Universal Music Group and Splice Partner on AI Music Tools

Universal Music Group (UMG) has partnered with AI-assisted music creation platform Splice to collaborate on “joint exploration” of the next generation of AI-powered music creation tools for artists.

Why it matters:

• The partnership comes off the back of UMG settling its lawsuit with AI music creation platform Udio in October.

• The joint press release says the two companies are “building a roadmap for development of commercial AI tools rooted in creative control and sonic excellence.”

• The release also mentions that Splice’s AI-enabled creator tools “respect intellectual property.”

• As part of their union, the companies will explore AI-powered virtual instruments and tools that allow UMG artists to bring their own sounds into Splice’s AI workflows.

• It’s expected that UMG artists will be involved with guiding the product development process.

What they said:

• Michael Nash, EVP & Chief Digital Officer, Universal Music Group: “We're excited to form this alliance with Splice to promote the alignment of innovation and ethicality in addressing the interests of the creative community to leverage cutting-edge AI-enabled tools to further their artistic expression. We look forward to partnering with Kakul Srivastava and her team on this critically important strategic technology front.”