Daily 10/21: Spotify prepares licensed fan remixes as Apple secures AI audio technology

Spotify signed a licensing deal with Believe for a paid feature that connects fan-made remixes and covers to royalties. Apple secured assets and staff from Swiss AI audio startup Samplab in a deal disclosed through EU filings. Netflix appointed Peter Rice as chief content officer to strengthen U.S. execution and refine its global content strategy.

• [Spotify] Spotify prepares licensed AI fan remixes ↗

  Spotify signed a licensing agreement with Believe for an upcoming tool that lets fans create AI-powered remixes and covers of existing songs. The feature focuses on reinterpretations of original tracks rather than entirely new works. Participating artists and rights holders will receive royalties from remix streams, and Spotify plans to offer the tool as a paid add-on for Premium subscribers. Believe and TuneCore will use a two-step consent process so artists can first opt into AI programs and then decide whether to participate in the partnership.

• [Digital Today] Apple secures Samplab AI audio assets and staff ↗

  Apple pursued a deal for some assets and staff from Swiss AI audio startup Samplab, according to a European Union filing. The transaction took place in June 2026, while its financial terms and the number of hires were not disclosed. Samplab develops AI music-editing tools for chord detection and editing, tempo and key matching, and stem separation. The technology could eventually support products such as Logic Pro and GarageBand, but Apple has not announced an integration plan.

• [TheWrap] Netflix appoints Peter Rice to strengthen content execution ↗

  Netflix appointed former Fox and Disney executive Peter Rice as chief content officer as it works to improve execution in the U.S. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos said titles from Latin America, EMEA, and APAC are driving engagement, subscriber growth, revenue, and profit, while U.S. growth is slower than expected. Rice will oversee content across scripted and unscripted series, film, and live events in every region. Netflix expects him to influence projects already in development, including Greta Gerwig’s major Narnia film and the 2027 slate.