Universal Music Group and ElevenLabs are developing a licensed artificial intelligence music platform that will allow fans to create remixes, mashups and new interpretations of recordings from artists who choose to participate.
The companies announced the multiyear licensing and product-development agreement on September 10. It is ElevenLabs’ first agreement with a major record company and will begin with a separate fan-creation platform now in development.
Artists must choose to participate
According to Universal Music Group, the service will be built around licensed music and artist participation. Fans will be able to create remixes, mashups, new track interpretations and personalized vocal experiences involving participating artists and songwriters.
The announcement says artists and songwriters will share in the value created, but it does not disclose compensation formulas, pricing or a launch date. Participation will be optional.
A separate platform, not an extension of existing tools
The forthcoming service will operate separately from ElevenLabs’ existing music products. Those products include ElevenMusic, its application for generating and editing original songs, and a Music application programming interface used by businesses and developers.
Universal Music Group and ElevenLabs also plan to develop additional artificial intelligence audio products for artists and songwriters, along with more fan experiences in the future. Details remain limited.
Music companies are moving from restriction to controlled participation
The agreement is another sign that major rights holders are trying to build controlled, licensed alternatives to unauthorized artist imitation. Instead of allowing unrestricted use of a catalog or an artist’s voice, the emerging model combines consent, licensing and compensation.
It also expands the potential market for artificial intelligence music beyond people creating entirely original songs. Fans may become active participants who produce personalized versions of familiar recordings.
Whether those creations produce lasting fan engagement is still unproven. Listening behavior, sharing intent and audience response will determine whether licensed remix platforms become meaningful revenue products or short-lived novelties.
Source: Universal Music Group’s announcement.