ElevenLabs Debuts AI Music Generator with Commercial Rights
▼ Summary
– ElevenLabs launched a new AI model for generating commercially cleared music, expanding beyond its core text-to-speech and audio tools.
– The company shared AI-generated music samples, including a rap with synthetic voices mimicking artists like Dr. Dre and Kendrick Lamar.
– AI music startups face legal challenges, as seen with Suno and Udio being sued by the RIAA for allegedly using copyrighted training data.
– ElevenLabs secured deals with Merlin Network and Kobalt Music Group to license independent artists’ music for AI training, with opt-in requirements.
– Kobalt highlighted benefits for artists, including new revenue streams, revenue sharing, and safeguards against misuse in AI licensing agreements.
ElevenLabs has unveiled a groundbreaking AI music generator that comes with commercial licensing rights, positioning itself as a major player in the evolving landscape of AI-generated audio. The announcement signals a strategic shift for the company, which has primarily focused on text-to-speech and voice cloning technologies since its inception three years ago.
The new tool allows users to create original music tracks, complete with synthetic vocals, while claiming full clearance for commercial use. To demonstrate its capabilities, ElevenLabs released samples, including one featuring an AI-generated rap verse with lyrics about ambition and transcending origins, a stylistic nod to hip-hop legends like Dr. Dre and Kendrick Lamar. While the technical achievement is impressive, it raises questions about authenticity and the ethical boundaries of AI replicating artistic expression rooted in human experience.
The move into AI music generation isn’t without risks, as the industry grapples with legal and ethical challenges surrounding training data. Earlier this year, startups Suno and Udio faced lawsuits from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) over allegations of using copyrighted material to train their models. These cases highlight the precarious balance between innovation and intellectual property rights, pushing some companies toward licensing agreements with major labels.
In a bid to address these concerns, ElevenLabs has secured partnerships with Merlin Network and Kobalt Music Group, two prominent platforms representing independent artists. Merlin’s roster includes global stars like Adele and Nirvana, while Kobalt works with acts such as Beck and Childish Gambino. Notably, Kobalt emphasized that participation is opt-in, ensuring artists retain control over whether their work contributes to AI training.
A Kobalt spokesperson highlighted the benefits for musicians, stating that the deal introduces new revenue opportunities while incorporating safeguards against misuse. Revenue-sharing models and infringement protections aim to make the arrangement mutually beneficial, aligning with broader industry efforts to integrate AI responsibly.
As AI continues reshaping creative industries, ElevenLabs’ latest venture underscores both the potential and the complexities of synthetic media. While the technology unlocks unprecedented possibilities for content creation, its long-term success hinges on navigating legal frameworks and maintaining trust with artists and rights holders.
(Source: TechCrunch)
