SPOTIFY
Spotify is trying to put AI music in a paid little box
Spotify’s CEO has defended the company’s move into AI-generated music, saying it wants to offer a controlled alternative to piracy and low-quality AI content.
The platform recently announced a new paid feature that will let Premium users create AI-generated remixes and song covers using music from participating artists.
The feature is part of a deal with Universal Music Group, which helped Spotify’s shares rise by 16%.
CEO Alex Norström told the Financial Times that the goal is to let artists consent to how their music is used and earn money from it.
He said many people are already making unauthorised AI music, so Spotify wants to offer a more regulated version.
But some details are still unclear. Spotify has not said whether users will be able to share these AI remixes publicly, or how the platform would label them.
Composer and copyright campaigner Ed Newton-Rex said AI music based on consent is better than AI music made without permission.
However, he warned that the feature could still create more competition for human artists.
His concern is that if AI remixes can be shared, Spotify could be flooded with AI-made tracks.
That could make it harder for original songs to stand out and push more artists to take part, even if they are unsure about it.
AI music is already gaining attention.
Last year, three AI-generated songs topped music charts, including Spotify’s, showing how quickly the technology is moving into mainstream listening.
What to know:
Spotify is launching paid AI remix tools using music from participating artists.
The company says the feature is based on artist consent and payment.
Critics warn that shareable AI remixes could flood the platform and compete with human-made songs.
One song, too many
The debate also fits into wider concerns around AI and copyright.
In March, the UK government pulled back from a plan that would have allowed AI companies to use copyrighted work without permission after criticism from artists including Elton John and Dua Lipa.
Several AI companies, including Meta and OpenAI, have also faced lawsuits over claims they used copyrighted material to train AI models without consent.
For Spotify, the feature is about making AI music licensed and paid. For artists, the concern is whether it protects their work or creates more competition.
My music era was supposed to be healing playlists and dramatic walks. Now it’s AI remixes with licensing paperwork. -MG