Merlin’s payments to its 20,000 label members has surpassed $500 million annually, according the 10th anniversary report just released by the global indie music licensor. A dive into the data shows an indie sector that, by some measures, is benefiting from the streaming revolution even more than their major label…
Category archives: Indie Labels
Why Every Indie Needs A Ninja
Music DIY can be frustrating and tiring. Whether you are an indie label, manager, DIY artist or, like most of us, wear many hats, you often need help – qualified help – to do tasks ranging from creating a tour poster to mastering a track or launching an entire record…
Grammys Expand Best Album, Song, Record, New Artist Categories and More
The Grammy Awards are making changes, some of which appear to be a response to the miniscule number of women nominated last year. Others changes effect music supervisors and the World Music category. The Recording Academy is increasing the number of nominees in the big “General Field” Grammy categories -…
How To Guide For Cover Art On Spotify, Streaming Services
While cover art no longer carries quite the same weight as it once did (with music less often purchased as a physical product) it remains an essential part of the marketing puzzle. Here we look at the guidelines for when it comes to putting your music on streaming services. ________________________…
How To Have A Successful Artist Interview from Billboard’s Kevan Kenney
As an up-and-coming artist, getting interviewed by represents an exciting opportunity to tell your story and reach new fans. But pulling off a successful interview takes planning. Kevin Kenney of Billboard shares tips on how to make it work. _____________________ Guest post by Leslie Richin from the Spotify For Artists…
A2IM Libera Indie Awards Winners 2018: Slowdive Wins Album Of The Year
Last week’s American Association Of Independent Music Libera Awards in New York City celebrated the best in independent music. Hosted by comedian Kate Wolff and sponsored by SoundExchange and BuzzAngle, the evening included a special celebration of Merlin’s 10th Anniversary. 2018 Libera Award Winners Best Live Act Nick Cave Best…
Hopeless Records Celebrates 25 Years Of Indie Music
Indie Hopeless Records is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and the Van Nuys-based label kicked things off this week by debuting a brand new logo. Since its inception in 1993, Hopeless has come to be regarded as one of the most iconic and longest standing independent record labels. They’ve…
Create Playlists Simultaneously on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Napster, More Free with Soundsgood
Playlist distribution and sharing app Soundgood has announced a new integration with Napster and an improved integration with Apple Music. The app, which enables playlist distribution and updates to multiple streamers simultaneously, is used by 19,000 influencers and music companies. Along with thousands of musicians and playlisters, all three major…
Elektra Music Group To Launch As Standalone Company
Elektra Music Group is launching as a stand-alone, fully staffed label group under Warner Music Group’s Atlantic Records Group umbrella. It will bring together Elektra, Fueled By Ramen (FBR), Roadrunner, Low Country Sound, and Black Cement Records, which will each be nurtured as a unique label brand. At launch, the…
Sony, Orchard Share $750M Spotify Windfall With Indie Artists, Labels Regardless Of Recoupment
Sony Music will begin sending checks sharing its $750 million windfall from the sale of Spotify stock with the independent artists it distributes through its Orchard subsidiary as soon as August. ____________________________________ Sony Music and The Orchard have confirmed that they will share the proceeds from the sale of shares…