UMG and ElevenLabs strike deal to develop licensed AI music tools
Universal Music Group and ElevenLabs have announced a multi-year licensing agreement to build an AI-powered music creation platform. The unnamed software will let fans remix and mash up tracks from participating UMG artists, with fair compensation. The companies also plan to develop additional AI audio products for artists.
This agreement marks ElevenLabs' first partnership with a major record label. The upcoming platform will be separate from their existing ElevenMusic generator, and it remains unnamed with no launch date. It will focus on fan-made remixes and mashups using tracks from participating UMG artists, ensuring those artists receive fair compensation.
This deal follows a turbulent period in the industry, where UMG previously joined a coalition urging chart bans on AI-generated tracks. Several copyright lawsuits against AI firms like Suno and Udio have recently concluded in settlements and licensing arrangements. Notably, Suno just announced its v6 models, signaling the start of formal label relationships with Warner and BMG.
This collaboration could reshape how fans interact with music, offering a legal alternative to unauthorized AI remixing. It may also set a precedent for other major labels, potentially reducing litigation as licensing becomes more common. However, the impact on smaller artists remains uncertain, as they may feel pressure to participate or face exclusion from these new tools. The broader society could see a shift toward AI-assisted creativity, but concerns about artist compensation and artistic integrity may persist.