The ink has reportedly dried on a new licensing agreement between Spotify and Universal Music Group, allowing users of the streaming giant to craft AI-generated remixes and covers of songs from participating UMG acts.
Revealed as part of Spotify’s Investor Day presentation on Thursday, May 21st, the platform explains that UMG-signed artists and songwriters who choose to participate will be able to access new revenue streams as Spotify's AI models allow users to create new covers and remixes.
The feature will be available to Premium users as a paid add-on, though there's no word yet as to when it will roll out.
“Solving hard problems for music is what Spotify does, and fan-made covers and remixes are next,” said Spotify’s Co-CEO Alex Norström in a statement. “What we’re building is grounded in consent, credit, and compensation for the artists and songwriters that take part.
“Through each technological transformation, we have worked together with Sir Lucian and his team to evolve the music ecosystem into a richer, more beneficial experience for fans and a more rewarding outcome for artists and songwriters.”
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“The most valuable innovations in the music business always bring artists and fans closer together,” added Universal Music Group’s Chairman and CEO, Sir Lucian Grainge. “That principle is at the heart of this pioneering AI-enabled superfan initiative, which is designed to support human artistry, deepen fan relationships, and create additional revenue opportunities for artists and songwriters.
“Building on our long track record of leading the industry through technology changes, and collaborating with Alex, Gustav [Söderström, Co-CEO], Daniel [Ek, Executive Chairman] and the team at Spotify, this initiative is firmly artist-centric, rooted in responsible AI, and will drive growth for the entire ecosystem.”
This news follows on from Spotify's increased approach to AI in recent months. While they announced new measures to strengthen protections for artists and producers in an era increasingly-dominated by AI, the past months have also seen the platform introducing both Artist Profile Protection and Verified By Spotify badges, allowing greater transparency and safeguards for both fans and creators.
