MySpace makes peace with Indies

MySpace Music has settled with one of its fiercest critics, Merlin, settling a 14-month standoff. MySpace - the social networking sensation of 2005 - launched a music portal in September last year, but only with the four major labels. Since MySpace had built its reputation on new independent bands, you can see why the snub hurt.

"After more than a year of negotiations, MySpace Music has finally offered Merlin a deal that is acceptable to its members, members who represent 10% of the global music market," a spokesman told us.

A statement vowed that, "The same eligibility and level of participation will be offered to all independent labels licensing content to MySpace Music."

This week MySpace owner News Corp. announced it was acquiring Imeem, the now legit. file streaming service.

Sometimes referred to as "the fifth major", Merlin represents thousands of small independent labels. We're not sure how many, at the last count, but 12,000 labels had joined when the network launched in 2007.®