Spotify sees the music industry’s AI problem, and it’s going to do… something about it. On Thursday, the company published a blog post heavy on principles, partnerships and vague plans. Unfortunately, it’s practically devoid of specifics. The most explicit bit is that it’s partnering with the big three music labels. Together, they’ll “develop responsible AI products that empower the artists and songwriters they represent, and connect them with the fans who support them.”
The move follows Spotify’s announcement last month that it would clean up the AI slop proliferating on its platform. The company frames today’s news as a direct defense against competition from unauthorized AI music production. “If the music industry doesn’t lead in this moment, AI-powered innovation will happen elsewhere, without rights, consent or compensation,” the company wrote.
Spotify says artists don’t find that current AI tools are “built to power their careers, their businesses, and their fan bases.” That will inform whatever comes out of the partners’ plans. “We’ll develop new products for artists and fans through upfront agreements, not by asking for forgiveness later,” the company wrote.
Spotify laid out four principles that will guide its hazy plans for “artist-first AI music products.” The first is through partnerships with labels, distributors, and publishers. (In addition to the big three of Sony, Universal and Warner, Spotify is partnering with digital rights company Merlin and the French music label Believe.) The other tenets include choice in participation, fair compensation and artist-fan connections.
Although it’s been forced to tend to the AI music problem on its platform, Spotify has adopted AI features. Most notably, that includes its AI DJ. But it’s also released a personalized daylist and AI Playlist features.
“Our goal is to ensure the future of music innovation happens responsibly, and to invite the best minds in AI to help build it,” Spotify wrote.
