Universal Music Group (UMG), which sued music creation artificial intelligence (AI) startups reminiscent of Suno and Udio, announced that it should begin developing a large-scale language model itself. Although they emphasized ‘ethical use of AI’, it’s identified that they ultimately began to generate profits with an AI model learned from their very own copyrighted data.
UMG announced on the twenty eighth (local time) that it has formed a partnership with Clay Vision, which creates a large-scale music model called ‘KLayMM’, to create an ethically-based model for AI music creation.
“We’re working with Clay to explore recent opportunities and ethical solutions for artists and the broader music ecosystem,” said Michael Nash, UMG Executive Director and Chief Digital Officer. “I’m excited to advance AI technology,” he said.
The plan is to launch the model inside a couple of months. “It should work in collaboration with the music industry and producers,” he explained, but didn’t disclose specific details. Clay said he plans to make music AI “greater than a passing fad.”
Klay is run by Thomas Hesse, former Sony BMG president and chief content officer. As well as, former Google DeepMind researcher Bjorn Winkler, who led the event of Google’s music model ‘Lilia AI’, joined as head of research.
This is not the primary time UMG has signed a deal to supply its content for AI licensing. We also signed an agreement with YouTube to take part in the music AI incubator of Alphabet, YouTube’s parent company. We also collaborated with Sound Labs to provide Brenda Lee’s Spanish carol, which was released last week.
Alternatively, it’s involved in various copyright infringement lawsuits against AI music creation corporations. The Recording Industry Association of America, together with Sony Music and Warner Music Group’s Atlantic Records, filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Suno and Udio. In addition they sued Antropic, together with ABKCO and Concord Publishing, for distributing the lyrics without permission. Last May, the corporate ended its conflict with TikTok by signing a brand new licensing agreement for AI-generated music.
Through a series of recent moves, UMG is showing its most lively stance in generative AI.
Reporter Park Chan cpark@aitimes.com
