UMG Keeps Feeding the AI Machine—Now ElevenLabs Gets a Deal

Universal's playing the long game with artificial intelligence. After deals with distribution platforms like Kobalt and Merlin, the label's now partnering with ElevenLabs—a voice synthesis company—to explore what AI can do with their catalog. This is UMG's first major agreement with this particular tech player, but it fits the pattern: the label's testing every angle of how AI tools can remix, remix, and re-monetize their artists' work.

The move shows where the industry's head is at right now. Labels aren't fighting AI outright anymore—they're negotiating stakes in it. ElevenLabs brings voice generation tech to the table, which opens doors to everything from remixed vocals to AI-generated features. Whether that's good or bad for artists depends who you ask, but UMG's clearly banking on finding revenue streams before the technology gets too far ahead of the licensing conversation.

This won't be the last deal we see. Every major's scrambling to lock down agreements before the lawsuits and regulations get too thick.

Read the full story at Music Ally → https://musically.com/2026/09/11/umgs-elevenlabs-deal-is-latest-move-to-ai-remix-experiences/