Spotify hires Stable Audio researcher for artist-focused AI initiative

Julian Parker confirmed on 22 May that he had joined Spotify after more than two years at Stability AI, where he was involved in developing the company’s Stable Audio generative music models.

The announcement came less than a day after Spotify and Universal Music Group revealed new licensing agreements that will allow users to create AI-generated covers and remixes using music from participating artists and songwriters.

According to Parker, the timing of his announcement followed the release of Stability AI’s latest audio technology.

“Now that Stable Audio 3 and SAME are released, I can announce that I recently joined Spotify to support their artist-first AI initiative, alongside Sebastian Ewert, Peter Sobot, Rachel Bittner and many many other fantastic researchers and engineers,” Parker wrote on LinkedIn. “I’m super excited to work with such a phenomenal team.”

The researchers Parker referenced already hold positions within Spotify’s AI and audio research teams. Sebastian Ewert oversees research efforts linked to Spotify’s artist-first AI programme, while Peter Sobot and Rachel Bittner are part of the company’s audio intelligence division.

Parker also reflected on his departure from Stability AI, highlighting several projects developed during his time there.

“It’s been a wonderful 2 and a bit years at Stability AI, and I’m super proud of the models we’ve released together.”

He added that he expected the company to continue developing future projects and thanked former colleagues for their contributions.

Before joining Stability AI, Parker worked as a machine-learning research scientist at TikTok.

Spotify first introduced its artist-first AI initiative in October 2025 as part of a wider collaboration with major music companies including Universal Music Group, Sony Music Group, Warner Music Group, and independent music organisations.

The initiative focuses on developing AI tools designed for music discovery and fan engagement while incorporating licensing and compensation frameworks for rights holders.

The company recently took a commercial step in that direction through its agreement with Universal Music Group, which includes a planned premium feature allowing fans to create AI-generated covers and remixes from approved material.

Spotify co-chief executive Alex Norström said: “Solving hard problems for music is what Spotify does, and fan-made covers and remixes are next. What we’re building is grounded in consent, credit, and compensation for the artists and songwriters that take part.”

Spotify reported that it ended the first quarter of 2026 with 761 million monthly active users, including 293 million paying subscribers across 184 markets.