Spotify, Universal Partner on AI Remix Tool

Taylor Swift Fans Could Soon Remix Her Songs Legally on Spotify

Spotify users may soon be able to legally generate AI remixes of Taylor Swift’s songs.

Spotify and Universal Music Group announced licensing agreements on Thursday that will allow Spotify Premium users to create AI-generated covers and remixes using music from participating artists and songwriters.

“The most valuable innovations in the music business always bring artists and fans closer together,” said Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group, in a statement. “That principle is at the heart of this pioneering AI-enabled superfan initiative, which is designed to support human artistry, deepen fan relationships, and create additional revenue opportunities for artists and songwriters.”

Universal Music Group represents artists including Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan, The Weeknd, Sabrina Carpenter, Lana Del Rey, Post Malone, Billie Eilish, and Olivia Rodrigo.

AI Music Controversy

The debate over AI-generated music intensified in 2023 after a fake song using AI versions of Drake and The Weeknd’s voices circulated on Spotify and YouTube before Universal Music Group compelled platforms to remove it. More recently, Taylor Swift moved to trademark parts of her voice and image after AI-generated deepfakes and fake endorsements targeting the singer spread online.

Tech Platforms Experiment with AI Remix Tools

The announcement also coincides with increasing experimentation with AI remix tools by tech platforms. Earlier this week at Google I/O, YouTube introduced a Shorts Remix feature powered by Gemini that allows users to reimagine other people’s videos by turning them into anime clips, pixel art, or altered scenes with added characters and effects.

Spotify stated that the new tool will launch as a paid add-on for Spotify Premium subscribers. Fans will be able to generate licensed covers and remixes using generative AI technology, while participating artists and songwriters will receive compensation tied to the AI-generated works created on the platform.

“Solving hard problems for music is what Spotify does, and fan-made covers and remixes are next,” said Alex Norström, Spotify Co-CEO, in a statement. “What we’re building is grounded in consent, credit, and compensation for the artists and songwriters that take part.”