Radio-like streaming platform Mixcloud has signed a multi-year direct licensing agreement with global indie label rights agency Merlin. Mixcloud recently closed similar deals with Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group, in the run up to the planned launch of a paid subscription service.
Mixcloud offers listeners access to 15 million radio shows, DJ mixes and podcasts produced by 1.3 million creators and and curators. Mixcloud streams that lean heavily indie include online radio stations NTS, The Lot Radio and Red Light Radio; independent record labels Ninja Tune, Tru Thoughts and Hospital Records; and individual creators such as Lefto, J Rocc and Mr Scruff.
“Mixcloud has been built from the ground up by and for a passionate community of creators. Signing this direct licensing deal with Merlin is particularly exciting for us, as the independent label ethos that the Merlin network represents so closely reflect our own values,” said Nico Perez, Co-Founder of Mixcloud. “It makes a lot of sense for us to solidify this relationship with the independent sector, so that we can work toward building a sustainable ecosystem for audio culture.”
Charles Caldas, CEO, Merlin said, “Merlin’s independent label members already contribute to a significant and growing part of Mixcloud’s programming. With a long-term partnership in place we look forward to expanding this relationship, fuelling new innovation, and ensuring our members’ extensive repertoire is reaching the widest possible global audience.”