Deezer launches remix feature that is free of AI and compensates artists

Deezer is rolling out a new remix feature directly within its platform, allowing fans to put their own spin on popular tracks while generating revenue for artists and rightsholders.

The feature, called Remix Lab, is available in France only at this initial stage. There are plans to make the tool more widely available in the near future, but right now, users can access Remix Lab directly in the app through the Deezer Club.

The feature will run as part of remix contests, which can be found directly in the Deezer Club or on the artist’s page within the app. Created remixes can be streamed immediately, added to playlists and shared with the community, exclusively on Deezer.

Contest winners for this early phase will be featured in a dedicated Deezer playlist bringing together all winning remixes, and will each receive two tickets to a Deezer Purple Door event taking place in September, as well as a piece of merchandise from the artist whose song they remixed.

Deezer has positioned itself as a champion for better payouts for artists. It says that artists involved in the remix feature have given “explicit agreement”, and that the streams generated are fully attributed to the original work: “Every listen counts, and artists are compensated accordingly, in line with the rights owed to them. An approach fully consistent with Deezer’s commitment to fair and transparent remuneration,” it says.

Deezer claims to be the first music streaming platform to offer a remix feature, with full rights compliance and in agreement with the artists. However, other platforms do offer a similar tool, like Spotify’s recently launched remix tool made in partnership with Universal Music Group.

Spotify’s remix feature also compensates participating artists, but uses generative AI tech for the creation of the remixes. Deezer’s tool does not appear to implement any AI, but rather provides fans with tools for adding effects and transformations themselves.

Pierre Trochu, Head of Product at Deezer, says, “This feature focuses on simplicity and accessibility and in just a few clicks, users can reimagine and rediscover a track they already know and love, by applying either simple effects such as increasing the speed or adding reverb, or more elaborate transformations such as changes to musical genre and style.”

Alexis Lanternier, CEO of Deezer, adds: “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 favourite music, directly in the Deezer app. True to our DNA, these features are made possible with full participation of the artists, fully respecting rights, and maximising earnings for each track.”

Learn more about Remix Lab via the Deezer Newsroom.

Rachel is a DIY musician who began learning guitar and keyboard from her bedroom at 14. She has written news and features for MusicTech since 2022, and also has bylines across Kerrang!, Guitar.com, and The Forty-Five. Though a lover of heavy music, her guilty pleasure is 2000s pop.