Spotify just struck partnerships with every major record label - Sony Music, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group - to develop what it calls "responsible" AI music products. The move comes less than a month after the streaming giant cracked down on AI-generated spam, signaling a dramatic shift from policing artificial music to actively creating it alongside the industry's biggest players.
Spotify is betting big on AI-powered music creation, but this time it's doing it with the record industry's blessing. The streaming platform announced Thursday it's partnering with all three major labels - Sony Music Group, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group - plus independent distributors Merlin and Believe to develop what it calls "responsible" artificial intelligence products.
The timing is striking. Just weeks ago, Spotify was playing defense, removing over 75 million "spammy tracks" and rolling out policies to protect artists from AI impersonation. Now it's going on offense, launching a new AI research lab and product team with what co-president Gustav Söderström calls "significant investments in AI research and product development."
"AI is the most consequential technology shift since the smartphone, and it's already reshaping how music is created and experienced," Söderström said in Thursday's announcement. "At Spotify, we want to build this future hand in hand with the music industry, guided by clear principles and deep respect for creators."
The partnership represents a major shift in how the music industry approaches AI. Instead of fighting the technology, labels are now actively collaborating to shape its development. Universal Music Group CEO Sir Lucian Grainge made the industry's position clear in a Monday memo to staff: the company "will not license any model" that uses an artist's voice or generates songs without explicit consent.
"It is essential that we work with strategic partners such as Spotify to enable Gen AI products within a thriving commercial landscape," Grainge said in Thursday's statement. The emphasis on "thriving commercial landscape" signals this isn't just about protecting artists - it's about creating new revenue streams.
