Universal Music Group and BandLab Technologies have announced plans for a strategic relationship concentrated on protecting artists’ rights in the age of AI.
“Centered on empowering the next generation of artists, including within BandLab’s global community, the alliance will advance the companies’ shared commitment to ethical use of AI and the protection of artist and songwriter rights,” the announcement states. “The companies will also pioneer market-led solutions with pro-creator standards to ensure new technologies serve the creator community effectively and ethically.”
BandLab, a cloud-based platform where artists can collaborate and engage with each other, is also the first platform of its kind to pledge support for the Human Artistry Campaign, a global coalition backed by multiple trade groups intended to ensure AI technologies are developed and utilized in ways that emphasize human creativity.
UMG has been aggressive in policing the fast-rising AI companies from using it and its artists’ music to “train” their technologies and in July requested aid from the U.S. government in doing so. In a parallel move, the company has also worked toward finding ways to explore AI’s possibilities in a legal, licensed way, via its deal with Endel in which its artists will create functional music for such activities as sleep and exercise.
AI has also been at the center of conversations and changes in Grammy rules governing music incorporating generative AI.
UMG chairman & CEO Lucian Grainge said of the new deal, “We welcome BandLab’s commitment to an ethical approach to AI through their accessible technology, tools and platform. We are excited to add BandLab Technologies to a growing list of UMG partners whose responsible and innovative AI will benefit the creative community.”
Meng Ru Kuok, CEO & Founder, Caldecott Music Group and CEO of BandLab Technologies said, “BandLab Technologies and our wider Caldecott Music Group network is steadfast in its respect for artists’ rights and the infinite potential of AI in music creation and we believe our millions of users around the world share in this commitment and excitement.
“Though new technologies offer unbelievable possibilities to break down more barriers for creators, it’s essential that artists’ and songwriters’ rights be fully respected and protected to give these future generations a chance of success. As demonstrated by BandLab embracing the Human Artistry Campaign principles and this collaboration with UMG, we are committed to getting it right. Through our joint efforts, we anticipate a future of music that is innovative, rewarding, and endlessly inspiring.”
Michael Nash, EVP and Chief Digital Officer, UMG added, “Meng Kuok and his team at BandLab Technologies, as well as the Caldecott Music Group network, have achieved impressive scale at the dynamic intersection of social music and creator technology innovation. At UMG, we constantly seek to empower and support both established and emerging artists. Given BandLab’s passion for music and their dedication to nurturing early-stage artistry at the nexus of ecosystem transformation, they are an excellent partner that is compelling for us on multiple fronts.
“This is more important than ever right now as AI assumes an increasingly prominent place in the evolution of music creation tools. We look forward to establishing new creative, marketing, and commercial opportunities for our artists and actively engaging with BandLab’s creator community through a highly synergistic structure, collectively protecting today’s and tomorrow’s future superstars through responsible approaches to utilization of AI in the creative process.”
