Tag: licensing partnership

Merlin and Spotify Extend Multiyear Global Licensing Partnership

September 30, 2025

Spotify and Merlin, the digital music licensing partner for the world’s leading independents, today announced the renewal of their global, multiyear licensing partnership. This agreement reinforces the vital role of independent music on Spotify and provides Merlin members continued access to a platform that reaches fans worldwide.

This expanded partnership reflects both companies’ commitment to the independent community and its impact on global culture. Over their 17-year collaboration, Spotify and Merlin have partnered to help independent artists and labels succeed across both emerging and established markets. Together, they have played an instrumental role in building and sustaining careers while fueling the global rise of genres such as Afrobeats and Amapiano, reigniting interest in rock, and supporting the continued growth of alternative, electronic, rap, Latin, and many other genres championed by independent labels.

“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 and Chief Business Officer at 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.”

As Spotify evolves, this agreement ensures that Merlin’s independent membership stands ready to shape the future of streaming as a key partner, helping to build a sustainable, artist-centered ecosystem for the next generation of independent artists, labels, and distributors.

Sony Music Group and Spotify Announce Expanded Multiyear Global Partnership

September 18, 2025

Spotify and Sony Music Group today announced an extension and expansion of their long-standing, successful global partnership. As part of their ongoing collaboration, Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Music Publishing have each entered into multiyear agreements with Spotify focused on delivering continued growth and innovation in music streaming that provides greater value for artists, songwriters, and consumers worldwide.

Together, Spotify and Sony Music Group will work to keep improving the listening experience while creating more opportunities for artists and songwriters to reach audiences everywhere. These initiatives will launch new product offerings, including enhanced audio and visual formats that enable deeper connections with fans.

Spotify’s agreement with Sony Music Publishing includes a new direct licensing arrangement in the US, ensuring songwriters share more directly in the growth of streaming.

“Our partnership with Sony is built on a shared drive to shape the future of music. Together, we’re accelerating the pace of innovation to create powerful new opportunities and increasing revenue for artists and songwriters,” said Daniel Ek, Spotify’s Founder and CEO. “These agreements aren’t just a milestone; they’re a catalyst for building a more dynamic and prosperous music ecosystem for everyone.”

Rob Stringer, Chairman of Sony Music Group, said, “Sony Music Group and Spotify have long been mutually committed to advancing music streaming and growing the marketplace for all. This is further reflected in our new agreements, where we’re working to develop futuristic approaches that ensure our artists and songwriters remain appropriately compensated for their work, and audiences are getting a high-quality experience that’s ever evolving.”

“These deals with Sony Music Group are built to better support artists and songwriters by unlocking new formats and forging deeper connections with fans,” said Alex Norström, Co-President and Chief Business Officer at Spotify. “This alignment creates space for new opportunities and long-term growth for everyone involved.”