Universal Music Group and ElevenLabs plan licensed AI remix platform

In short: Universal Music Group says it is building a licensed AI music creation platform with ElevenLabs for remixes, mashups, and new versions of songs.

What happened

Universal Music Group, one of the world’s biggest record labels, announced a new platform that will let people create remixes, mashups, and other new takes on songs from its catalog. The key point is that the music used on the platform will be licensed, meaning it is approved for use and tied to the right owners.

UMG is developing the platform through a multi-year licensing agreement with ElevenLabs. ElevenLabs is a company that makes AI tools for generating voices and music, meaning software that can produce audio based on prompts (like giving instructions to a helpful music assistant).

UMG said artists will be able to choose whether to participate. The companies also said they plan to develop other “products and fan experiences” over time, but they did not share details.

This is not UMG’s first move in this area. The label is also working on an AI music platform with Udio, and it has made AI licensing deals with Spotify, Nvidia, and Klay. Separately, the AI music company Suno recently released an AI music model trained on licensed songs from Warner Music Group, BMG, and other partners.

Why it matters

AI music tools are spreading fast, and one big question is whether they use music legally and whether artists get paid. A licensed platform is closer to a paid, permission-based model, like using a stocked kitchen instead of taking ingredients from someone else’s pantry. If this platform launches as described, it could make it easier for fans to remix music while giving rights holders more control over how songs are used.

Source: The Verge AI