Brief
Believe signs licensing deal to join Spotify’s AI remixing program
The agreement lets Believe’s catalog be used in Spotify’s paid AI remix add‑on, with revenue and rights protections for artists.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Believe announced on Oct. 20 that it has signed a licensing agreement to participate in Spotify’s upcoming AI remixing tool, joining Universal Music Group, Merlin and Kobalt.
What happened
Spotify first revealed the AI remixing feature at its Investor Day in May. The tool will allow fans to create remixes and covers of songs from participating labels, with the output delivered as a paid add‑on for Spotify Premium subscribers. Believe’s agreement follows Merlin’s signing on Aug. 4 and Kobalt’s on Aug. 13.
What the reports add
Billboard notes that Believe and TuneCore use a two‑step consent process: artists first opt‑in to AI‑related programs, then are offered the Spotify partnership as an additional option. The article also cites statements from Believe’s CEO Denis Ladegaillerie and Spotify senior VP Charlie Hellman, highlighting principles of consent, compensation and safeguards against low‑value AI content.
What was said
Denis Ladegaillerie said, “A year ago, we shared a vision with Spotify: AI must create new opportunities for artists while protecting their rights and the value of their music,” and added that the partnership translates those principles into “tangible benefits for artists.” Charlie Hellman said, “Done right, fan creativity can deepen the connection between fans and the artists they love, creating new value for artists and driving attention back to the original music.”
How it came about
Spotify’s AI remixing tool builds on earlier developer‑focused initiatives, such as the internal tools portal launched on Oct. 8, which signaled the company’s broader push into platform‑based services. Believe’s participation reflects a growing trend among independent labels to secure licensing frameworks for generative‑AI uses.
Key facts
- Believe signed a licensing agreement for Spotify's AI remixing tool on Oct. 20, 2026. (billboard.com)
- The tool will be offered as a paid add‑on for Spotify Premium subscribers. (billboard.com)
- Artists must opt‑in to AI programs before being presented with the Spotify partnership. (billboard.com)
- Believe joins Universal Music Group, Merlin (signed Aug. 4) and Kobalt (signed Aug. 13) in the program. (billboard.com)
Sources
- [1] billboard.com — originally reported as “Believe Signs Licensing Agreement to Participate in Spotify’s AI Remixing Tool”
