For months, the major record companies have increased attacks against AI-generated music start-ups, accused of plundering their catalogs to train their algorithms. Udio and Suno, two of the best known, were sued by Universal Music Group (UMG), Sony and Warner for copyright infringement.
Fans will be able to legally create songs with AI
But the tide is turning. UMG has chosen the path of conciliation with Udio, opening the door to a new form of collaboration between the music industry and AI creators. The agreement ends the lawsuits and provides for the launch, in 2026, of an online platform where users can compose or remix songs from licensed works.
Songs from Universal’s catalog – which includes Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish and Lady Gaga, among others – can be used by AI, provided that the artists concerned give the green light. User creations, for their part, will not leave the Udio ecosystem: they will remain confined to the platform, which will prevent any unauthorized distribution.
Universal insists: this opening to artificial intelligence will not be to the detriment of artists. “ This product allows fans to use AI to interact more deeply with music and artists », explains Michael Nash, vice-president of UMG. The major promises that musicians will be paid at two levels: on the one hand for training the model on their pieces, and on the other hand when their titles are used to generate new works.
On the Udio side, the tone is just as measured. Its CEO, Andrew Sanchez, ensures that the future service will include a social dimension – the possibility of listening to and sharing one’s creations – while preserving the rights of artists: “ We are talking about famous songs, recognized artists; it is essential to master this environment ».
Until launch, the current version of the Udio service will remain accessible, but will be gradually adjusted to integrate digital fingerprinting systems and sound recognition filters. The aim is to identify any unauthorized use of copyrighted material.
This agreement marks an important step for a music industry in full transformation. The majors, who do not want to relive a nightmare similar to the Napter years, and the start-ups are starting to find common ground. The recording industry has every interest in coping with bad luck, in the hope that a new economic model will emerge. And if AI will never replace human creativity, it could well become a new instrument.
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