Universal Music to launch new AI music creation platform
UMG has teamed up with a firm specialising in AI speech and "voice cloning" software as part of the project
Universal Music Group (UMG) is set to launch an AI music creation platform as part of a "groundbreaking deal" with ElevenLabs.
The major label and ElevenLabs, a firm specialising in AI speech and "voice cloning" software, will work together to create an AI-powered music creation platform, featuring licensed music from UMG's expansive catalogue.
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According to Music Week, UMG claims that the platform will be "built on artist participation", with the aim to give fans the opportunity to "co-create" music, remixes and more from musicians who have released music via the label. While the platform is still in the development stage, there are plans to expand it further to offer AI audio "products" for artists and songwriters.
"[This deal] reflects the companies’ shared commitment to the principles that AI-enabled music innovation should be built responsibly, respect human artistry, and enable artists and songwriters to share in the value created," a spokesperson for UMG said in a statement.
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The new deal comes amid legal battles for UMG in both preventing AI firms from using its catalogue to train AI models without permission, and from artists challenging its pursuit of business in the AI market.
Earlier this year, the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) launched a lawsuit against UMG and fellow major label Warner Music over its settlement agreements with AI firm Udio.
In October, UMG reached an agreement to allow Udio to utilise its licensed music after settling copyright infringement litigation with the firm; in a court filing, the AFM claimed this deal had been reached "without compensation or credit" for the musicians that have created the licensed music, signalling a breach of the Sound Recording Labor Agreement (SRLA) under "new use" provisions.
Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, get in touch with her here.
