Universal Music is launching an AI music platform with ElevenLabs

You can now officially remix popular songs, and your creations could potentially be monetized by the artists and rights holders.

Universal Music Group (UMG) is launching a new AI-powered platform enabling users to create remixes, mashups, and new versions of songs using its licensed music catalog. This initiative is developed through a multiyear licensing agreement with ElevenLabs, a specialist in AI voice and music generation. Artists will have the option to participate in this platform. This deal represents UMG's latest in AI, following similar developments with Udio, Spotify, Nvidia, and Klay. This announcement comes shortly after Suno released its own AI music model trained on licensed tracks from Warner Music Group and BMG. The collaboration between UMG and ElevenLabs also aims to create further products and fan experiences, with a focus on artist compensation and leveraging UMG's catalog and rights management expertise alongside ElevenLabs' AI technology. The platform will be distinct from ElevenLabs' existing AI music offerings.

This partnership signifies a significant move by major labels to integrate generative AI into their core business, moving beyond simply licensing their catalogs to actively facilitating AI-driven content creation. By offering tools to remix existing tracks, UMG is exploring new revenue streams and fan engagement models while attempting to establish a framework for fair artist compensation in the age of AI. This could reshape how music is consumed and created, potentially democratizing certain aspects of music production while cementing the label's control over its intellectual property.

The involvement of ElevenLabs, known for its voice cloning technology, suggests that UMG may also be exploring AI-generated vocals or personalized audio experiences in the future. The focus on artist participation and compensation, while vague, indicates a conscious effort to address concerns that have plagued AI music development. As other labels and AI music companies like Suno forge similar paths, the industry is rapidly defining new standards for AI-generated music and its commercialization, setting the stage for future battles over copyright and artist royalties.