Universal Music Partners with AI Startup to Build "Ethical" Music Generation Tools

Universal Music Partners with AI Startup to Build "Ethical" Music Generation Tools

Universal Music Group (UMG) is teaming up with LA-based AI company KLAY Vision to develop AI tools that respect artists' rights — even as the music giant battles other AI companies in court over unauthorized use of its music.

The partnership aims to create what the companies call an "ethical foundational model" for AI-generated music. You'll soon see this technology in action through KLAY's upcoming Large Music Model (KLayMM), though specific details about the product remain under wraps.

"We're exploring new opportunities that respect copyright while potentially transforming human creativity," says Michael Nash, UMG's executive vice president and chief digital officer.

Google DeepMind and YouTube Unveil New AI Music Creation Tools
Lyria represents a massive leap forward for AI music creation. Unlike other AI music generation models that struggle with maintaining musical continuity, Lyria excels in generating high-quality music complete with instrumentals and vocals, offering users refined control over style and performance.

UMG and Klay Vision describe their collaboration as a pioneering step towards an “ethical foundational model for AI-generated music.” Central to this partnership is the conviction that AI must work with creators, not replace them. The companies stressed that generative AI music models need to be developed in ways that are fully respectful of copyright, name, and likeness rights — aiming to reduce threats to human creators and open new avenues for creativity and revenue in the music industry.

KLAY brings serious music industry expertise to the table. The company is led by former Sony Music executive Thomas Hesse and will soon add Björn Winckler, who previously developed Google's Lyria AI music model at DeepMind.

UMG's collaboration with Klay Vision comes amid ongoing legal battles that highlight the tensions between traditional music rights and new AI technologies. UMG is engaged in litigation against Anthropic AI and music-generating AI platforms Suno and Udio, accusing them of using UMG recordings to train their AI systems without proper permissions.

The companies expect to launch their first product in the coming months, promising to "revolutionize the way people think about music" through what they describe as a new, intuitive music experience.

Chris McKay is the founder and chief editor of Maginative. His thought leadership in AI literacy and strategic AI adoption has been recognized by top academic institutions, media, and global brands.

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