Spotify CEO Daniel Ek has dismissed concerns that artificial intelligence (AI) will replace human musicians, instead emphasizing its potential to empower a new wave of creativity in the music industry.
Speaking at Spotify’s Stockholm headquarters during an Open House event, Ek said, “I’m mostly optimistic and very excited… We’re just beginning to understand this future of creativity that we’re entering.”
The comments come amid growing debate about AI-generated music and fake artist profiles, particularly as tools like machine learning become more accessible to both producers and amateurs.
AI as a Tool, Not a Threat
Daniel Ek addressed the controversy surrounding AI music, including reports from the Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter and the book “Mood Machine,” which accused Spotify of populating playlists with fake AI-generated artist profiles to reduce royalty payouts. Spotify has firmly denied these claims.
Drawing historical parallels, he noted how electronic music, DJ culture, and hip-hop were initially viewed as less authentic forms of music. “Mozart had to compose in his head. Today, anyone can create a beat in five to 10 minutes.”
Lower Barriers to Entry for Music Creation
Ek believes AI will democratize music creation by lowering technical and financial barriers. “The tools we now have are staggering,” he said, noting that the accessibility of creative tools will encourage more people to express themselves musically.
“The amount of creativity people will have at their fingertips is going to be insane. More and more people will create.”
AI Is an Evolution, Not a Revolution
While acknowledging the potential misuse of AI, Ek framed the rise of AI in music as a natural evolution. “Of course, there are scary applications,” he said. “But the development of AI in music is much more an evolution than a revolution.”
Spotify, which ended Q1 2025 with 678 million active users — including 268 million paying subscribers — is seeing solid growth. The company reached 100 million paid users in Europe and aims to eventually cross the 1 billion subscriber mark globally.
Conclusion
As AI continues to reshape industries, Spotify’s CEO sees the technology not as a replacement for musicians but as a partner in the creative process. His stance provides a hopeful outlook for a future where innovation and artistry can thrive together.
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