Major music labels strike deal with AI startup Klay
As of November 19th, Universal Music Group, Sony Music and Warner Music Group have licensed their entire catalogues to Klay, a new AI-powered music streaming startup.
Klay allows users to remake songs using artificial intelligence. It is the first AI music service to secure deals with all three major labels.
Additionally, Klay has licensed thousands of tracks to train its model. However, the organisation has pledged to give artists and their labels control over how their works are used.
According to Reuters, Klay will integrate streaming features from services like Spotify, as well as AI tools that enable users to remix songs in various styles, thereby remaking them entirely.
Warner Music Group also settled a copyright lawsuit with Udio. Both organisations plan to launch an AI-powered song creation platform by 2026 together. This platform will use licensed tracks to protect artists while creating new revenue streams.
In a press release, Warner Music Group’s executive vice president and chief digital officer, Carletta Higginson, shared: “Our goal is always to support and elevate the creativity of our artists and songwriters, while fiercely protecting their rights and works.”
She added, “From day one, Klay has taken the right approach to the rapidly evolving AI universe by creating a holistic platform that both expands artistic possibilities and preserves the value of music.”
There has been plenty of backlash from musicians in recent months to the unprecedented changes within the industry, which seems to embrace AI.
Paul McCartney is set to release his first track in five years as a silent song to protest the use of AI within the music industry. In September, he also signed an open letter to the UK prime minister Keir Starmer, urging the government not to back AI plans before Trump’s planned state visit.
Writing on the worrying increase of AI in music, Far Out observed, “Music is inherently human, capable of capturing our emotions and connecting our spirits, but AI is becoming an increasingly worrying and unavoidable aspect of the industry.”
Listen to the AI-generated track from the AI band, The Velvet Sundown, below.
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