AI Will Boost Music Innovation, Not Harm It — Spotify CEO

The rise of artificial intelligence in music creation should be seen as an opportunity rather than a threat, according to Daniel Ek, founder and CEO of global streaming platform Spotify.

Responding to growing unease within the industry over AI-generated compositions and virtual performers, Ek emphasized that machine-learning tools are more likely to empower creativity than replace it. While some critics worry that synthetic artists and algorithmically produced tracks could undermine the role of human musicians, Ek maintains that these technologies will instead democratize access to music-making and inspire a new wave of creators.

“I’m mostly optimistic and mostly very excited because we’re just in the beginning of understanding this future of creativity that we’re entering,” Daniel Ek told reporters at an Open House at the company’s Stockholm headquarters this week.

Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter and a recent book, “Mood Machine”, have accused Spotify of tasking a handful of producers to make thousands of songs under fake AI profiles, which the company allegedly pushed onto playlists — saving Spotify money by elbowing out real artists and their higher royalties.

Spotify has denied the claims.

“We want real humans to make it as artists and creators, but what is creativity in the future with AI? I don’t know. What is music?” Ek said.

He recalled that electronic dance music and the DJ culture, and before that, hip hop where people sampled music, were initially not considered “real music”.

Reflecting on the evolution of music creation, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek drew a striking comparison, noting that while Mozart once composed full symphonies entirely in his mind, today, nearly anyone can craft a beat in under ten minutes. He pointed to the unprecedented range of creative tools now available, describing them as nothing short of extraordinary.

Ek acknowledged that artificial intelligence does pose some unsettling risks. However, he emphasized that his primary focus lies in the expansive creative potential AI offers. With technological barriers to entry steadily diminishing, he argued, a broader spectrum of individuals can now participate in artistic expression.

Rather than viewing AI’s integration into the music industry as a disruptive revolution, Ek framed it as a natural progression—an evolution that expands the boundaries of what artists can achieve.

Africa Today News, New York