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

Make sure, the sun. Spotify on Thursday announced that it has partnered with Universal Music Group (UMG) to allow fans to use AI technology to create covers and edits of their favorite songs. The tool will be launched as a paid add-on available only to Spotify’s Premium subscribers and will provide a share of revenue with participating artists for AI-generated music based on their work.

The company did not share pricing or a launch date for the new device, only that the two companies have agreed on a license. However, Spotify was to be laughed at its plans last year, noting that it is working with Universal Music Group, Sony Music Group, Warner Music Group, Merlin, and Believe to create the first AI recordings.

AI tools can be developed through “future contracts, not apologies later,” Spotify said at the time, a clear move for other players in the space, such as Suno.

Among the points that Spotify explained: artists and rights holders should decide whether to participate in AI tools, and if they do, they should be compensated accordingly.

“Solving difficult music problems is what Spotify does, and fan-made covers and remixes are the result. What we are building is based on permission, credit, and payment to artists and songwriters who participate,” said Spotify Co-CEO Alex Norström, in a statement about the UMG partnership. “Through every technology change, we have worked closely with Sir Lucian (Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Group) and his team to transform music into something richer, more rewarding for fans and more rewarding for artists and songwriters.”

UMG Chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge, meanwhile, promoted the development as a way for artists to expand their relationship with fans and generate revenue. No word yet on when UMG artists have agreed to participate.

While services such as Suno and Udio have been pioneers in the AI ​​music space, they’ve gone ahead of the curve when building their own AI music creation tools. Unsurprisingly, major labels quickly sued. In November, Suno finished stability a $500 million lawsuit with Warner Music Group, which came shortly after Universal Music Group (UMG) settled its suit with Udio.

Today, it’s Suno still facing copyright claims from UMG and Sony Music, among others. Udio, right now stability and Warner Music and UMG, but is still working to settle with Sony.

Seeing this kind of demand from consumers, Spotify went straight to the labels to get its money. UMG may be the first of many such organizations to come, although the company has not said so.

The news was split between several Investor Day announcements from Spotify on Thursday, which included An audiobook creation tool powered by AI, AI-powered content for podcasterscomputer software create your own podcasts through AIand reserve tickets for top performers.