JAKARTA - Music streaming platform Spotify officially announced its latest licensing cooperation with Universal Music Group (UMG). This collaboration allows Spotify to launch a new feature that gives users the freedom to rearrange (cover) and remix the works of leading musicians who participate legally using artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
This innovative step is expected to open new revenue channels for the music industry while providing new experiences for listeners in exploring their idol's works.
Through this partnership, Spotify introduces an advanced creation model that ensures every musician and songwriter will directly receive a share of the economic benefits from every AI-based modified content produced on the platform.
This advanced feature will later be available as an additional paid option for Spotify Premium customers, so that they can monetize fan creativity responsibly without infringing on copyrights.
Alex Norström, co-CEO of Spotify, stated that overcoming the complex challenges in the music industry is the main focus of the platform he leads, including responding to the proliferation of covers and remixes.
"What we are building right now is based on approval, credit, and compensation for the musicians and songwriters involved. Through every technological transformation that occurs, we have worked with the UMG team to develop a music ecosystem into a richer and more rewarding experience for fans, and provide fairer results for industry players," said Alex Norström, quoted by Variety, Friday, May 22.
In line with Norström, Chairman and CEO of UMG, Lucian Grainge, also emphasized that the best innovation in the music industry is an innovation that can bring the relationship between musicians and their fan base closer. According to him, the use of generative AI in this project is specifically designed to support human creativity, not replace it.
"This pioneering AI-based superfan initiative is designed to support human art, deepen the relationship with fans, and create additional revenue opportunities for artists and songwriters. This collaboration with the Spotify team is very artist-centric, rooted in the responsible use of AI, and will drive growth for the entire music ecosystem," added Grainge.
In addition to announcing the artificial intelligence-based audio manipulation feature, Spotify also revealed plans to launch the 'Spotify Reserved' program. In collaboration with Live Nation, a giant promoter, this program is designed to make it easier for Premium users to get access to exclusive concert tickets starting this summer in the United States.
Spotify will track user activity such as song playback history and the intensity of sharing content to filter out the most loyal fans who are entitled to secure official tour tickets from their chosen musicians.
However, Spotify management reminded that the quota of tickets provided through this loyalty program will be very limited compared to the total number of die-hard fans spread around the world.
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