Music fans will soon be able to create authorized remixes and mashups of popular songs using artificial intelligence. Universal Music Group (UMG) has announced a multiyear agreement with AI audio startup ElevenLabs to build a new platform that relies on UMG's catalog of licensed music. The tool will allow users to experiment with official tracks while aiming to protect artists' intellectual property.
Participation in the upcoming platform will be optional for artists on UMG's roster, allowing musicians to decide whether their work can be used for AI generation. ElevenLabs Chief Executive Mati Staniszewski stated that combining UMG's rights management expertise with ElevenLabs' voice and music models will allow creators to build new fan experiences while ensuring artists receive fair compensation. The new service will operate independently from ElevenLabs' existing Music API and ElevenMusic generator.
The collaboration is part of a broader push across the music industry to establish commercial frameworks for AI technology. UMG has already pursued AI initiatives with companies such as Udio, Spotify, Nvidia, and Klay. Meanwhile, other major music entities have also begun licensing their catalogs to AI developers, marking a shift toward legal, artist-approved generative AI tools.