Spotify and Universal Music Group have signed new recorded music and publishing agreements that will allow Spotify to introduce an AI-powered tool for licensed song covers and remixes.
As per Spotify, this feature will let users create alternate versions of songs from participating artists and songwriters using generative AI technology. According to the announcement, artists and songwriters involved in the program will receive a share of the revenue generated from AI created covers and remixes on the platform.
Spotify plans to launch the tool as a paid add on for Premium subscribers. The company says the feature is designed to create new discovery opportunities while also opening an additional monetization stream for rights holders beyond existing Spotify royalties. The rollout will initially include participating artists and songwriters under UMG’s licensing framework.
Alex Norström, Co-CEO, Spotify, said, “Solving hard problems for music is what Spotify does, and fan-made covers and remixes are next. 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.”
Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Group, said, “The most valuable innovations in the music business always bring artists and fans closer together. 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.”
He further added, “Building on our long track record of leading the industry through technology changes, and collaborating with Alex, Gustav, Daniel and the team at Spotify, this initiative is firmly artist-centric, rooted in responsible AI, and will drive growth for the entire ecosystem.”
