Secretly Group and Merge Records: A New Chapter in Independent Music
Secretly Group has recently partnered with Merge Records, with Secretly co-founders acquiring a 50% stake in Merge. Merge's co-founder will remain as label president, while Laura Ballance, Merge's co-founder, is stepping away from the music business. Merge will continue to operate independently but will utilize Secretly Distribution's services for distribution and other aspects of the business.
Merge and Secretly have had a close working relationship for over a decade, sharing a similar outlook on the music business. Superchunk's upcoming album will be the first release distributed worldwide by Secretly. Ballance expressed her desire to explore other interests after running Merge for 36 years. Merge, founded in 1989, has been a significant player in the indie music scene, releasing albums from various acclaimed artists.
Secretly Group, established in 1996, boasts a diverse roster of artists and labels. The partnership between Secretly and Merge aligns with their shared values and commitment to independent music. Merge's success in the '90s and early 2000s was fueled by breakthrough albums from artists like the Magnetic Fields and Neutral Milk Hotel. Both companies weathered the challenges of the music industry's evolution, focusing on artist connections and fan engagement.
The collaboration between Secretly and Merge signifies a new chapter for both labels, combining their strengths to support artists and maintain a thriving independent music ecosystem. The partnership reflects their dedication to preserving the essence of their labels while adapting to industry changes. The future looks promising as they continue to champion great music and artist development.