Deezer launches Remix Lab feature with artist consent

Global music streaming service Deezer announced on Wednesday the launch of its new feature, “Remix Lab,” which allows fans to creatively remix songs with the consent of the original artists and rights holders. Artists actually get paid for every stream of these remixed tracks. The new Remix Lab feature can be found in the app on select artists’ pages.

Unlike competing services that rely on AI for remixes, Deezer implements in-app tools to create remixes, such as adjusting tempo and adding reverb, or “more elaborate transformations such as changes to musical genre and style,” head of product Pierre Trochu explains in today’s blog post. YouTube lets creators remix tracks using AI tools, and Spotify has recently teamed up with Universal Music Group for AI-generated covers and remixes. Some argue that this approach brings more AI music to these platforms, which could overshadow human artists, making it more challenging for them to gain traction.

Deezer has taken a strong stance against AI for some time and recently introduced a new tool that analyzes playlists from streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music to detect AI-generated tracks. The platform is also recognized as one of the few streaming services that actively removes AI tracks from its recommendations and omits them from editorial playlists. “This remix tool perfectly embodies our vision of offering a product that enriches the listening experience for fans, by allowing them to participate in the creative process and create a deeper connection with their favorite music, directly in the Deezer app,” CEO Alexis Lanternier said in a statement.

“True to our DNA, these features are made possible with full participation of the artists, fully respecting rights, and maximizing earnings for each track.” While Remix Lab is initially available in France, with vague plans to roll it out to other countries eventually, this feature runs contrary to the AI-generated direction that most streaming services are going. If popular with music fans and artists, it could signal that the AI invasion on streaming services isn’t the only future the music industry could pursue. It could also become an example for other services of how artists can be compensated for their work as fans enjoy remixes.

Currently, users are able to remix tracks from select French artists, such as Céline Dion, Alain Souchon, Alonzo, Ronisia, Mosimann, Tiakola, and Zaho. Users can sign up for contests hosted in the Deezer Club, where winners will be announced in early September. Winning remixes will be featured in a dedicated Deezer playlist, and each winner will also receive two tickets to a Deezer Purple Door event, along with exclusive merchandise from the respective artist.

Why this matters: Deezer's Remix Lab feature has significant implications for the music streaming industry. By allowing fans to create remixes with artist consent, Deezer is promoting a more collaborative and creative approach to music. This approach also prioritizes artist compensation, which is a major concern in the industry.