ElevenLabs and Universal Music Group entered a multi-year licensing agreement and strategic collaboration. The first step is a fan platform built on licensed music, with remixes, mashups and new interpretations from participating artists. The platform is in development.
- ElevenLabs' first agreement with a major label, covering licensing and product development.
- The new platform will be separate from ElevenMusic and the Music API.
- Both sides say artists and songwriters should be fairly compensated. How, it doesn't say.
A remix of your favourite song, made by you, with the artist taking part and legal. That is the promise. The platform doesn't exist yet.
So I write it as a plan. On 10 September ElevenLabs and Universal Music Group announced a multi-year agreement, and the first thing they will start with is a new platform for fans. It is in development. There is no date.
The direction is familiar
In August Spotify and Merlin agreed on fan covers and remixes with credit and money for the original artist. Now a major label signs with an AI audio company. The frame is the same: fans can play with the music if the artist has said yes and if someone is counting.
One thing is missing from the announcement, and it is the core: how the money is split. They say artists and songwriters should get a fair share. When the platform has terms someone can read, it will become clear what fair means.
At a party the best moment is often when the DJ plays someone else's song, but their own way. People remember it for years. If this platform gives that to every fan without robbing the author, it will be good. If not, it will be one more generator with a licence.