Universal Music Group and ElevenLabs strike AI deal

Universal Music Group and ElevenLabs have signed a multi-year licensing agreement to launch an AI music platform that lets fans create remixes, mashups, and new interpretations of tracks from participating artists.

The agreement, ElevenLabs’ first with a major record label, will also see the companies jointly develop AI audio products for artists and songwriters.

The new platform is currently in development and will operate using licensed music, with artist participation. It will also support personalised vocal experiences and other forms of fan-created music.

Artists to share in value created

Universal Music Group said the agreement was built around responsible AI development, respect for human artistry and compensation for participating artists and songwriters.

“The most exciting possibilities for AI and music are those that put artists, songwriters, and fans at the centre,” said Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Group.

“UMG and ElevenLabs are aligned that responsible AI can inspire discovery, deepen engagement between artists and fans, and unlock new revenue opportunities for the creative community. ElevenLabs’ leadership in AI audio brings a new dimension to our growing ecosystem of partners committed to expanding what’s creatively and commercially possible for human artistry.”

The companies plan to develop further products and fan experiences under the agreement in the coming months and years.

“AI opens up incredible possibilities for interacting with our favourite music and artists,” said ElevenLabs cofounder and CEO Mati Staniszewski.

“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.”

Separate platform planned

The platform will be offered separately from ElevenLabs’ existing music products.

Those include Music API, which makes the company’s music models available to developers and businesses across music technology, media, entertainment and social media.

ElevenLabs also operates ElevenMusic, an AI music creation app that lets users generate and edit original songs while controlling elements including vocals, instrumentation, style, and arrangement.

ElevenLabs has not yet announced a launch date or the participating artists and songwriters.