Spotify and Universal Music Group have revealed licensing agreements that allow fans to produce AI generated covers and remixes of songs from participating artists and songwriters.
The new feature will be introduced as a paid add-on for Spotify Premium subscribers, as announced by the companies on Thursday, May 21, establishing what they refer to as an extra revenue source for artists and songwriters in addition to the current Spotify royalties.
The agreements between UMG and Spotify include both recorded music and music publishing. All Spotify users will have the ability to listen to the tracks created.
It is important to note that the official announcement did not specify the generative AI technology that supports this new feature, nor did it confirm a particular price or launch date.
Co-CEO Alex Norström of Spotify has said, “Addressing complex challenges in music is what Spotify excels at, and fan-created covers and remixes are the next step. What we are developing is based on consent, credit, and compensation for the artists and songwriters involved.”
He added that throughout each technological advancement, Spotify collaborated with Sir Lucian and his team to improve the music ecosystem, making it a richer and more rewarding experience for fans, while also providing greater benefits for artists and songwriters.
On the other hand, the Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Group, Sir Lucian Grainge stated “The most significant innovations in the music industry consistently bring artists and fans closer together.
He suggested that the principle is central to this groundbreaking AI-driven superfan initiative, which aims to strengthen human creativity, fan connections, and generate additional revenue opportunities for artists and songwriters.
Read more: Taylor Swift officially certifies as an AI-free artist on Spotify
