Universal Music Group Partners with AI Music Business
UMG has partnered with Klay Vision, a self-described “ethical” AI music company to boost artist creativity.
Universal Music Group (UMG) has partnered with Klay Vision, an emerging AI music company based in Los Angeles, to create a model for AI-generated music focused on ethical practices. Klay Vision will work with UMG to advance generative AI technology that abides by copyright laws and empowers human creativity within the music industry.
Steered by CEO Lucian Grainge, UMG aims to build an AI model that collaborates with artists and industry stakeholders instead of competing with them. The music giant emphasized the importance of being in dialogue with creators in developing AI tools that acknowledge and protect the work of human artists. Both UMG and Klay Vision see this partnership as an opportunity to promote creativity and open new paths for revenue, while ensuring AI models uphold the rights of artists such as digital replicas and copyright laws.
Klay Vision brings to the table a team with strong roots in music and technology, including CEO Ary Attie, former Sony Music executive Thomas Hesse, and Björn Winckler, soon to join from Google Deepmind. The company plans to support not only artists and songwriters but also publishers, labels, and other rights holders across the music spectrum. Klay is working on a Large Music Model (KLayMM), aimed at offering music experiences that support the existing music ecosystem instead of competing with traditional catalogs.
According to Michael Nash, UMG’s chief digital officer, the partnership reflects UMG’s commitment to leading the industry in innovation while safeguarding human artistry. He pointed to the possibilities of AI to impact creativity in a positive manner when developed in a way that honors the contributions of human artists. This collaboration with Klay Vision follows UMG’s work with various tech innovators like YouTube/Google, ProRata.AI, Endel, SoundLabs, BandLabs, and Roland. In addition to forming these partnerships, UMG is also addressing legal challenges with AI companies like Anthropic AI and is involved in broader industry actions against others such as Suno & Udio.
Klay Vision intends to make its AI not only cutting-edge but also seamlessly integrated into music culture. Attie emphasized that their goal goes beyond research and technology, aiming to make AI a meaningful tool for artists and listeners alike. He envisions AI as an essential part of everyday music experiences, helping artists push creative boundaries without overshadowing their work.
This collaboration reflects UMG’s strategy of embracing new technologies that support both innovation and copyright protection. Recently, UMG released the first Spanish version of Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” using SoundLabs AI, with consent from the artist, further illustrating its devotion to responsibly exploring the potential of AI to enrich music for audiences worldwide. Klay Vision is expected to unveil its new product in the coming months, promising a fresh, intuitive music experience powered by AI and designed with respect for the artistic community.