Spotify Brings Independent Labels Into AI Music Remix Tool as Launch Approaches
Spotify is continuing to build industry support for its AI-generated music tool, announcing that Merlin—a collective representing tens of thousands of independent labels and distributors—has signed on as a partner for the upcoming remix and covers feature.
The streaming platform first revealed Universal Music Group's involvement earlier this year, and the addition of Merlin significantly expands the roster of rights holders backing the product. The tool, which Spotify describes as a paid feature, will allow fans to create AI-generated covers and remixes of music from participating artists.
According to Spotify, the product is being designed with several safeguards for creators. Artists whose works can be remixed will need to opt in, and the company says participants will receive both credit and compensation when their music is used.
The approach reflects an industry-wide effort to explore AI-generated music while addressing longstanding concerns from artists and labels about unauthorized use of their work. By positioning the feature as an opt-in system with compensation, Spotify appears to be attempting to differentiate its offering from unlicensed AI music tools that have drawn legal challenges.