Spotify and Merlin Strike Licensing Deal for Fan Remix Tool

Spotify and independent licensing agency Merlin have reached an agreement that will allow artists from Merlin-member labels to make their music available for a forthcoming fan-made covers and remixing tool. The deal ensures rightsholders are credited and compensated when listeners create derivative works from their catalog.

The tool, which Spotify previously announced will launch as a paid add-on, is designed to generate an additional revenue stream for participating artists. It will let fans engage with tracks in new ways while directing listeners back to the original recordings.

“This agreement with Merlin ensures participating artists are credited and compensated, and that every creation drives listeners back to the original work,” said Charlie Hellman, SVP and Global Head of Music at Spotify. “We’re proud to extend this model to the independent community, and we look forward to welcoming more partners as we continue to build.”

Charlie Lexton, CEO of Merlin, said: “Giving our members’ artists the choice to make their music available as part of this exciting technology, while ensuring the opportunity to participate in an additional revenue stream, is exactly what Merlin is here to do. Spotify’s respect for our members’ and their artists’ rights is exemplary, making our decision to work on this project an easy one.”

Spotify, launched in 2008, is the world’s largest audio streaming subscription service with 777 million monthly active users, including 300 million subscribers across 184 markets. The platform offers more than 100 million tracks, 7 million podcast titles, and 700,000 audiobooks.

Merlin negotiates digital licensing deals on behalf of independent labels and distributors worldwide. Its members represent approximately 15% of the global recorded music market and include partners such as Apple, YouTube, and Meta, among more than 40 other platforms.