The deal adds to UMG’s list of collaborations with AI companies, such as last year’s AI incubator with YouTube and a strategic relationship with AI-focused BandLab.
Led by accomplished executives from the world of music and technology, including Ary Attie, Thomas Hesse and Björn Winckler, KLAY aims to be the backbone of a new era of innovation, powering new products and experiences, and is committed to the principle that AI can enhance and develop human musical creativity and artistic talent.
According to a statement, the agreement is centered on the belief that advanced AI models should be developed and scaled responsibly through constructive dialogue and consensus with artists, with the aim of reducing harm. risks to human creators while opening new avenues for creativity and copyright monetization.
“We are excited to partner with entrepreneurs like the team leading KLAY, to explore new opportunities and ethical solutions for artists and the broader music ecosystem, advancing generative AI technology. ‘a way that both respects copyright and has the potential to have a profound impact on human creativity. ” said Michael Nash, executive vice president and chief digital officer of UMG, adding that his group “has always strived to lead the music industry by driving innovation, embracing new technologies and supporting the entrepreneurship while protecting human artistic talent.”
KLAY Founder and CEO Ary Attie added: “Research is essential to laying the foundation for AI music, but technology is just an empty vessel when it doesn’t engage with the culture that it is. ‘she is supposed to serve. KLAY’s obsession is not only to present its research innovations, but also to make them invisible and essential to people’s daily lives. Only then can music AI become more than a fleeting gadget. Our great artists have always embraced the latest technology – we believe the next Beatles will perform with KLAY.
In a January staff memo, UMG CEO Sir Lucian Grainge touted the company’s proactive stance on AI, announcing the Responsible AI initiative to advocate for policies that protect artists from unethical practices and establishing partnerships with AI companies.
“At the start of 2023, many “experts” saw AI as an imminent threat. Our point of view? Just as we had with so many previous doomsday proclamations, we rejected this short-sighted assessment. On the contrary, we saw AI as presenting opportunities. And then, just like we did with streaming, we worked to turn those opportunities into reality.
He added: “In the past, new, often disruptive technologies were simply released into the world, leaving the music community to develop the model by which artists would be fairly compensated and their rights protected. As for AI, we will continue to create opportunities for our artists, while leading the fight to protect them from unethical uses of this technology. And around the world, we will continue to prioritize and fight for policies that serve art – not at its expense. We also plan to announce more real-world business applications for ethical, artist-led AI.
