Today, I read on Billy Caso’s Instagram that Spotify is updating its terms and conditions for artists. This update allows Spotify, a.k.a. the music industry, to legally modify the music and include it in AI training. Given the current capabilities of AI—such as those demonstrated by udio.com and suno.com—it leads to the conclusion that Spotify is attempting to replace artists with AI.
As of today, AI is already generating playlists according to users’ tastes, and there are rumors that Spotify is pushing internal artists with exclusive deals into prominent playlists. Now, they are transitioning from algorithmically generated playlists to algorithmically generated music.
But how will users react to this? While big stars may not be directly affected, what about small and indie artists? Many people I know simply put on a playlist for background music without much concern for the artists. As a consumer myself (though I use Apple Music), I understand how easy it is to do so.
What are the alternatives then? Bandcamp could be one, but it needs to offer a streaming app to remain competitive. To achieve that, it requires a competitive pricing model for both users and artists. Additionally, artists need to have the rights to exclusively sell/stream their music on that platform. Furthermore, artists have to become their own managers—a task that, as an artist myself, I know can be burdensome. Artists want to focus on making music and performing, not on promotional activities, accounting, and fulfillment.
In my opinion, this is the time for artists like Taylor Swift to take a stand. If artists like Billy Caso were to leave Spotify, it might prompt some people to consider a change. But without stars on Spotify, people will start seeking alternatives.
Alternatively, Spotify might need to reconsider its approach.
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