Universal Music Group Inks Deal For Artists To Create ‘Ethical’ AI ‘Soundscapes’

As the music industry battles against the rise of fake songs generated by artificial intelligence (AI), Universal Music Group (UMG) has decided, if you can’t beat them, it’s best to join them. The firm recently announced a partnership with an “AI sound wellness company” to expand its horizons.

This collaboration would allow for UMG artists’ voices and recordings to be used to create machine-generated “soundscapes,” such as playlists for sleeping, relaxation, and focus. Previously, the AI firm Endel had worked together with Grimes on an application for lullabies.

According to the record label, Endel’s proprietary technology will allow artists under UMG’s hold to “create science-backed soundscapes,” which may comprise completely new tracks or updated versions of songs from the past.

As the debate on copyright in the age of AI rages on, the project emphasized it would be placing “artists at the center of the creative process” and “will always respect creators’ rights,” allowing musicians to have the final say on how their tunes are used.

“At UMG, we believe in the incredible potential of ethical AI as a tool to support and enhance the creativity of our artists, labels, and songwriters, something that Endel has harnessed with impressive ingenuity and scientific innovation,” said UMG Chief Digital Officer, Michael Nash.

“We are excited to work together and utilize their patented AI technology to create new music soundscapes—anchored in our artist-centric philosophy—that are designed to enhance audience wellness, powered by AI that respects artists’ rights in development,” he added.

The “first wave of soundscapes” are expected to be announced in the coming months. With singers including Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Ariana Grande under its charge, could fans soon be tuning into the sweet voices of their favorite artists while drifting off to dreamland?

[via Engadget and The Hollywood Reporter, cover image via Endel]