AI Music Generator: Spotify Forges Ahead Without All Majors

Spotify’s co-CEO Gustav Söderström announced that the company does not require licensing agreements with all major record labels to launch its anticipated AI-powered covers and remixes tool, a development that significantly impacts how Music Producers will engage with AI audio production and intellectual property on the platform.

• Spotify’s AI covers and remixes tool is progressing towards launch despite not having deals with all major record labels.
• Agreements are already in place with Universal Music Group (UMG) and Merlin, representing a vast network of independent labels and distributors.
• The tool will initially roll out as a “research preview,” leveraging Spotify’s massive user base for reinforcement learning and model refinement.
• Music Producers should prepare for new avenues of AI-assisted creation and potential catalog integration within the Spotify ecosystem.

Spotify’s Strategic Stance on AI Music Generator Rollout

During Spotify’s Q2 2026 earnings call, Co-CEO Gustav Söderström made it clear that the streaming giant is prepared to move forward with its AI music generator for covers and remixes, even without universal agreement from all major record companies. This declaration came shortly after the company finalized a crucial licensing deal with Merlin, the global agency representing independent labels and distributors. This agreement grants artists under Merlin’s umbrella, spanning over 30,000 labels, the option to allow their catalogs to be used for AI-generated covers and remixes. This builds upon an earlier partnership established in May with Universal Music Group, which was unveiled as the initial launch partner for the product. Notably, agreements with Warner Music Group and Sony Music for this specific AI tool have not yet been announced.

When pressed by an analyst about the necessity of securing deals with every major label before launch, Söderström’s response was unequivocal. He stated, “The answer is we do not need a deal with all the majors.” He emphasized that while Spotify desires to include as many artists as possible for a comprehensive offering, a full catalog from day one is not a prerequisite. Söderström drew parallels to Spotify’s own origins, recalling that the platform launched years ago without significant portions of the music catalog, including major acts like The Beatles and Metallica, which eventually joined. This historical perspective underscores Spotify’s confidence in its phased approach to product rollout and content acquisition, suggesting that a partial catalog is sufficient to begin.

What Does This Mean for Music Producers and AI Audio Production?

For Music Producers, Spotify’s decision signals a rapidly evolving landscape in AI audio production. The immediate implication is that the AI covers and remixes tool will become available, at least for content from UMG and Merlin-affiliated artists, sooner rather than later. This offers a new frontier for creative exploration, allowing producers to experiment with AI composition tools and potentially integrate AI voice generation or AI mastering into their workflows, leveraging existing, licensed material. The fact that independent labels via Merlin are on board is particularly significant, as it opens up a vast and diverse catalog of music for AI-driven experimentation and remixing, potentially democratizing access to AI tools for music producers who work with indie artists.

This phased rollout means that Music Producers might initially encounter limitations on which tracks can be used for AI-generated content. However, it also presents an opportunity for early adopters to understand the capabilities and limitations of Spotify’s AI music generator. Producers working with artists under UMG or Merlin should actively explore how their existing catalogs can be opted into this new system, potentially creating new revenue streams or promotional opportunities through AI-powered remixes and covers. As the tool develops, it could influence how new music is produced, distributed, and consumed, pushing the boundaries of traditional music creation.

Reinforcement Learning: The Next Phase for Spotify’s AI Tool

Söderström detailed the next crucial step for the AI covers and remixes tool: a “research preview” released to a select subset of users. He clarified that this is not merely a product test but a sophisticated method for training the underlying AI model through reinforcement learning. “What you should expect is that we start improving this product in the public as a research preview so that we can start getting the preference data that automatically improves our model,” Söderström explained. This approach aims to refine the AI’s output by learning directly from user preferences and interactions, a technique common in advanced machine learning.

Specifically, the preview will allow fans of certain artists to create remixes using songs from those artists. Users will then provide feedback, indicating which remixes they prefer over others. This “preference data” is invaluable for enhancing the AI’s intelligence and creative capabilities. Söderström highlighted Spotify’s unique advantage in this process: its massive listener base. With 777 million total monthly active users, including over 300 million Premium subscribers, Spotify possesses an unparalleled pool of “music fans to do reinforcement learning with.” This scale, he argued, positions Spotify “very well in this business” compared to rival AI music generators or AI composition tools, enabling rapid and effective model improvement based on real-world musical tastes.

Navigating the Evolving Landscape of AI Tools for Music Producers

The progression of Spotify’s AI covers and remixes tool underscores a broader trend in the music industry: the increasing integration of artificial intelligence into creative workflows. For Music Producers, understanding and adapting to these AI tools for music producers is becoming paramount. While established AI tools for music production like iZotope AI for mixing and mastering, or LANDR AI for automated mastering, have already found their place, Spotify’s entry into generative AI at this scale represents a new frontier. The company’s ‘artist-first’ AI initiative, first announced in October 2025 in collaboration with major labels and Merlin, emphasized developing products through “upfront agreements, not by asking for forgiveness later.” Söderström believes this model is “winning over the industry,” suggesting a path towards ethical and collaborative AI development.

The practical takeaway for every Music Producer is to remain vigilant and proactive. Explore opportunities to opt your or your artists’ catalogs into these new AI systems where possible, especially if you work with UMG or Merlin-affiliated entities. Familiarize yourself with the capabilities of emerging music AI technologies, whether it’s for generating new ideas, remixing existing tracks, or exploring new sound design possibilities. Engaging with these tools early can provide a competitive edge and open up new creative avenues in a landscape increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. Staying informed about these developments will be crucial for leveraging the full potential of AI in your production workflow.

How Will AI Music Generation Impact Licensing and Creator Rights?

The launch strategy for Spotify’s AI music generator, particularly its reliance on existing licensing agreements rather than universal consensus, brings the critical issue of intellectual property and creator rights to the forefront. By securing deals with Universal Music Group and Merlin, Spotify is establishing a framework for how AI-generated content can legally utilize existing musical works. This approach is intended to provide artists and rights holders with control over how their music is used in AI applications, ensuring that they are part of the process from the outset, rather than having AI models trained on their work without explicit permission or compensation.

For Music Producers, this highlights the growing importance of clear licensing and understanding the terms of engagement with AI platforms. As AI composition tools and AI voice generation capabilities become more sophisticated, the distinction between original human creation and AI-assisted or AI-generated content will blur. Spotify’s commitment to “upfront agreements” sets a precedent for responsible AI development within the music industry. Producers should ensure their own works are properly registered and protected, and actively review any agreements related to AI usage of their music. The industry is moving towards a future where AI is not just a tool, but a potential collaborator, making transparent licensing and artist consent indispensable for sustainable growth and fair compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Spotify’s AI covers and remixes tool, and how does it work for Music Producers?

Spotify’s AI covers and remixes tool is an upcoming feature that allows users to create AI-generated versions of existing songs. For Music Producers, it means new avenues for creative exploration and potential revenue, as their licensed tracks (if affiliated with UMG or Merlin) could be used for AI-powered remixes and covers, with user feedback helping to refine the AI’s output.

Do Music Producers need to have deals with all major labels for their music to be included in Spotify’s AI tool?

According to Spotify’s Co-CEO, Gustav Söderström, no. The tool will launch with content from Universal Music Group and Merlin-affiliated independent labels, meaning Music Producers whose work falls under these agreements can participate without requiring deals from all major record companies like Warner Music Group or Sony Music.

How can Music Producers leverage Spotify’s AI music generator as it rolls out?

Music Producers should stay informed about the “research preview” phase and explore opportunities to opt their or their artists’ catalogs into the system if they are affiliated with UMG or Merlin. Engaging early with these AI tools for music producers can provide insights into AI composition, AI audio production, and new ways to create and distribute music.