Spotify Partners with Music Giants to Shape the Future of AI Music
Source: cnbc.com
Spotify is teaming up with major music labels to explore how artificial intelligence will change the music industry. This collaboration arrives amidst growing debates about artist compensation and copyright protection in the age of AI.
A United Front on AI
Spotify is partnering with Sony Music Group, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group. Independent licensing agency Merlin and digital music company Believe are also part of the collaboration to develop responsible AI products.
The goal is to create AI tools that respect copyright and fairly compensate artists. Spotify hopes to add more rightsholders and distributors to the partnership in the future.
Spotify's AI Investments
The company is investing in AI research and product development, including launching a new AI research lab and product team. While specific AI tools are still under wraps, Spotify already has AI features like AI DJ and AI Playlist.
These existing features suggest the company wants to use written prompts to generate personalized playlists. Co-president Gustav Söderström said AI is reshaping how music is created and experienced.
Industry Concerns Addressed
The entertainment industry has been increasingly worried about AI infringing on artist copyrights. Universal Music Group CEO Sir Lucian Grainge stated the company will not license any model using an artist's voice or music without consent.
Spotify recently removed over 75 million spammy tracks and introduced policies to protect artists from AI impersonation. This crackdown aimed to combat the rising threat of AI-generated music.
Key Principles for Collaboration
The collaboration will focus on partnerships with record labels, distributors, and music publishers. Choice in participation, fair compensation and revenue, and artist-fan connection are other key principles.
Spotify emphasizes that musicians’ rights and copyright are essential. They believe the music industry must lead AI innovation to ensure rights, consent, and fair compensation are protected.
Controversies Beyond AI
CEO Daniel Ek faced criticism for leading a 600-million-euro funding round for defense technology startup Helsingin June. Some musicians, like King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, removed their music from Spotify in protest.