Today Mixcloud is excited to announce a direct licensing agreement with Warner Music Group. Our first direct deal with a major record label.
This new recorded music licensing agreement with Warner Music Group will usher in a new phase for Mixcloud. The deal will help enable an innovative subscription offering. One that allows fans to subscribe to individual creator profiles for a more interactive listening experience. This approach will help audio creators on the platform monetise their content by developing a new marketplace for audio subscriptions.
The Mixcloud platform offers a diverse collection of serialised, long-form, and exclusive audio content. Over 12 million radio shows, DJ sets, and Podcasts. These are produced by over 1 million of the best tastemakers and curators in the business. This includes DJs such as Carl Cox and Tiesto and Talking Heads frontman David Byrne. In addition to independent radio stations like London’s NTS and The Guardian Podcasts.
Our platform’s proprietary Content ID system is capable of identifying individual tracks within long-form user generated audio. It tracks usage data and currently pays out royalties to local collecting societies.
“We are excited to partner with Warner Music Group,” said Nico Perez, Co-Founder and Director of Content at Mixcloud. “Since the beginning, we have worked with rightsholders to both monetise long-form audio and champion the importance of curation in the streaming industry. As we embark on direct licensing relationships with the major labels, we are committed to doing what is best for artists, curators, music fans, and the industry.”
“This deal is a good example of our willingness to experiment and lead in embracing differentiated new business models,” said Ole Obermann, EVP, Business Development & Chief Digital Officer, Warner Music Group. “As streaming opens up access to a vast universe of music, we are seeing a complimentary rise in fans’ engagement with curated experiences, such as playlists, on-demand radio shows, and DJ sets. Mixcloud’s success is driven by the curiosity and passion of its community, as they engage with new music and rediscover timeless older songs. As we see that user base expand, this partnership will unlock new commercial value for our artists and their music.”
You can read the full story in the Financial Times and Music Business Worldwide.