Deezer says its new feature allows fans to remix songs with the artist’s approval

Global music streaming service Deezer on Wednesday announced the launch of its new “Remix Lab” feature that allows fans to creatively remix songs with the approval of the original artists and rights holders. Additionally, the company says artists actually get paid per stream of these remixed tracks.

The new Remix Lab feature can be found in the app on select artist pages. Unlike competing services that rely on AI for remixes, Deezer uses in-app tools to create remixes, such as adjusting tempo and adding reverb, or “more detailed transformations such as changes in genre and musical style,” as head of product Pierre Trochu explains in today’s blog post.

In comparison, YouTube lets creators remix tracks using AI tools, and Spotify recently teamed up with Universal Music Group to have AI-generated covers and remixes. However, some argue that this approach brings more AI music to these platforms, which could overwhelm human artists, making it more difficult for them to gain traction.

Deezer has taken a strong stance against AI for some time and recently introduced a new tool that analyzes playlists from streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music to detect tracks generated by AI. The platform is also recognized as one of the few streaming services that actively removes AI tracks from its recommendations and deletes them from editorial playlists.

“This remix tool embodies our vision of delivering a product that enriches the listening experience for fans, by allowing them to participate in the creative process and create a deeper connection with their favorite music, right in the Deezer app,” CEO Alexis Lanternier said in a statement. “True to our DNA, these features are made possible through the full participation of artists, full respect for rights, and increased profits per track.”

Although Remix Lab is initially available in France (with vague plans to eventually roll it out to other countries), this feature is notable in the live streaming industry because it goes completely against the AI-generated trend that most of them are following. If it becomes popular among music fans and artists, it could be a sign that an AI invasion of streaming services isn’t the only future the music industry can pursue.

It could also become an example for other services on how to compensate artists for their work as fans enjoy remixes. Currently, users can remix tracks by selected French artists, such as Celine Dion, Alain Souchon, Alonzo, Ronissia, Mosimane, Teacola and Zaho.

Additionally, users can enter competitions hosted by Deezer Club, where winners will be announced in early September. The winning remixes will be featured in a personalized Deezer playlist, and each winner will also receive two tickets to the Deezer Purple Door event, as well as exclusive merchandise from the respective artist.