Three Major Labels License Music to AI Startup Klay

Major music labels Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group have reached separate licensing agreements with Klay, a Los Angeles-based artificial intelligence startup focused on music creation, marking the first time all three industry giants have partnered with the same AI company in this manner. The deals, announced on November 20, allow Klay to train its AI models exclusively on licensed music from the labels and their publishing arms, aiming to develop subscription-based services that enable fans to customize and generate music while compensating artists and songwriters.

Warner Music Group described Klay as a new subscription product designed to enhance artists' work and provide fans with innovative ways to engage with music. The company's large music model has been built solely on authorized content, and Klay is expanding efforts to include independent labels, artists, and publishers. Details on the subscription offerings remain limited, with Klay's website featuring only a waitlist signup under the tagline "Music Set Free." Leadership at Klay includes CEO Ary Attie, former Sony executive Thomas Hesse as chief content and commercial officer,...