BEGGARS, OTHER INDIES SIGN UP

Talks in New York this week between Apple and Beggars Group chief Martin Mills have borne fruit, as the indie power finally signed a licensing deal for Apple Music on Tuesday.

Mills, who described the deal as “good for everyone involved,” stated for the record, “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.”

Beggars Group includes Rough Trade, Matador, 4AD and XL Recordings, Adele’s label home.

Although Apple is licensing direct with individual indies, Merlin has acted as a filter – having initially advised its members against signing up.

The revised contract was also endorsed by the indie orgs Merlin and World Independent Network.

In a memo to Merlin members, CEO Charles Caldas wrote: "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, 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 the deal.”

WIN CEO Alison Wenham said: “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, as well as to modify a number of other terms that members had been communicating directly with Apple about.”