/
For independentsNot the three majors. Merlin exists so independent labels and distributors get the deals and tools the majors have, without becoming one.
/ Merlin Network · Member since 2014
Independent, and
Independent, and
not alone
limbo/ has been a member of Merlin since 2014, the global network of the world's leading independent music companies. It is how an independent label or distributor reaches the major DSPs on major-label terms, without answering to a major or a VC. Our CEO, Fer Isella, served on the Merlin Board from 2024 to 2026.
Member since2014
Board2024–2026
Network500+ independents
Catalog30,000+ labels
Market~15% global
The network What is the
What is the
Merlin Network
Merlin is the member-led digital licensing network for the world's independent music companies. Its stated purpose is "ensuring the world's leading independents have access to the deals, tools, and opportunities to succeed in the digital marketplace." It represents over 500 members managing 30,000+ labels, negotiates with 40+ digital platforms, and accounts for roughly 15% of the global recorded-music market, entirely outside the three majors.
$
Major-label termsCollectively negotiated agreements with 40+ DSPs, Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and more, on terms an independent could not reach alone.
%
Real scale500+ members, 30,000+ labels, and around 15% of the global recorded-music market. Independence at the scale of a major.
limbo & Merlin A member since 2014,
A member since 2014,
on the board since 2024
limbo/ joined Merlin in 2014. We are an independent, founder-owned music-tech company, and the first Latin American distributor to sign directly with iTunes. Merlin membership is not a logo on a page: it is part of how we deliver independent infrastructure with no conflict of interest.
/ FROM FER'S MERLIN INTERVIEW
"The DIY world can be tremendously lonely, both in success and in failure."
Fer Isella, Co-Founder & CEO, limbo/ · Read the full interview on Merlin ↗
Why it matters Independence, at the
Independence, at the
scale of a major
All three majors now own independent distribution infrastructure. Merlin is the counterweight, and limbo/ is built on it.
/
No conflict of interestFounder-owned, no majors, no VCs. Merlin is member-led and independent too, so the whole chain stays on your side.
+
Direct plus Merlinlimbo/'s own direct DSP contracts and Merlin access together mean broad reach on strong terms, feeding straight into distribution and royalties.
@
People who show upWe do not just hold a membership; we help steer the network. Real humans, on the board and on your account.
FAQ limbo & Merlin,
limbo & Merlin,
answered
Is limbo/ a member of Merlin?
Yes. limbo/ has been a member of Merlin since 2014. Merlin is the global digital licensing network for independent music companies, and membership gives limbo/ and its clients access to direct, competitive deals with the major DSPs while staying fully independent.
What is Merlin Network?
Merlin is a member-led digital licensing platform whose stated purpose is "ensuring the world's leading independents have access to the deals, tools, and opportunities to succeed in the digital marketplace." It represents 500+ independent members managing 30,000+ labels, and accounts for roughly 15% of the global recorded-music market, entirely outside the three majors.
Was limbo/ on the Merlin board?
Yes. limbo/ co-founder and CEO Fer Isella served on the Merlin Network Board of Directors (2024-2026), helping steer the network that represents independent music worldwide.
What does Merlin membership mean for limbo/ clients?
It means your catalog reaches the major DSPs on collectively negotiated, competitive terms, the kind of scale usually reserved for major labels, without giving up your independence. Combined with limbo/'s own direct contracts, it is how an independent label or distributor competes on equal footing.
Merlin Network Independent, and
Independent, and
not alone
Reach the major DSPs on competitive terms, keep your independence, and work with a partner that helps lead the network for independents. That is what membership since 2014 buys you.
Last updated: June 2026. limbo/ is an independent, founder-owned music-tech company and a Merlin member since 2014.