Universal Music and ElevenLabs strike first major-label AI music deal

Universal Music Group and ElevenLabs have announced a multi-year licensing and product-development agreement that will begin with a licensed AI music creation platform, marking ElevenLabs’ first deal with a major label. The planned platform will let fans use music from participating artists to create remixes, mashups, alternative interpretations and personalised vocal experiences. Universal said the service will be built on licensed music and artist participation. The companies said the agreement covers both licensing and product development. Universal also said artists and songwriters should share in the value created, while its chairman and chief executive, Sir Lucian Grainge, cast responsible AI as a way to deepen engagement between artists and fans and open up new revenue opportunities. The platform will be offered separately from ElevenLabs’ existing Music API and ElevenMusic products. The agreement also includes further AI audio products and fan experiences in the months and years ahead. TNW reported that the announcement did not name any participating artists, set a launch date or disclose financial terms. It also said the platform will be limited to artists and songwriters who opt in, rather than Universal’s entire catalogue.