NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess) – Universal Music Group (UMG) and BandLab Technologies, the parent company of social music creation platform BandLab, have announced what they call “an expansive, industry-first strategic relationship concentrated on artificial intelligence.”
According to UMG, the partnership will be “centered on empowering the next generation of artists, including within BandLab’s global community.” The statement adds that “the alliance will advance the companies’ shared commitment to [the] ethical use of AI and the protection of artist and songwriter rights.”
The Singapore-based BandLab Technologies’ flagship music-making app, BandLab, partly built on AI-driven tech, has recently attracted over 60 million registered users. BandLab also runs a tool called SongStarter that uses AI to allow users to generate musical “ideas,” including beats, melodies, and chord progressions, that can be built upon via the leading BandLab platform.
BandLab has pledged support for the Human Artistry Campaign (HAC), a global coalition devoted to ensuring AI technologies are developed and utilized in ways that champion human creativity and culture.
“As the digital landscape of music continues to evolve, this collaboration is designed to be a beacon of innovation and ethical practice in the industry and heralds a new era where artists are supported and celebrated at every stage of their creative journey,” added the statement.
UMG and BandLab Technologies say their two companies will “pioneer market-led solutions with pro-creator standards to ensure new technologies serve the creator community effectively and ethically.”
UMG also partnered with YouTube in August, with both companies saying they will jointly develop AI tools that offer “safe, responsible and profitable” opportunities to music rightsholders.
One aspect of that alliance is a ‘Music AI Incubator’ at YouTube – where new tools and innovations will be developed in close conjunction with artists and the music biz. The second aspect of the UMG / YouTube alliance is that both companies have publicly committed to three principles/pledges that will guide the development of music-based generative AI tools in the future.
Commenting on the partnership with BandLab, Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman / CEO of Universal Music Group, said: “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.”
Michael Nash, EVP / 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 established and emerging artists. Given BandLab’s passion for music and its 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.
Added Nash: “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.”
Meng Ru Kuok, CEO / Founder, Caldecott Music Group and CEO of BandLab Technologies, said: “BandLab Technologies and our more comprehensive 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 innovative, rewarding, and endlessly inspiring music.”
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