Universal Music and ElevenLabs to Launch AI Music Platform

Engadget reported that the deal is a multi-year licensing agreement and a wider strategic collaboration. The platform is still in development and has not been named or given a release date. It will be aimed primarily at music fans who want to make remixes and mashups of music by participating, fairly compensated artists signed to UMG, according to Engadget. ElevenLabs’ tools will also be able to create new track interpretations and personalized vocal experiences, the report said. The companies also intend to collaborate on new AI audio products that can be used by artists, UMG said in a press release.

The new AI music platform will remain separate from ElevenLabs’ Music API and ElevenMusic generator, The Verge reported. The companies also plan to develop additional products and fan experiences in the months and years to come, according to a press release, which did not provide further details.

“By combining UMG’s global community and rights management expertise, with our AI models and products, we’ll enable artists and songwriters to create powerful new experiences for their fans, and ensure they are fairly compensated,” ElevenLabs CEO Mati Staniszewski said in the press release.

The agreement is the first that ElevenLabs has struck with a major label, Engadget reported. UMG is also developing an AI music platform with Udio and has signed AI licensing deals with Spotify, Nvidia and Klay, according to The Verge. This week, Suno released its first AI music model trained on licensed songs from Warner Music Group, BMG and music industry partners, The Verge reported.

The deal arrives as the music industry continues to wrestle with AI. A few months ago, a coalition of major labels including UMG issued a collective appeal for AI slop tracks to be banned from charts worldwide, Engadget reported. Lawsuits between labels and AI companies such as Suno and Udio over copyright infringement have been documented in recent years. Some cases, including Warner’s 2024 lawsuit against Udio, ended in settlements and licensing deals, according to Engadget. This week, Suno said the launch of its v6 AI music models marked the formal beginning of its relationships with Warner and BMG, Engadget reported.

Editor's Summary

Universal Music Group and ElevenLabs plan to launch a licensed AI music platform that lets users create remixes and mashups from participating artists’ music. The platform is still unnamed and undated, and artists can opt in. The deal adds to UMG’s AI licensing moves and follows recent settlements and label partnerships involving AI music companies.