Spotify and Universal Music strike deal allows AI songs and fan-made remixes

I notice, sun. Spotify announced on Thursday that it has partnered with Universal Music Group (UMG) to let fans use generative AI technology to create covers and remixes of their favorite songs. The tool will launch as a paid add-on available only to Spotify Premium subscribers and will provide a revenue share with participating artists for AI-generated music based on their work.

The company did not announce prices or the launch date of the new tool, but the two companies reached a licensing agreement. However, it was Spotify Excited Its plans last year, noting that it was working with Universal Music Group, Sony Music Group, Warner Music Group, Merlin, and Believe to develop AI products for artists first.

Spotify said at the time that the AI ​​tools would be created through “advance agreements, not by asking for forgiveness later,” an apparent criticism of other players in the space, such as Suno.

Among the principles Spotify has made clear: Artists and rights holders should be able to choose whether and how to participate in AI tools, and if they do, they should be compensated fairly.

“Solving tough problems for music is what Spotify does, and fan-made covers and remixes are next. What we’re building is grounded in approval, credit and compensation for participating artists and songwriters,” Spotify co-CEO Alex Norstrom said in a statement about the UMG agreement. “Through each technology shift, we’ve worked alongside Sir Lucien (Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group) and his team to evolve the music ecosystem into a richer, more rewarding experience for fans and more outcomes To please the artists and songwriters.”

Meanwhile, UMG Chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge described the development as a way for artists to deepen their relationships with fans while also creating additional revenue opportunities. There is no information yet about the artists who have agreed to participate in UMG.

While services like Suno and Udio have been leaders in the AI ​​music space, they have moved forward on shaky legal ground when building their own music-making tools using AI. Unsurprisingly, major brands were quickly sued. In November, Sonu was finished settlement A $500 million lawsuit with Warner Music Group, which came shortly after Universal Music Group (UMG) settled its own suit with Udio.

Today, Sonu Still facing copyright claims From UMG and Sony Music, Among other things. Udio, meanwhile, has settle With Warner Music and UMG, but is still working on a settlement with Sony.

Given the demand for this type of activity from consumers, Spotify went straight to brands for a deal of its own. UMG could be the first of many upcoming partnerships, although the company has not explicitly stated this.

The news was shared amid a slew of Spotify Investor Day announcements on Thursday, which also included… AI-powered audiobook creation tool, AI-powered features for podcastersDesktop application To produce personalized podcasts via artificial intelligenceand Concert tickets are reserved for VIP fans.