UMG and ElevenLabs to launch licensed AI music creation platform

Universal Music Group (UMG) and ElevenLabs have announced a multi-year licensing agreement and a broader strategic collaboration to launch a new AI-powered platform built around licensed music from UMG artists.

The unnamed software is still in development, with no release date announced. It will primarily target music fans who want to create remixes and mashups of tracks from participating artists, who will be “fairly compensated.” ElevenLabs' tools will also be able to generate “new track interpretations and personalized vocal experiences.”

This marks ElevenLabs' first deal with a major label. The new platform will be separate from its existing ElevenMusic AI music generation software. The two companies also plan to work on new AI audio products for artists, according to a UMG press release.

The announcement comes amid a complicated relationship between the music industry and AI. Months ago, a coalition of major labels including UMG called for AI-generated “slop” tracks to be banned from charts worldwide. In recent years, labels have been involved in copyright disputes with AI companies such as Suno and Udio, though several lawsuits — including one filed by Warner against Udio in 2024 — have ended in settlements and licensing agreements. This week, Suno said the launch of its v6 AI music models marked the start of its relationships with labels like Warner and BMG.