Secretly Group & Merge Records Partnership
- The Secretly Group has increased its influence in the indie music scene by acquiring a 50% stake in Merge Records.
- The partnership discussions began when Laura Ballance, Merge co-founder, decided to leave her role as co-president.
- Ballance reflected on her departure, stating she never intended to run a record label for her entire life.
Secretly Group makes a major move, acquiring a 50% stake in Merge records, expanding its reach within the indie music scene. This strategic partnership brings Merge Records, known for artists like Neutral Milk Hotel and Arcade Fire, firmly within Secretly’s distribution network. Laura Ballance steps down as co-president after 36 years, with Mac McCaughan remaining as Merge’s president. Superchunk’s upcoming album will be the first distributed by Secretly Group. news Directory 3 reports this notable consolidation in the music industry. Discover what’s next for these iconic labels and the artists they represent.
Secretly Group Acquires Stake in Merge Records
Updated June 15, 2025
The Secretly Group has increased its influence in the indie music scene by acquiring a 50% stake in Merge Records. Merge is known for releasing albums by artists such as Neutral Milk Hotel, Spoon and Arcade Fire.this move expands Secretly’s distribution deal with Merge, bringing the label into its network, which includes dead Oceans, Jagjaguwar, Saddest Factory and secretly Canadian.
The partnership discussions began when Laura Ballance, Merge co-founder, decided to leave her role as co-president. Mac McCaughan, her Superchunk bandmate and fellow co-founder, will remain president and head of A&R. Other senior Merge staff will also stay in their positions.
Ballance reflected on her departure, stating she never intended to run a record label for her entire life. After 36 years, she wants to pursue other interests, including art, travel, volunteering and writing.
McCaughan said he has known many people in the Secretly world for years and believes they share Merge’s dedication to artists.
Superchunk’s upcoming album, Songs in the Key of Yikes, slated for release Aug. 22, will be the first Merge record distributed worldwide by Secretly.
what’s next
The acquisition signals a continued consolidation in the indie music landscape, with Secretly Group poised to further leverage Merge Records’ catalog and artist roster.