Beats Music Partners With British Agency

In pursuing independent artists and labels, Beats Music has inked a deal with British agency, Merlin.

On Thursday the streaming music service publicly announced a multi-year licensing deal with Merlin, an indie agency that negotiates digital licensing deals on behalf of its 20,000 members, including those that represent the likes of Prodigy.

Contract terms have not been disclosed, however, both companies report Merlin will receive the same royalty rate as those allotted to major labels, highlighting the importance of independent music archives to digital streaming services such as Beats.

"While other services may try to get away with paying independent labels and artists less, we’re paying all repertoire-owners equally because it’s the right thing to do,” Beats Music CEO Ian Rogers said in a statement.

[Via Billboard]