INDIE LABELS RISE WITH THE TIDE

Global indie trade body Merlin has seen its royalty distribution increase more than eightfold over the last five years to reach $300m across the past 12 months as it slashes its admin fee for members by 25% to 1.5% of revenues. The news was announced by CEO Charles Caldas (pictured left) during an Association of Independent Music event in London today, where he celebrated the importance of streaming revenue and changing market dynamics for the indie sector.

It's the sixth time in five years that admin fees have been reduced—falling from 7% in 2012. The latest reduction comes hot on the heels of agreeing a renewed licensing deal with Spotify.

The trade body has also bolstered its team with Warner Bros exec Helen Alexander (pictured right) as Finance Director. Alexander was previously Director of Operations and Business Development at Warner’s Soho-based post-production facility.

Today, Caldas said that digital reps more than 75% of revenues for one in three of its members, with two thirds of members’ businesses growing thanks to streaming, reports Music Ally. In addition, Caldas said that Merlin's overall share of streams is 27% higher on the paid tier of streaming services that also have a freemium option. He added: “Consumers that are actually paying out of their pockets every month for access to these services, are consuming more independent music in the paid environment.”

On physical, 16% of Merlin members make more outside of their home territory. In the digital world, that figure is 40%. Caldas earmarked Argentina and Chile as markets that are “set to be multi-million dollar businesses for Merlin this year," noting that the organisation is set to make more money from audio-streaming in Brazil than in France.