Spotify partners with record labels to create ‘artist-first’ AI music products

Spotify on Thursday announced a series of deals with major record labels to ensure fair compensation and develop new AI products designed around artists and songwriters within the experience. In partnership with Sony, Universal, Warner and Marlin, the streamer said it will create “responsible AI” products that respect copyright, but allow artists to choose whether they want to allow the use of AI tools.

Spotify hasn’t delved into specifics about how the new tools will work, but the company already offers generative AI experiences for users, including its AI DJ that plays a personalized selection of songs and others that let users request playlists using AI prompts.

Spotify was recently criticized for allowing one AI-generated band music In its service to go viral, the future of music raises the question of whether human art will be pushed aside.

Last month the company said Revised its AI policy To reduce spam, especially by users who upload massive amounts of AI content, create duplicates, and manipulate search and recommendation systems. Spotify also said it will adopt music labeling system DDEX to label when AI is used as part of the music creation process.

Next-gen AI features follow through on that promise by allowing artists to choose to use AI tools if they choose. In all likelihood, the upcoming system will allow artists to identify when their music is used in AI-generated tracks and pay some sort of payment. Spotify notes that the system will expand beyond artists to include other rights holders and distributors over time.

“Some voices in the tech industry believe copyright should be abolished. We don’t. Musicians’ rights matter. Copyright is essential,” Spotify shared in its announcement. “If the music industry doesn’t lead this time, AI-driven innovation will happen elsewhere, without rights, consent or compensation. Together with rights holders, artists and songwriters, we are making significant investments in AI research and product development,” it read.

In addition, Spotify said it has begun building a generative AI research lab and product team focused on developing new technology that reflects its principles of whether and how artists will be able to choose whether to participate in the AI ​​music ecosystem. It says work on the first products has already begun, and more equipment will be on the way.