via TechCrunch
Deezer Launches Remix Lab: Fans Can Remix Songs with Artist Consent and Get Paid Streams
Global music streaming service Deezer announced on Wednesday the launch of its new feature, “Remix Lab,” which allows fans to creatively remix songs with the explicit consent of the original artists and rights holders. According to the company, artists will receive royalties for every stream of these remixed tracks—a departure from typical user-generated content models where compensation is often unclear.
## How Remix Lab Works
The Remix Lab feature is accessible within the Deezer app on select artist pages. Unlike competing services that rely on AI for remixes, Deezer provides in-app tools for fans to manually adjust tempo, add reverb, or apply more elaborate transformations—such as changing musical genre or style—head of product Pierre Trochu explained in the company’s blog post.
## Context: The AI Remix Landscape
In 2026, major streaming platforms continue to expand AI-powered remix capabilities. YouTube lets creators remix tracks using AI tools, and Spotify recently partnered with Universal Music Group for AI-generated covers and remixes. However, critics argue that an influx of AI-generated music risks overshadowing human artists, making it harder for them to gain visibility.
Deezer has taken a strong stance against AI-generated content. The platform recently introduced a tool that analyzes playlists from services like Spotify and Apple Music to detect AI-generated tracks. Deezer actively removes such tracks from its recommendations and excludes them from editorial playlists.
## CEO Statement
“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 favorite music, directly in the Deezer app,” said CEO Alexis Lanternier. “True to our DNA, these features are made possible with full participation of the artists, fully respecting rights, and maximizing earnings for each track.”
## Availability and Initial Artists
Remix Lab initially launched in France, with plans to roll out to other countries on a vague timeline. The feature is notable in the streaming industry because it runs contrary to the AI-driven direction most competitors are pursuing. If it proves popular with fans and artists, it could signal that the “AI invasion” on streaming services is not the only viable future for the music industry.
Currently, users can remix tracks from select French artists, including Céline Dion, Alain Souchon, Alonzo, Ronisia, Mosimann, Tiakola, and Zaho.
## Contests and Prizes
In addition to remixing, users can enter contests hosted in the Deezer Club. Winners will be announced in early September 2026. Winning remixes will be featured in a dedicated Deezer playlist, and each winner will receive two tickets to a Deezer Purple Door event, plus exclusive merchandise from the respective artist.