MUMBAI: Worldwide Independent Network (WIN), a representative organisation exclusively for the worldwide independent music community has publicly endorsed Apple Music. This news comes after Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services, Eddy Cue tweeted that Apple would, after all, be paying artists during the 90-day period free trial. This contradicted a deal condition that earlier asked independent music labels to forego royalty payments to music artists during that time.

The endorsement came soon after Billboard exclusively revealed that Apple’s upcoming music service had struck licensing deals with Merlin, the worldwide independent music rights agency, and British record company Beggars Group.

Speaking on the endorsement, WIN CEO Alison Wenham said in a statement, “I am pleased to say that Apple has made a decision to pay for all usage of Apple Music under the free trials on a per-play basis. With these changes, we are happy to support and endorse the deal.” She further added that Apple Music provides artists with a business model that is good for the long term.

“I am pleased to say that Apple has made a decision to pay for all usage of Apple Music under the free trials on a per-play basis,” said Merlin CEO Charles Caldas. He further added that, with these changes, Merlin is happy to support the deal. Also stated in the letter was that Apple has indicated that in the future, they are open to engaging with Merlin as a central point of communication and negotiation. Merlin represents more than 20,000 independent music labels and distributors across 40 countries.

Martin Mills, chairman of Beggars Group, which houses four of the most recognisable independent record labels – 4AD, Matador, Rough Trade and XL Recordings, said in a statement, “Over the last few days we have had increasingly fruitful discussions with Apple. We are now delighted to say that we are happy to endorse the deal with Apple Music as it now stands, and look forward to being a big part of a very exciting future.”

WIN was founded in July 2006 in response to business, creative and market access issues faced by the independent sector everywhere.