Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group are reportedly getting close to signing artificial intelligence licensing deals.
According to the Financial Times, the landmark deals could be completed within weeks.
The FT reported that negotiations have involved AI start-ups such as ElevenLabs, Stability AI, Suno, Udio and Klay Vision, according to the report, along with large technology groups including Google and Spotify
According to sources quoted in the FT, the deal talks have focused on how the majors license their songs for creating AI-generated tracks and training large language models.
Following the success of the streaming model, the payment structure could be similar with micropayments based on the use of copyrighted music.
UMG and Warner Music have not commented on the report.
The major labels have taken a tough stance on copyright and protecting rights-holders – including legal action against some of the companies – as well as identifying opportunities for music from the use of the technology.
There has also been a wider music industry campaign against AI firms using copyrighted material without consent or compensation to train their models.
