Spotify Partners With Sony, Universal, Warner to Develop AI Products

This is an important step towards interacting with artificial intelligence and its impact on the music industry. Spotify has entered into a partnership with three major record companies – Sony Music Group, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group – as well as licensing giant Merlin and global digital music company Believe to develop “responsible” artificial intelligence products that empower artists and songwriters.

Spotify announced its latest initiative to make “significant investments in artificial intelligence research and product development,” according to a press release, marking one of the first times major music companies have come together to develop tools that address concerns artists and songwriters have about using artificial intelligence in the music space. Spotify notes that it hopes to expand its partnership to additional distributors and rights holders over time.

While Spotify doesn't describe any specific products in development, the company says there are plans to build a generative AI research lab and product development team to develop technologies that reflect its mission. They highlight four areas of activity: partnering with labels, distributors and publishing companies to develop products for artists and fans based on upfront agreements; providing artists and rights holders with the opportunity to consent to the use of generative musical tools; creating products to create new revenue streams; and creating a stronger connection between artist and fan using artificial intelligence tools.

“Some voices in the technology industry believe that copyright should be abolished. We do not,” the press release said. “Musicians' rights matter. Copyright matters. If the music industry doesn't lead now, AI-powered innovation will start happening elsewhere, without rights, consent or compensation. Together with rights holders, artists and songwriters, we are making significant investments in AI research and product development.”

The news comes less than a month after Spotify announced anti-AI measures on its platform, saying it had removed more than 75 million “spammy” tracks in the past 12 months. Spotify said its new protections include a policy to combat unauthorized imitations (“deepfakes”) and fraudulent music uploaded to official artist profiles, as well as an enhanced spam filter to prevent bulk uploads, duplicates, SEO hacks and artificially short tracks designed to fraudulently increase streaming numbers. broadcasts and payments.

As artificial intelligence becomes more popular in the music industry, record labels are beginning to address the challenges associated with it. Last week, Universal Music Group Chairman and CEO Lucien Grainge sent a memo to his employees outlining efforts to develop business opportunities related to the AI ​​generation to benefit songwriters and artists and generate new revenue. He explained that UMG is working with AI developers to implement responsible AI and product agreements, outlined how artists can get involved, and detailed what the company is doing to encourage responsible AI policies.

Regarding Spotify's newest initiative, Alex Norström, co-president and chief business officer, said: “Technology should always serve artists, not the other way around. Our goal at Spotify is to ensure innovation supports artists by protecting their rights, respecting their creative choices, and creating new ways for fans to discover and enjoy the music they love.”

Grange said: “For several years, we have been driving initiatives with our partners to put artists at the center of the Gen AI conversation and have entered into agreements focused on artists who are creating innovative new means to unlock the possibilities presented by this revolutionary technology. I thank Daniel, Alex and Gustav for taking these important steps forward to advance this approach. Very It's important that we work with strategic partners like Spotify to bring Gen AI products to life in a thriving commercial environment where artists, songwriters, fans, music and technology companies can all thrive.”

Sony Music Group Chairman Rob Stringer added: “We're excited to partner with Spotify to develop responsible generative AI offerings that expand opportunities for artists and songwriters while improving the music experience for fans. This recognizes that direct licensing before launching new products is the only appropriate way to create them, and demonstrates how a properly functioning market benefits all ecosystem participants and stimulates innovation. We appreciate and applaud Spotify's leadership during this critical time.”

“We are constantly striving to make artificial intelligence work for artists and songwriters, not against them,” said Robert Kinkle, CEO of Warner Music Group. “This means working with partners who understand the need for new AI licensing agreements that protect and compensate copyright holders and the creative community. We support Spotify's thoughtful efforts to protect AI and welcome the opportunity to create the future together.”

Merlin Chief Operating Officer Charlie Lexton said: “Merlin's approach to using artificial intelligence in music is simple. We actively seek partners who respect and value copyright, respect and value creative people, and want to enrich, not displace, the creative community. Spotify's AI principles announced today demonstrate that same commitment. We're excited to work with together to ensure that these principles are translated into products that truly enhance the creative and commercial ecosystem – to the benefit of our independent members, their artists and their fans.”

“At Believe, we have always seen two sides of AI and GenAI,” explained Denis Ladegaillerie, founder and CEO of Believe. “On the one hand, it is 'responsible AI', focused on protecting artists and copyrights, guided by our four principles of consent, control, compensation and transparency. On the other, it is 'value-creating AI', innovations that put artists and their careers at the center, empowering creativity, accelerating music discovery and deepening fan engagement. Supporting recent experiences Spotify's initiative to strengthen AI advocacy, we are now thrilled to be collaborating with Spotify to co-develop 'creative AI' tools that will advance artist development and open up new creative and commercial opportunities.”

Gustav Söderström, co-president and chief product and technology officer at Spotify, added: “AI is the most significant technological shift since the advent of smartphones, and it is already changing the way music is created and experienced. At Spotify, we want to build this future hand in hand with the music industry, guided by clear principles and a deep respect for creators like us did during the times of piracy. Our company brings deep research expertise to this opportunity, and we are actively developing our AI team and capabilities to further grow the entire music ecosystem.”