Spotify will let users make AI remixes and covers under UMG deal

In short: Spotify and Universal Music Group have agreed to let Spotify users create AI-made remixes and covers of licensed songs, with royalties paid to participating artists.

What happened

Spotify and Universal Music Group, or UMG, announced a licensing deal for a new feature that lets listeners generate remixes and covers using AI.

A remix is a changed version of an existing song. A cover is a new performance of a song, like when a band plays another artist’s track. In this case, Spotify says users will be able to type prompts, meaning written instructions, to guide the AI (like telling a music helper what style to use).

The feature will be a paid add-on for Spotify Premium subscribers. Artists will be able to opt out, meaning they can choose not to have their music used this way. Spotify says artists who participate will receive royalties, which are payments based on how music is used.

Spotify has not said when the add-on will launch, or how much it will cost beyond a Premium subscription.

Why it matters

For listeners, this could make it easier to create and share new versions of songs without needing music production skills. For artists and songwriters, the key issue is control and payment. Spotify says this program is built around consent, credit, and compensation, but the real test will be how clearly the opt-out works, how the remixes are labeled, and whether the royalty payments feel fair.

Source: The Verge AI