UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP TO LAUNCH NEW AI MUSIC CREATION PLATFORM

Universal Music Group (UMG) has announced a new partnership with ElevenLabs to develop an AI-powered music creation platform, marking another major step in the music industry's growing relationship with artificial intelligence.

ElevenLabs, known for its AI speech generation and voice-cloning technology, will work alongside UMG to create a platform featuring licensed music from the label's extensive catalogue.

The project aims to give fans the opportunity to co-create music, produce remixes and experiment with AI-powered tools using material from participating UMG artists.

According to UMG, the platform will be built around artist participation, with musicians and songwriters playing a role in how their work is used within the new technology.

Although the platform is still in development, the companies plan to expand its capabilities to include additional AI audio products designed specifically for artists and songwriters.

In a statement, UMG said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to developing AI music technology responsibly, respecting human creativity and ensuring artists and songwriters can benefit financially from the value generated.

The announcement comes as UMG continues to navigate ongoing debates surrounding artificial intelligence, copyright and the use of existing music to train generative AI models.

The company has previously taken legal action against AI firms over the alleged unauthorised use of its music catalogue, while also pursuing licensing agreements with AI music platforms.

One such agreement involved AI music company Udio, with UMG reaching a settlement over copyright infringement litigation and agreeing to allow the platform to use licensed music.

However, the deal has faced opposition from the American Federation of Musicians (AFM), which launched legal action against UMG and Warner Music over their respective agreements with Udio.

The AFM alleges that the agreements were reached without appropriate compensation or credit for musicians whose recordings are being licensed, raising further questions about how artists and performers should be compensated as AI technology develops.

While an official launch date and further details have yet to be announced, the partnership between UMG and ElevenLabs signals a continued shift towards licensed AI music creation.

With fans potentially able to create remixes and new music using material from participating artists, the platform could introduce new ways for audiences to interact with existing music.

However, questions surrounding artist consent, copyright and compensation remain central to the wider conversation about AI's place in the music industry.

Further details about the platform, including its launch date and participating artists, are expected to be announced as development progresses.