Spotify says Merlin, a body representing more than 30,000 independent labels and distributors, has agreed to support its upcoming AI-powered remix and covers product. Merlin joins Universal Music Group in backing the project. According to Spotify, the paid tool will allow fans to generate AI covers and remixes of music from participating artists. The company states that artists will opt in, receive credit, and be compensated for their involvement.
Why it matters
The addition of Merlin broadens the pool of rights holders supporting the tool beyond a single major label, extending it to a large group of independent labels and distributors. The stated opt-in, credit, and compensation terms address how participating artists are involved in AI-generated derivatives of their work.
Who should care
Independent labels, distributors, and artists represented by Merlin, as well as Spotify subscribers who may use the paid feature, are directly affected by this expansion.