IMPALA, Beggars Group, Merlin, WIN endorse Apple Music. Plus: Pharrell ’exclusive’

IMPALA, Beggars Group, Merlin and WIN have welcomed Apple Music’s decision to pay artists during its free three-month trial, following a ‘swift’ scolding and backlash from indie music sectors around the globe.

IMPALA, Europe’s indie music association, have released a statement following Apple’s announcement that it would pay artists based on a per-play basis and renegotiate its terms with indie labels.

“This is a great precedent in any sector on the benefits of working together and taking a stance to achieve a fair result,” said Helen Smith, Executive Chair of IMPALA. “With 80% of all new releases produced by independent labels, this is also a great result for Apple.

“Their launch will now incorporate the very music that makes an online service attractive to music fans.”

Apple has also negotiated the new terms with Merlin, the global rights agency for the independent sector. Previously, it was believed that Apple planned to bypass Merlin and negotiate directly with independent labels instead. The new terms will apply to all contracts, whether already signed or not.

“The involvement of Merlin is vital considering its fundamental role in strengthening the independent sector,” added Smith. “IMPALA has repeatedly called on online platforms to "play fair" and this is an impressive outcome for independent labels and artists."

In a letter addressed to Merlin members, CEO Charles Caldas said that Merlin was “happy to support the deal,” now that Apple has amended its terms with independent artists. He also indicated a future business relationship between Merlin and Apple, which prior to this month had not existed.

“As you know, Merlin has not historically had a direct contract with Apple […] However, Apple has indicated that in the future they are open to engaging with Merlin as a central point of communication and negotiation for our membership.”

Alison Wenham,Chief Executive ofWIN(Worldwide Independent Network, which comprises over 25 independent trade associations representing thousands of independent music companies globally) has reconsidered her position.

"I am pleased to say that Apple has made a decision to pay for all usage of Apple Music under the free trials on a per-play basis,” said Wenham, “as well as to modify a number of other terms that members had been communicating directly with Apple about. With these changes, we are happy to support and endorse the deal."

Apple has also struck deals with Beggars Group, as well as UK label group PIAS. Beggars posted to its blog:

"Over the last few days we have had increasingly fruitful discussions with Apple. We are now delighted to say that we are happy to endorse the deal with Apple Music as it now stands, and look forward to being a big part of a very exciting future."

TMNhas learned that AIR (Australian Independent Record Labels Association) did not sign a deal with Apple, as the association does not conduct licence agreements on behalf of its members. These deals are done either through the artists' distributor, or directly through the label or with the artist.

In conjunction with this win for independents, Apple has also announced that it will exclusively stream Pharrell’s new track, Freedom. The track was teased during a minute-long promo for Apple Music earlier this month; likewise, Pharrell has also tweeted a 15-second clip of the song. However, a concert video of Pharrell performing the full track has already emerged online, which basically ruins Apple’s bid for exclusivity.

Freedom is set for its official release via Apple Music on June 30,, coinciding with the launch of the new streaming service.