Universal Music Group and ElevenLabs Announce Licensed AI Music Platform

Universal Music Group and ElevenLabs are teaming up on a new licensed AI music platform designed to let fans create with music from participating artists and songwriters.The companies announced a multi-year licensing agreement and broader strategic collaboration that will include both fan-facing tools and new AI audio products for artists and songwriters.The upcoming platform, currently in development, is expected to let fans create remixes, mashups, new interpretations of existing tracks and personalized vocal experiences using licensed music and approved artist participation.For ElevenLabs, the agreement marks its first licensing deal with a major record label.Universal Music Group says the partnership is built around a model where AI innovation respects human artistry and gives artists and songwriters a way to participate in the value created by these new tools.The deal also goes beyond a single product. UMG and ElevenLabs say they plan to develop additional AI-powered products and fan experiences over time.ElevenLabs already offers music tools including ElevenMusic, its music creation platform for generating and editing original songs, and a Music API used by developers and media companies.The new UMG collaboration will be separate from those existing products and will focus specifically on licensed music, artist participation and fan creativity.This is another major sign that the music industry is moving toward licensed AI creation rather than simply trying to keep AI outside the ecosystem.The question now is what artists choose to participate, what music becomes available, and how much creative freedom fans will actually have once the platform launches.