After months of being at loggerheads with various independent labels and label groups over streaming rates for its new paid-for service, YouTube has made a significant step by signing a deal with Merlin Network.
Merlin represents over 12,000 labels, including major players such as XL (who bring with them artists including SBTRKT, pictured), Domino, PIAS and !K7 and claims to have around 10% of the recorded music market share (figures from 2013).
Details of the deal have not been disclosed, but negotiations previously fell apart when it was reported that independent labels were not being offered similar royalty rates from use of their music on the platform compared to those being received by major labels.