For the last seven years, Merlin CEO Charles Caldas has been fighting for fair deals for indie labels. In his keynote Q&A, one of this year's Shape of the Future sessions, he'll be revealing what the rights organisation is going to be focusing on next.
Global rights agency Merlin currently represents over 20,000 labels from 39 countries, helping to enhance the commercial exploitation of their copyrights on a global basis. Over the last seven years the agency, under CEO Charles Caldas, has played a central role in shaping numerous agreements that have helped the independent sector maintain and improve its financial health.
What have been some of the key moments of your seven years in charge of Merlin?
Caldas: "Back in 2008 when we made the deal with Spotify would certainly count as one of those, and our first bust-up with MySpace would be another. Looking at where those two platforms are now, it's clear that services with a forward thinking attitude and who understand genres and niche interests were always going to prevail in the current music market. For example in the electronic scene we're seeing some labels that are super engaged, having their DJs streaming live shows, reaching out to fans and driving consumption. But when labels and services get it wrong, it's absolutely not about dancing on their graves, because if they'd all managed to find the right formula and create viable businesses, there would be more value in the market for our members."
What about the next moves on Merlin's agenda?
"The way that the major labels have become ever more concentrated, and how our members are able to compete with them when they are always looking for ways to stack the cards in their favour is an ongoing issue for Merlin. And we will continue to seek to preserve the value of the independent sector through the structure of digital deals, and by guaranteeing and encouraging transparency in those deals. Equally we're concerned about some other popular streaming services, how they fit in the value chain and how they share the revenues they generate from the exploitation of music from our members."
ADE Conference: ADE Pro: Shape of the Future - A one-on-one interview with Merlin CEO Charles Caldas
October 15, 2pm - 2.45pm, more info here
Tickets available here
More ADE Pro, Shape of the Future:
Julien Mitelberg: 'Knowing about a show is just the beginning of the concert experience'
Additional info:
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