Paris-based music company Believe has agreed to license music for Spotify’s forthcoming AI (artificial intelligence) remix tool. Participating artists will receive royalties when users stream the resulting remixes and covers.
The agreement covers songs from the Believe and TuneCore catalogs, subject to artists choosing to participate.
Artist consent and royalty payments
Believe and TuneCore require artists to give consent in two stages:
- Opt into AI opportunities generally.
- Separately agree to participate directly with Spotify.
The tool will be offered as a paid Spotify Premium add-on, creating an additional revenue pool for distribution to artists and other rightsholders.
Streams of remixes and covers made through the tool will generate royalties for the artists and rightsholders whose works were used to produce them.
Universal Music Group (UMG), Kobalt and Merlin have previously reached agreements with Spotify for the tool.
Believe and Spotify outline their approach
Believe founder and chief executive Denis Ladegaillerie said:
“A year ago, we shared a vision with Spotify: AI must create new opportunities for artists while protecting their rights and the value of their music. Today, this partnership puts that vision into action. Together, we are turning an already widespread fan remixing activity into a licensed experience that will enhance fan remix creation within Spotify’s controlled platform and generate revenues for artists. This is how our four principles – consent, control, compensation and transparency – translate into tangible benefits for artists.”
Charlie Hellman, Spotify’s senior vice president and global head of music, said:
“Done right, fan creativity can deepen the connection between fans and the artists they love, creating new value for artists and driving attention back to the original music. Getting there takes partners across the industry, and Believe and independent artists have helped move the industry forward at every major turning point.”
