Brilliant Sounding Rubbish, out nowThe author's opinion does not necessarily reflect those of the publication CMAT – Euro-Country Emma-Jean Thackray – Weirdo FKA twigs – Eusexua Fontaines DC – Romance Jacob Alon – In Limerence Joe Webb – Hamstrings and...more
The Scottish Album of the Year Award announces longlist for 2025
20 OUTSTANDING ALBUMS FEATURING BROOKE COMBE, JACOB ALON, KATHRYN JOSEPH, MOGWAI AND MORE IN THE RUNNING FOR £20,000 PRIZE Stream the Longlist at www.sayaward.com #SAYaward The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, Scotland’s national music prize, has today revealed the 20 outstanding albums on...more
Pulp & Jeannette Lee, Craig Logan, Soul II Soul to be honoured at the 2025 Artist & Manager Awards
Pulp and Rough Trade Management’s Jeannette Lee will receive the Artist & Manager Partnership Award, sponsored by PPL Craig will receive the Entrepreneur Award, sponsored by Sound Royalties, for building his global entertainment business Logan Media Entertainment (LME) Soul II Soul’s Jazzie...more
BPI invites applications to join its Equity and Justice Advisory Group (EJAG)
Deadline for applications 5pm on Tuesday 28th October Applications invited from those committed to improving diversity, equity and inclusion in the recording industry Individuals from all roles, levels of seniority, regions of the UK and all protected characteristics / diversity dimensions welcome to...more
Stuart Galbraith to Receive LIVEtime Achievement Award
Kilimanjaro Live Founder & CEO to be Recognised with Top Honour at 2025 LIVE Awards Stuart Galbraith, Founder & CEO of Kilimanjaro Live, has been announced as the 2025 recipient of the LIVEtime Achievement Award at the forthcoming LIVE Awards, which...more
Europe’s music sector call for a comprehensive policy strategy and an ambitious budget for Europe’s music sector within AgoraEU
We, the undersigned organisations from across Europe’s music sector, welcome the European Commission’s proposal to establish AgoraEU for 2028–2034 and its commitment to strengthen Europe’s cultural and creative sectors (CCS). With CCS contributing €354 billion in value added and employing...more
Vertigo Live teams up with Visa to redefine music experiences
Vertigo Live, the pioneering producer of exclusive, cinematic, theatrically led intimate music experiences, today announced a new collaboration with Visa, a world leader in digital payments. This unique collaboration marks a first-of-its-kind initiative between the music and financial industries, giving...more
Universal Music Group UK launches Fontana – legendary label becomes the new home of jazz, folk, blues and soul in the UK, helmed by Tom Lewis as President
LAURA MONKS TO TAKE SOLE LEADERSHIP OF ICONIC DECCA RECORDS, RENOWNED LEADER IN CLASSICAL AND INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC Universal Music Group UK, the UK’s leading music company, has today announced the return of legendary label Fontana – the new home of jazz,...more
AWAL launches in Middle East
AWAL Middle East announcement comes alongside the exclusive signing of multi-platinum Egyptian artist and regional superstar, Wegz, and Raad Records Today, AWAL is announcing the launch of AWAL Middle East, underpinned by the exclusive signing of multi-platinum Egyptian artist, Wegz, and...more
Angry Mob Music Group Signs Steve Stout and Jordan Sherman to Worldwide Admin Deals
Angry Mob Music Group, an independent music publisher boldly serving songwriters, composers, artists, and creatives, has announced multiple worldwide admin deals with producers, artists, and songwriters Steve Stout and Jordan Sherman. Both deals are worldwide admin deals, with specific carve outs...more
Frontiers Music SRL announces signing of guitar powerhouse Jared James Nichols
Frontiers Music Srl is proud to announce the signing of acclaimed singer, songwriter, and guitarist Jared James Nichols. Known for his high-voltage blend of soulful vocals, raw energy, and searing guitar work, Nichols has carved out a reputation as one...more
O.R.C.A. (The Organization for Recorded Culture and Arts) names Patrick Clifton Executive Director
The Organization for Recorded Culture and Arts (O.R.C.A.) has appointed Patrick Clifton as its new Executive Director. Clifton will lead the global think tank and advocacy group - backed by leading independent record labels worldwide - as it prepares to publish...more
Openplay signs first partnership with Japanese record label Toy’s Factory
Rights management platform strikes first deal in Japan as the country’s streaming market continues to grow OpenPlay, the music industry’s leading media and rights management platform and business engine powering thousands of publisher and label catalogs, has announced its first partnership...more
Warner Chappell Music signs French rap icon MC Solaar
Warner Chappell Music France secures global admin deal, which spans MC Solaar’s catalog of three and a half decades Warner Chappell Music France (WCM France) today announced an exclusive global administration deal with MC Solaar and his company, Sentinel Sud. The...more
EcoRecords with integrated NFC chip
Innovation for the long play record of tomorrow Sonopress, a leading global provider in the field of media production, is working with US technology pioneer Citizen Vinyl / vinylkey® to integrate patented NFC chip technology into Sonopress' sustainable EcoRecords. At the...more
Blue Raincoat Music Renew Publishing Deal with Self Esteem
Blue Raincoat Music Publishing, through its joint venture with Reservoir, has announced the renewal of its global music publishing agreement with acclaimed English musician, songwriter and actress Rebecca Lucy Taylor aka Self Esteem. Born and raised in Rotherham, Rebecca Lucy Taylor...more
Live Nation & FAE Group partner with Britain’s grassroots university venues to launch new initiative
PUNCHBAG UNI: THE UNIVERSITY TOUR INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION OF GUITAR BANDS, THE 15 DATE UK TOUR FEATURES VILLENELLE, FLORENTENES, BINO BAMES & DIE TWICE Live Nation & FAE Group, a creative investment and services platform operating in music & fashion,...more
Gilles Peterson, Ezra Collective, Fontaines D.C. and BINA. Honoured at 15th Independent Music Awards
Gilles Peterson awarded 'Outstanding Contribution to Music', while Cosey Fanni Tutti receives 'Innovator' award' 'Best Independent Album' goes to Fontaines D.C.'s Romance, Ezra Collective wins 'Best Independent Track' for God Gave Me Feet For Dancing (ft. Yazmin Lacey) Influential 'One To Watch'...more
Armada Music Group Announces Opening of New Complex in London, Bolstering its Offerings for Artists as a Creative Hub
The brand new space features state-of-the art studios and event space to empower its global roster in the UK, and attract new talent in one of dance music's leading markets Armada Music Group, the parent company of the world’s biggest independent...more
RCA Records UK unveils a first-of-its-kind pop up space at Mare Street Market, Kings Cross
Launching Wednesday 24th September, RCA Records UK unveils a first-of-its-kind pop up shop at Mare Street Market, Kings Cross. Presenting a physical space for artist and fan interaction, the shop will spotlight the label's rich legacy through vinyl, curated fan activations, artist merch,...more
Academy Music Group unveils major technical audio and lighting upgrade and refurbishment O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire
Academy Music Group Limited (AMG) has revealed a major investment at its beloved West London venue, O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire. These recent improvements are the latest in a continuous programme of upgrades planned by the company to ensure its venues...more
THE HEADLINES
Hw British and American musical tastes remain distinct (see Analysis)
Oliver Schusser on Apple’s strategy in music (see Features)
Europe’s music sector call for a comprehensive policy strategy and an ambitious budget for Europe’s music sector within AgoraEU (see News)
Artist-led lawsuit against Suno introduces stream-ripping claims (see Digital)
Music Tech has historically been a difficult bet. So why are investors still showing up? (see Comment)
IFPI publishes Music in the EU report (see Reports)
AI music - is it time to explore a blanket approach? (see Opinion)
The music video is back and more important than ever (see Features)
Author Liz Pelly discusses how streaming saved the industry from piracy, but not the artists (see Features)
Why Warner UK’s restructure is a bad thing for British music (see Opinion)
Why virality is not building fandom (see Reports)
Jeremy Sirota’s pre-exit interview: ‘The marketplace needs a strong Merlin’ (see Features)
Music managers contribute value worth £714m to the wider UK music business (see Reports)
New data shows why virality is not building fandom (see Reports)
The reunion tour's effect on music streaming (see Analysis)
Don’t just fund problems: Fix them (see Comment)