UMG collaborates with music label AI KLAY

Universal Music Group has entered into a strategic partnership with music label AI KLAY.

To date, KLAY has yet to release any of its products, but the AI ​​startup is said to be developing what it calls a “Big Music Model,” called “KLayMM,” which “will help people create new music with the help of AI,” says a company representative. According to a press release about the deal, KLAY notes that it is committed to working with the music industry to produce ethical AI music models that will fully respect copyright, as well as name and likeness rights. When asked if this partnership included the licensing of UMG's catalog of published or recorded music, KLAY declined to comment.

KLAY is headed by the music producer Ary Attie and former president of Sony Music Entertainment Thomas Hesse. The team will be added soon Björn Winckler of Google Deepmind as well.

This is the latest in a series of partnerships that UMG has forged with “responsible” AI companies over the past year. In the past, the world's largest music company has started working with Soundlabs, Bandlab and Endel. Last week, UMG's deal with Soundlabs produced an AI-powered Spanish translation of Brenda Lee's “Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree” just in time for the holiday.

Michael Nashexecutive vice president and chief digital officer of Universal Music said: “We are excited to partner with entrepreneurs like the team led by KLAY to explore new opportunities and ethical solutions for artists and the broader music ecosystem by advancing genetic AI technology in ways that are both respectful of copyright and have the potential to profoundly influence human creativity. UMG has always strived to lead the music industry in promoting innovation, embracing new technologies and supporting entrepreneurship while protecting human artistry.”

Attie, founder and CEO of KLAY added: “Research is critical to building the foundation for music AI, but technology is only an empty vessel when it's not engaged with the culture it's meant to serve. KLAY's obsession is not just to show off its research innovation, but to make it invisible and critical to people's daily lives. Only then can AI music become more than a short-lived gimmick. Our great artists have always embraced the latest technologies – we believe the next Beatles will play with KLAY.”