Spotify partners with record labels to create “artist-first” AI-powered music products.

Spotify on Thursday announced a series of deals with major record labels to develop new artificial intelligence products designed to ensure fair compensation and highlight artists and songwriters in the experience. In partnership with Sony, Universal, Warner and Merlin, the streaming company said it will develop “responsible AI” products that respect copyright, but also allow artists to choose whether or not they want to allow the use of AI tools.

Spotify hasn’t delved into the details of how the new tools will work, but the company is already offering generative AI experiences for users, including with an AI DJ that plays a personalized selection of songs and others that allow users to request playlists using AI prompts, for example.

Spotify recently came under fire for allowing AI-generated band music to spread on its service, raising questions about whether the future of music will push human artistry aside.

Last month, the company revamped its AI policy to reduce spam, especially users who upload AI content on a large scale, create duplicates, and game search and recommendation systems. Spotify also said it will adopt the DDEX music classification system for naming when using artificial intelligence as part of the music creation process.

Next-gen AI features follow this promise by allowing artists to opt-in to using AI tools if they choose. In all likelihood, the upcoming system will allow artists to determine when their music is used in AI-generated tracks and collect some sort of payment. Spotify notes that the system will expand beyond artists to include other rights holders and distributors over time.

“Some voices in the tech industry believe copyright should be abolished. We don’t. Musicians’ rights are important. Copyright is essential,” Spotify shared in its announcement. “If the music industry is not leading the charge at this moment, AI-powered innovation will happen elsewhere, without rights, consent or compensation. Collaborating with rights holders, artists and songwriters, we are making significant investments in AI research and product development.”

Additionally, Spotify said it has begun building a generative AI research lab and product team focused on building new technologies that reflect its principles that artists should be able to choose whether and how to participate in the AI ​​music ecosystem. She says work on the first products has already begun, and more tools will be on the way.