Believe Signs Licensing Agreement for Spotify AI Remixing

Believe is the latest record label to have signed a licensing agreement for Spotify’s upcoming AI remixing tool, the company announced on Tuesday (Oct. 20).

Spotify first announced the new tool at its Investor Day Conference in May, with the licensing deal allowing for recorded music and publishing rights for fans to create remixes and covers of their favorite songs from participating artists. Universal Music Group was the first record label to hop onboard. On Aug. 4, the indie trade group Merlin signed a licensing agreement, with Kobalt following shortly after on Aug. 13.

Believe and TuneCore utilize a two-step consent process with artists first choosing whether they want to opt-in to AI-related programs. Those who agree will then be presented the partnership with Spotify as another service they can opt-in on.

“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,” Denis Ladegaillerie, founder and CEO of Believe, said in a statement. “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 artist. Equally importantly, we share a commitment to protecting artists, reflected in Spotify’s strengthened safeguards against AI-generated spam and low-value content, and Believe’s ongoing work to further reinforce its GenAI music content framework. These efforts illustrate how we are working together to eradicate AI slop and make AI a value creator for music fans, artists and rights-holders.”

The tool will be available as a paid-add on for Spotify Premium subscribers, with the promise of an additional revenue stream on top of what artists already receive from their songs on the platform.

Charlie Hellman, senior vp and global head of music at Spotify, added, “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. I’m encouraged that their participation now strengthens the momentum toward artist consent, compensation and credit.”