Universal Music Group’s teaming up with Splice to shape the future of AI for music creation.
Universal Music Group (UMG) is entering into a partnership with Splice, a platform designed for music creators, to develop the next generation of AI-driven tools tailored for artists. This collaboration aims to create a roadmap for commercial AI applications that align with the needs of musicians while respecting intellectual property rights.
The partnership builds on Splice’s existing suite of AI-enabled tools, which aim to enhance the creative process without compromising on quality. A key aspect of this collaboration will be the exploration of AI-powered virtual instruments and other tools that allow UMG artists to infuse their unique sounds into Splice’s workflows. Artists from UMG will play an important role in the product development process, providing insights and feedback to shape these tools.
Michael Nash, UMG’s Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Officer, expressed enthusiasm about this partnership, emphasizing the focus on balancing innovation with ethical considerations. He stated, “We’re excited to form this alliance with Splice to promote the alignment of innovation and ethicality in addressing the interests of the creative community to leverage cutting-edge AI-enabled tools to further their artistic expression.” Nash also highlighted the significance of this strategic technology front.
Kakul Srivastava, CEO of Splice, shared her perspective on the collaboration, noting that the company has dedicated efforts to create AI tools that fairly compensate and empower creators. She said, “We’re thankful for Universal’s continued support, and excited to work together to put these commercial tools in the hands of artists everywhere, knowing they can trust the end result.”
This collaboration is not taking place in a vacuum; it follows a joint commitment made by Splice, UMG, and other industry leaders to uphold ethical guidelines in music creation using AI. In June 2024, they signed the “Principles for Music Creation with AI,” which advocates for responsible and transparent use of AI technologies that support rather than replace human creators.
Over the past year, Splice has integrated its AI workflows into popular digital audio workstations like Ableton and Pro Tools. They have launched several AI-native tools aimed at artist-centered monetization and creative control, expanding their influence in the music industry. Additionally, the acquisition of Spitfire Audio has allowed Splice to extend its offerings to professional composers, reinforcing its status among trusted platforms for music creation.
