Universal Music Group, led by Chairman and CEO Lucien Grainge, has partnered with LA-based AI music company Clay Vision, which the company says will be “pioneering AI-generated music that works in partnership with the music industry.” The company is working on what it calls a “commercial ethics foundation model.” Its creators. ”
Cray aims to be “the backbone of a new era of innovation that drives new products and experiences, staying true to the premise that AI can enhance and grow musical creativity and human artistry.” , the partners said. A press release on Monday even called Cray an “ethical AI music company.”
The companies share their “belief that cutting-edge fundamental AI models are best built and scaled responsibly through constructive dialogue and agreement with those responsible for the artistry that shapes world culture.” He said that he is sharing. They further added: “Building generative AI music models with full ethical respect for copyright, name, and likeness rights dramatically reduces threats to human creators and supports creativity and future monetization. This is our biggest opportunity for change, creating important new avenues.” Copyright. ”
Mr. Clay will be led by music producer and technology visionary Ally Atty, former president of global digital business at Sony Music Entertainment, and Thomas Hesse, who will join the company shortly starting in 2016. These are music and technology executives, including Bjorn Winkler. Google Deep Mind.
“Cray is committed to serving artists and songwriters, and those who support them, including music publishers, labels, distributors, and other rights holders across major and indie labels,” the company said in a statement. ” he said. “Klay is developing a global ecosystem that hosts AI-driven experiences and content with accurate attribution, without competing with artists’ catalogs on traditional music services.”
Universal Music Group (UMG) Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Officer Michael Nash said the music giant is “exploring new opportunities and ethical solutions for artists and the broader music ecosystem, and We are excited to advance generative AI technology in a way that respects the And it has the potential to have a major impact on human creativity. UMG has always strived to lead the music industry in promoting innovation, embracing new technology, and supporting entrepreneurship while preserving human artistry. ”
Attie, founder and CEO of Klay, added: “Research is essential to building the foundations of AI music, but technology is nothing more than an empty vessel without engaging the culture it is intended to serve. Don’t just introduce it, make it invisible and mission-critical to people's daily lives. Only then can music AI become more than a temporary gimmick. Our great artists have always embraced the latest technology, and we believe the next Beatle will be playing with Cray.
Clay said he is developing a new Large Music Model (KLayMM) to advance state-of-the-art music AI. “While the company is currently operating in secrecy, we plan to launch products in the coming months that will revolutionize the way people think about music and provide a new and intuitive musical experience,” the company added.
On Friday, UMG released Brenda Lee’s Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree for the first time in Spanish using SoundLabs AI technology and with the artist’s full approval.
Universal has partnered with new AI companies that respect and are committed to maximizing the commercial impact and reach that responsibly trained AI can bring to artists. We partner with YouTube/Google, ProRata.AI, Endel, SoundLabs, BandLabs, Roland, and more.
UMG is also in litigation with Anthropic AI and is also participating in industry-wide lawsuits against Suno and Udio.