Universal Music strikes AI deal, artists cry foul
Universal Music has reached a settlement with Udio to resolve copyright claims and will partner with the AI music platform on a new service launching next year. The collaboration aims to create revenue streams for Universal artists and songwriters through a licensed system for music customization and streaming.
The Music Artists Coalition raised concerns following the announcement on Wednesday, Oct. 29. Irving Azoff, a board member and founder of MAC, warned against repeating past patterns where creators receive minimal benefits while others profit. The group is demanding transparency about revenue distribution, particularly whether settlement funds will go directly to artists or reduce their existing label debts. MAC also questioned how consent mechanisms will function when multiple creators disagree about allowing their work in AI training.
Ron Gubitz, executive director of MAC, emphasized that artists deserve both control and fair payment since their work powers these AI systems. Universal stated the existing Udio service will continue within restricted parameters while implementing content protections before the upgraded platform debuts. Universal separately announced a partnership with Stability AI to build professional music tools using responsibly trained generative technology. Ed Newton-Rex of Fairly Trained praised the Udio agreement as a significant victory for the music industry.
