One step forward, two gigantic steps backwards for Spotify…
Whether we like it or not, it’s become increasingly clear that artificial intelligence — specifically when it comes to generative AI in music — is here to stay. Of course, this is hardly a dismissal of the very real issue of AI “artists” not only stealing both streams and intellectual property from actual, human artists. With that being said, however, it’s an issue that we’re going to have to deal with (and actively protest) for the foreseeable future until restrictions can be made and legislation can be signed to limit it.
Unfortunately, it seems as if that’s a long way away at the time being. And despite calls from nearly every artist in existence, highlighted by a 200+ person letter signed by the Artist Rights Alliance which includes the likes of Billie Elish, Jon Bon Jovi, Stevie Wonder, Rosanne Cash, Kacey Musgraves, Chappell Roan and many more all the way back in April of 2024, we’ve seen bad actors profitting off of AI-generated music for the better part of a year at this point.
This was highlighted most notably back in October when a completely AI-generated “artist” going by the name of Breaking Rust captured the #1 spot on a Billboard country chart. Given that this was the first primary instance of a completely AI-generated song going #1 on any major Billboard chart, it caused quite a stir in the music community. Our very own Aaron Ryan, who broke the story here at Whiskey Riff, ended up appearing on NPR’s podcast to explain the whole ordeal.
As you can tell, the AI epidemic infiltrating music is very real and very concerning. Just last month, it seemed as if Spotify was getting ahead of the curve by introducing a new system to help listeners discern what is and isn’t AI and further promote real, human artists. This came in the form of their new “Verified by Spotify” rollout, which is a badge similar to those used by social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X (formerly Twitter). Here, however, instead of verifying whether an account is a celebrity or public figure, Spotify is verifying whether an artist is actually human or not (which is a ridiculous concept to even think about).
Just when you thought that Spotify was trying to put artists first and actively work against AI, they just announced that they will be rolling out a brand new paid add-on for premium users that… allows them to “cover” and “remix” songs from select UMG artists using AI.
You heard that right, the leading music streaming service nationwide is now actively promoting the use of AI.
In case you’re unfamiliar with just how big UMG is as a record label, they’re home to the likes of global superstars Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Bad Bunny, Drake, Billie Eilish, Harry Styles and Post Malone. Their subsidiary, UMG Nashville, which operates under MCA, is also home to the likes of Chris Stapleton, Alan Jackson, Eric Church, Parker McCollum, Vince Gill and many more. Simply put, UMG and all its divisions are absolutely massive.
It’s still a bit unclear when these “covers” and “remixes” of songs from select UMG will be available to premium users or what exactly constitutes a cover or remix in this context. According to Billboard, Spotify is marketing this tool that will allow “additional revenue streams on top of what artists already earn on Spotify and will provide new discovery opportunities for participating UMG talent.”
