Spotify announces plans for “artist-first AI products.” What’s this all about?

Earlier this month, word leaked that Spotify was talking to one or two of the major labels on matters of AI. What was that all about? This.

Today (October 16), Spotify announced it will build “artist-first music products.” All three major labels–Universal, Sony, and Warner–are on board. So are Merlin and Believe, two companies that license material for a conglomeration of indie label clients.

In a blog post, Spotify says they will build “responsible AI products that empower the artists and songwriters they represent, and connect them with the fans who support them.”

Does this mean that the labels are licensing their material to Spotify for AI use? No. Nothing will be used to train models–yet. What we can take away from this is that Spotify and all those labels are discussing it — and they promise to be upfront and transparent about it. Right. Sure.

What, exactly, are they looking to build? Go here.