Deezer’s ‘Remix Lab’ offers manual fan remixes with artist consent, diverging from AI trend
The new feature, available in France for select artists, allows users to adjust tempo and reverb manually, with Deezer stating that original creators are paid for every stream of the resulting tracks.
Global music streaming service Deezer has launched a new feature called ‘Remix Lab’, enabling fans to create remixes of songs using in-app tools with the explicit consent of original artists and rights holders. Unlike competitors that are increasingly utilising artificial intelligence for content generation, Deezer’s approach relies on manual adjustments such as tempo, reverb, and changes to musical genre and style. The company states that artists receive payment for every stream of the resulting tracks, a model it positions as distinct from the industry’s growing reliance on AI-generated covers.
The feature is currently available in France for a select roster of artists, including Céline Dion, Alain Souchon, Alonzo, Ronisia, Mosimann, Tiakola, and Zaho. Users can access the tools directly from the artists’ pages within the application. Deezer has also introduced a contest via the Deezer Club, where users can submit their creations for a chance to win tickets to a Deezer Purple Door event and exclusive merchandise. Winners will be announced in early September, with their remixes featured in a dedicated playlist.
This launch contrasts sharply with the strategies of rival platforms such as YouTube and Spotify, which have recently partnered with major labels like Universal Music Group to integrate AI-generated content. Deezer has historically maintained a stance against AI music in its recommendations, having previously introduced a tool to detect and remove AI-generated tracks from its editorial playlists. The company argues that the proliferation of AI music could overshadow human artists and complicate their ability to gain traction in a crowded market.
Deezer executives have emphasised that the new feature aligns with the platform’s core values. CEO Alexis Lanternier stated that the tool embodies their vision of enriching the listening experience by allowing fans to participate in the creative process while respecting rights and maximising earnings for each track. Head of Product Pierre Trochu noted that the in-app tools allow for both simple adjustments and more elaborate transformations, all facilitated by full artist participation.
While the initial rollout is limited to France, Deezer has indicated plans to expand the feature to other markets, though no specific timeline or list of future countries has been provided. The success of this model could serve as a potential benchmark for how streaming services might compensate artists for fan-created content without relying on automated generation, offering an alternative to the current industry trajectory.
