Universal Music Group (UMG), under the leadership of chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge, has announced a collaboration with Los Angeles-based artificial intelligence (AI) music company Klay Vision. This partnership aims to create a commercially viable and ethically responsible model for AI-generated music that aligns with the interests of the existing music industry and its creators.
Klay Vision, which describes itself as an "ethical AI music company", intends to establish itself as a key player in the burgeoning field of AI in music. The company aims to serve as a pivotal force for innovation, offering new products and experiences that enhance musical creativity and support human artistry. This collaboration was detailed in a recent press release, where the companies stressed their mutual belief in developing AI models in accordance with principles of constructive dialogue and consensus with artists and creators who significantly influence global culture.
In pursuit of its goals, Klay Vision is led by Ary Attie, a music producer and tech visionary, along with notable figures like Thomas Hesse, the former president of global digital business at Sony Music Entertainment, and Björn Winckler, who will be transitioning from Google DeepMind to join Klay. The firm is dedicated to supporting artists, songwriters, and the broader music ecosystem, including music publishers, labels, and distributors. It is currently in a stealth phase, but it plans to introduce a groundbreaking product and launch a Large Music Model (KLayMM) in the coming months to offer a new way to interact with music.
Michael Nash, executive vice president and chief digital officer of UMG, expressed enthusiasm about the venture, emphasising the potential of generative AI technology to strike a balance between respecting copyright and fostering human creativity. Nash highlighted UMG's ongoing commitment to innovation and technology in the music industry, alongside a steadfast dedication to protecting the artistry of human creators.
Ary Attie, the founder and CEO of Klay Vision, underscored the importance of integrating technology with cultural contexts to achieve meaningful impacts. He suggested that the next great musical innovations could emerge from collaborations with AI platforms like Klay.
Recently, UMG has been actively involved in introducing AI technologies into the music domain. Notably, it utilised SoundLabs AI technology to produce a Spanish version of Brenda Lee's classic "Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree," with full approval from the artist. This marks UMG's continued efforts to integrate AI in ways that respect artists' rights and add commercial value.
UMG has additionally collaborated with a number of AI-focused companies, such as YouTube/Google, ProRata.AI, Endel, BandLabs, SoundLabs, and Roland, all of which aim to help harness the potential of responsibly developed AI technologies in maximising artists' reach and impact. Meanwhile, UMG is engaged in legal activities involving Anthropic AI and is part of a larger industry effort against companies like Suno & Udio, as it seeks to navigate the complex landscape of AI technology in music.
Source: Noah Wire Services