UMG and ElevenLabs Partner on AI Music Platform

Universal Music Group (UMG) is collaborating with ElevenLabs under a multiyear licensing agreement to build a new AI-powered music platform. This upcoming tool will allow users to generate song remixes, mashups, and alternative versions of tracks by drawing directly from UMG's extensive catalog of licensed music. Crucially, the record label is making the platform optional for its talent, allowing artists to choose whether or not they want to participate in the initiative.

This partnership is the latest in a series of strategic AI moves by UMG. The record label is already working on a separate AI music platform with Udio, and it has secured licensing agreements with other major technology players including Spotify, Nvidia, and Klay. The announcement arrives amid a broader industry push toward licensed generative AI, highlighted by competitor Suno recently releasing its first AI music model trained on licensed tracks from Warner Music Group, BMG, and other industry partners.

According to ElevenLabs CEO Mati Staniszewski, the collaboration aims to help artists "create powerful new experiences for their fans" while ensuring creators receive fair compensation. To maintain distinction between its product lines, ElevenLabs will keep this new collaborative platform entirely separate from its existing ElevenLabs Music API and its standalone ElevenMusic generator. The companies also plan to develop additional fan experiences and products over the course of their multiyear agreement.

For AI developers and music creators, this partnership represents a significant transition toward legally compliant generative audio. By establishing clear licensing frameworks, UMG and ElevenLabs are creating a structured environment where practitioners can experiment with proprietary vocal and instrumental data without the threat of copyright infringement. This model could set a standard for how intellectual property is managed and monetized in the rapidly evolving generative music landscape.