December 21, 2009

By By Andre Paine, London

Global independent rights agency Merlin has signed an agreement to add its repertoire to the recently launched Sky Songs service.

The U.K. service, from satellite TV company and Internet Service Provider Sky, combines unlimited streaming with an allocation of MP3 tracks to download for a monthly subscription, priced ?6.49 ($10.46) to ?7.99 ($12.88).

Merlin's member labels include Domino, Demon Records, Ministry of Sound, Na?ve, Cooking Vinyl, Tommy Boy, One Little Indian, Epitaph and !K7, as well as distributors including Finetunes, Kontor New Media, State 51, Virtual Label and Redeye. Artists covered include Arctic Monkeys, Bjork, Tom Waits, Franz Ferdinand, Prodigy, Animal Collective, Rancid and Al Green.

"We aim to constantly grow and improve the Sky Songs service and this addition is a welcome step in that direction," said Sky Songs GM Justin Moodie in a statement.

Charles Caldas, Merlin's CEO, added: "We are delighted the Merlin repertoire will now be available on the Sky Songs service. Combining the strength and profile of our members' artists, the comprehensive set of repertoire already available, and the strength and reach of the Sky brand, we believe Sky Songs will continue to encourage even more music fans to subscribe to access quality music online."

Sky Songs, which launched Oct. 19, already has agreements with the majors and other independents.

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