Merlin and Coda Music Partner to Transform the Social Streaming Experience
Merlin, the independent’s digital music licensing partner, is excited to announce a new partnership with Coda Music, a first-of-a-kind platform set out to redefine how fans connect with artists and discover music. Through the partnership, Merlin members’ premium music catalogue will help to power Coda Music’s new music platform to drive deeper fan engagement and community-driven music discovery.
The vision of Coda Music is to bridge the gap between traditional streaming services and social communities. Coda Music is reimagining streaming as an interactive, artist-led experience, where fans discover music through community-driven recommendations, discussions, and exclusive content. The platform’s unique social ecosystem enhances discovery while allowing artists to cultivate more meaningful relationships with their audiences.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Merlin and ignite a new movement of music experiences,” said Randy Fusee, Founder & CEO of Coda Music. “Independent music is built upon community. In the same fashion, we built Coda Music to foster enhanced connections between independent artists and their fans. With Merlin’s community of leading independent rightsholders, we can provide fans with an array of incredible music while artists benefit from a direct line to superfans. This partnership is about redefining what it means to discover, share, and celebrate music in the digital age.”
Through this partnership, Merlin’s global membership will have access to Coda Music’s cutting-edge suite of social and discovery-driven features. Artists can engage with vibrant fan communities, sharing exclusive behind-the-scenes content and forging deep, meaningful bonds with their audiences. Coda Music also introduces fan-driven discovery, where users follow both artists and fellow fans, exchanging recommendations and shaping music conversations in real time. The platform’s Music Personality Profiles -automatically track user preferences, making it easier for listeners to find new favorites while connecting with like-minded music lovers.
Jeremy Sirota, CEO of Merlin, commented: “Merlin’s mission is to create new opportunities to help independents reach their full potential. This partnership offers a truly immersive and interactive music experience—not only to amplify the reach of independent music, but deepen the connection between artists and their fans in ways never before imagined. Randy and his team are building something truly special, and we’re thrilled to be part of this exciting journey.”
Ryan McWhinnie, VP of Business and Legal Affairs at Merlin, said: “Coda Music has an exciting vision to change the way that artists and fans interact. By combining Merlin members’ premium and diverse music with a dynamic social platform, Coda Music wants to create a future where engagement and conversation is as integral to the music experience as listening to the songs themselves.”
About Merlin
Merlin is the independent’s digital music licensing partner. We’ve negotiated premium deals with Apple, Canva, Meta, Spotify, YouTube, and 40 other innovative platforms around the world. Our global membership is from 70+ countries around the world, representing 15% of the recorded music market. We are independent record labels, distributors, label services companies, and other rightsholders. Merlin operates for the benefit of its members, without investors looking for an exit, and is funded entirely by our low 1.5% admin fee. Merlin helps the world’s leading independents to own their digital business through world-class deals and white-glove support.
Merlin’s membership includes independents such as !K7, Armada Music Group, AudioSalad, Better Noise, Cinq Music Group, Curb Records, Domino, Exceleration Music, Freeme Digital, Hopeless Records, IDOL, Kontor New Media, Lex Records, Mad Decent, MNRK Music Group, Mom & Pop Music, Ninja Tune, ONErpm, Polyvinyl Records, Pony Canyon, Redeye, Reservoir Media, Secret City, Secretly, Stones Throw, Vydia, Wagram Music, Warp Records, Zebralution, and hundreds more.
Find out more at www.merlinnetwork.org
About Coda Music
Coda Music is a next-generation, artist-led, fan-driven streaming service that seamlessly blends the best features of social media with on-demand music streaming. In partnership with the world’s largest rights holders, Coda Music offers subscribers full access to the global catalog of recorded music. Designed to foster deeper connections, Coda Music empowers artists and fans to share, collaborate, and curate powerful music discovery experiences.
