On September 10, 2026, out of Santa Monica, California, and New York, N.Y., Universal Music Group (UMG) and ElevenLabs announced a multi-year licensing agreement and strategic collaboration. The partnership focuses on developing a new AI-powered music platform for fans, as well as jointly developing AI audio products for artists and songwriters.

UMG, the world leader in music-based entertainment, and ElevenLabs, the leading AI audio research and product company, are framing the deal as a first-of-its-kind collaboration spanning licensing and product development. Notably, this groundbreaking agreement marks the first time ElevenLabs has secured a deal with a major record label.

Empowering Fans and Compensating Artists

The AI creation software, which is currently in development and does not yet have an official name or release date, will be built entirely around licensed music. The new platform will enable fans to create remixes, mashups, and new interpretations of tracks from participating artists. Participation is voluntary for UMG artists, and those who opt in will be fairly compensated for the use of their work.

UMG Chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge stated, “The most exciting possibilities for AI and music are those that put artists, songwriters, and fans at the center.” Grainge added that responsible AI can inspire discovery and unlock new revenue opportunities for the creative community.

ElevenLabs CEO Mati Staniszewski emphasized that combining UMG's rights management expertise with ElevenLabs' AI models ensures artists can create new experiences while protecting their livelihoods. “By combining UMG’s global community and rights management expertise, with our AI models and products, we’ll enable artists and songwriters to create powerful new experiences for their fans, and ensure they are fairly compensated,” Staniszewski noted.

The new platform will be distinct and offered separately from ElevenLabs' existing AI music generation software, ElevenMusic, and its studio-grade Music API. This builds upon ElevenLabs' broader suite of AI audio tools, which already includes offerings like ElevenCreative, ElevenAgents, and recent projects like voice AI for Greece and bringing Stan Lee to ElevenLabs. The companies also plan to jointly develop additional AI audio products specifically for artists and songwriters in the future.

Navigating the AI Music Landscape

The music industry has historically had a complicated relationship with generative AI technologies. Earlier this year, a coalition of major labels, including UMG, issued a collective appeal to ban AI-generated tracks from global music charts. Record labels have also engaged in significant legal battles over copyright infringement with generators like Suno and Udio.

However, the industry is increasingly shifting toward official partnerships. Lawsuits filed in 2024, such as Warner Music Group's case against Udio, have ultimately led to settlements and licensing deals being struck.

Recently, Suno announced that the launch of its new v6 AI music models marked the formal beginning of its relationships with labels like Warner and BMG. As reported by Andre Paine on the afternoon of the UMG announcement, the industry is increasingly focused on ensuring AI-enabled music innovation respects human artistry and shares value with original creators.