UMG links with Stability AI for tunes
Universal Music Group has formed a strategic alliance with Stability AI to build next-generation music creation tools powered by responsibly trained generative AI. The collaboration will involve UMG artists directly in the development process to shape tools that support songwriting, production, and recording. Stability AI’s teams will work alongside UMG to study artist needs, test new composition concepts, and design fully licensed, commercially safe AI software trained on authorized music catalogs.
This marks UMG’s second major AI partnership in two days, following its settlement with AI music platform Udio and plans for a joint licensed service launching in 2026. Stability AI, known for its Stable Diffusion and Stable Audio models, states that its audio tools are designed for professionals, utilizing only licensed data.
UMG chief digital officer Michael Nash emphasized that artist and songwriter interests remain central to the company’s AI strategy. Stability AI CEO Prem Akkaraju said the partnership places creators at the heart of AI innovation, blending art and technology to redefine music creation.
The deal expands UMG’s growing list of industry-first AI agreements with platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Meta. It also extends Stability AI’s push into creative industries, following partnerships with Electronic Arts and WPP. Despite these advances, the company continues to face ongoing copyright lawsuits regarding the data used in its AI models.
