Spotify is reportedly preparing an AI-powered feature that would allow paying subscribers to remix songs and create cover versions, with the service potentially arriving as early as February 2027. The plan was reported by the Financial Times on 30 October and cited by Paste Magazine.
The proposed tool would let users change songs across genres and rework music by different artists. Spotify is said to be considering an additional charge of US$4 to US$5 per month for the capability. The company has not announced a final price, launch date or availability for India, so the reported figures should not be treated as an Indian subscription offer.
Licensing talks are under way
Spotify is negotiating licensing arrangements with Sony Music and Warner Music to support the service. Agreements have already been filed with Universal Music Group, independent-label licensing organisation Merlin and French music company Believe, according to the report.
The streaming platform first disclosed plans for the product in May. The reported arrangement would give artists the final say on whether their songs could be used for AI-generated remixes and covers. Royalties from versions created by listeners would go to the original artists, while streams of those versions could potentially contribute to the original songs’ chart figures.
“THEY GOTTA CUT US IN, OR CUT THIS SHIT OUT” — producer Jermaine Dupri, in an Instagram post on 1 November
The proposal has already drawn criticism from musicians concerned about the effect of generative AI on creative work and earnings. Artists including Olivia Rodrigo, SZA and Stevie Wonder have expressed opposition to AI’s growing role in music, while producer Jermaine Dupri called for artists to have a say in both the money generated and the songs made available for alteration.
What Spotify’s reported plan could mean
- Subscribers could be able to alter officially released songs across genres.
- Artists may reportedly approve or reject the use of individual songs.
- Revenue from fan-created versions would be directed towards the original artists.
- The service could cost an additional US$4 to US$5 per month, if Spotify proceeds with that pricing.
For Spotify users in India, the immediate significance is that the feature remains a reported proposal rather than a service available in the country. Its eventual arrival would depend on Spotify’s licensing agreements, artist permissions and any India-specific pricing or rollout decision. Until the company confirms those details, the reported February 2027 timeframe and subscription charge remain subject to change.
