Major music industry collaboration aims to develop responsible AI products that empower artists and protect rights
Spotify has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Sony Music Group, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Merlin, and Believe to develop AI music products that prioritize artists and songwriters.
The partnership comes as AI technology rapidly advances, bringing both creative opportunities and challenges to the music industry. Unlike many AI experiments that artists feel compete with them, this initiative focuses on building long-term solutions designed to serve musicians and their careers.
Four Core Principles
The collaboration is built on artist-first values:
Upfront Partnerships – Products will be developed through agreements with record labels, distributors, and music publishers from the start
Artist Choice – Musicians and rightsholders will decide if and how they participate in AI tools
Fair Compensation – New revenue streams will ensure proper payment and transparent credit for artists and songwriters
Deepening Fan Connections – AI tools will enhance, not replace, human artistry and help artists connect with Spotify’s 700+ million monthly listeners
Building Responsibly
Spotify is establishing a state-of-the-art generative AI research lab and product team to bring these principles to life. The company emphasizes that musicians’ rights and copyright are essential, contrasting with voices in tech who advocate for abolishing copyright protections.
“Technology should always serve artists, not the other way around,” said Alex Norström, Spotify’s Co-President and Chief Business Officer. “Our focus is making sure innovation supports artists by protecting their rights, respecting their creative choices, and creating new ways for fans to discover and enjoy the music they love.”
The partnership builds on Spotify’s existing AI features like AI DJ, daylist, and AI Playlist, which help listeners discover new artists. The company plans to invite additional rightsholders and distributors to join the collaboration over time.
Source: Spotify