Spotify and Kobalt have announced a licensing agreement for the streaming platform's upcoming tool that will allow fans to create covers and remixes of their favourite songs from participating songwriters.
The streaming service announced plans for the AI features with labels last year, with Universal Music Group first out of the gate this May, followed by indie digital licensing body Merlin in August.
As previously announced, the new tool will introduce a creation model where songwriters and artists can directly share in the value generated through licensed covers and remixes on Spotify. It will be made available as a paid add-on for Spotify Premium users, creating an additional source of income for participating songwriters.
“Covers and remixes begin with the song, which makes music publishers and songwriters essential partners in building this tool the right way," said Charlie Hellman, Spotify's SVP and global head of music. "This agreement with Kobalt is grounded in consent, credit, and compensation for the songwriters who take part, and every creation drives listeners back to the original song. We look forward to welcoming more partners as we continue to build.”
This agreement is designed to ensure our songwriters can connect with their audience in unprecedented ways, while directly benefiting from the creative opportunities these new features provide
Laurent Hubert, Kobalt
Kobalt is the first music publisher to sign up, extending the tool to the songwriting side of the rights equation for the first time.
“Fans have always sought deeper engagement with the songs they love, whether through listening or creating their own covers and remixes," added Kobalt CEO Laurent Hubert. "Spotify’s new AI-powered creative tools are built on a foundation of ethical training, fair compensation, and intentional guardrails.
"This agreement is designed to ensure our songwriters can connect with their audience in unprecedented ways, while directly benefiting from the creative opportunities these new features provide.”
Spotify and Kobalt announced a renewal of their direct, multi-year licensing agreement 12 months ago.
The deal between the streaming service and the independent music publishing giant was designed to “deliver greater flexibility, efficiency, value and protections to songwriters in the US”, according to a statement.
