Lorde on Spotify’s AI Song Descriptions: “We Don’t Want This”

Lorde has publicly pushed back against a new Spotify feature that generates automated song descriptions. The artist used Instagram to criticize the platform's About the Song tool after it displayed an inaccurate summary of her track Current Affairs. The AI incorrectly linked the song to a specific choreographed moment from her tour that actually occurs during a different performance.

In her statement, Lorde argued that these AI-generated summaries restrict how listeners interpret music. She noted that forcing a single, machine-determined meaning at the point of playback prevents fans from forming their own connection to the art. She requested that Spotify provide artists with a way to opt out of the feature entirely.

Spotify introduced the beta feature in February to provide context around tracks using third-party sources. A company spokesperson stated they aim to provide accurate stories behind music and address errors as they arise. This incident is part of a broader discussion regarding the role of AI in the music industry and the balance between technical features and artistic intent.

This is not the first time Lorde has spoken out on AI technology. Recently, she advised fans against using Meta's new smart glasses, citing concerns about the decline of objective reality. Her criticism reflects growing unease among creators regarding how tech companies manage the presence of automated systems in artistic spaces.