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Universal Music Group is working with a stealth-mode music company to make its move in AI.
Universal formed a partnership with Klay to develop an “ethical” AI foundation model for generative music, according to Universal this week.
The partners plan for the model to work in collaboration with the music industry and creators.
Universal and Klay believe that AI models are "best built and scaled responsibly" through dialogue and consensus with "those responsible for the artistry that shapes global culture."
Their position is that building generative AI music models "ethically and fully respectful" of copyright as well as name and likeness rights will "dramatically lessen the threat to human creators." They say that type of model has the "greatest opportunity to be transformational," creating avenues for creativity and monetization.
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Klay is focused on serving the music industry, including artists, songwriters, publishers, labels, distributors and other rights holders.
Klay is developing a large music model and ecosystem to host AI-driven music experiences and content, including attribution. It says it will not compete with artist catalogs in traditional music services.
Michael Nash, EVP and chief digital officer of Universal Music Group, said the company has "always endeavored to lead the music industry in driving innovation, embracing new technologies and supporting entrepreneurship while protecting human artistry.”
Ary Attie, founder and CEO of Klay, said research is "critical to building the foundations for AI music, but the tech is only an empty vessel when it doesn’t engage with the culture it is meant to serve."
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