Spotify reportedly plans paid AI remix and cover tool for Q1 2027

The Financial Times reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the plans, that Spotify is aiming to launch a paid AI tool in Q1 2027 that lets subscribers make their own remixes and covers of songs. Spotify declined to comment to the FT.

What is reported

• The tool: paying subscribers would use AI to create their own versions of songs, such as turning a folk song into a dance track or making one artist appear to cover another's music.
• The price: the FT reportedly says Spotify is considering an additional $4 to $5 a month. Techmeme's summary rounds it to about $5 a month.
• The timing: Q1 2027, with a potential unveiling around the Grammy Awards in February. Music Business Worldwide notes the 69th Grammys are scheduled for February 7, 2027.
• The money: royalties from fan-created remixes would flow back to the original artists, and plays would count toward the original songs on Spotify's charts. Spotify is also reportedly building a way to put remixes in playlists.

The licensing problem

According to the FT, Spotify has struck deals for the feature with Universal Music Group, Merlin and Believe. It is still negotiating with Sony Music and Warner Music.

Israeli outlet tv10 adds that despite the corporate agreements, artists themselves get to choose whether their voice and work are used, and that talks with current pop stars are meeting strong resistance. The tv10 report is the only one in our reading that carries that detail.

What is not known

The FT's sources cautioned that neither timing nor pricing is final. The reporting names no model, no technology partner and no beta. Open questions:

• What terms are holding up Sony and Warner?
• Which artists have resisted or opted out?
• Can free-tier users hear remixes made by paying subscribers?
• What AI is under the hood?

Until there is a changelog, a price page or a repo, this is a plan described by anonymous people. Treat it that way.