Universal’s making big moves in AI, partnering with NVIDIA to reshape music discovery and creation.
Universal Music Group (UMG) has forged a partnership with NVIDIA, aiming to develop responsible artificial intelligence for music discovery and engagement. This collaboration marks a significant step in UMG’s ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between the music industry and AI technology. By leveraging NVIDIA’s robust AI infrastructure alongside UMG’s extensive music catalog, the companies plan to redefine how listeners discover and interact with music.
In an official statement, both companies revealed their intent to engage in collaborative research and development. Their shared objectives include enhancing human music creation and ensuring fair compensation for rights holders. The partnership also seeks to utilize AI to elevate music discovery beyond traditional search and personalization methods. Furthermore, they aim to protect artists’ work and guarantee proper attribution of music-related content.
A key component of this initiative involves extending the capabilities of the NVIDIA Music Flamingo model. This model is designed to improve music discovery by analyzing full-length tracks, capturing various elements such as harmony, structure, and cultural context. The goal is to enhance fan engagement while encouraging artists to adopt new creative tools.
Lucian Grainge, UMG’s chairman and CEO, expressed excitement about the strategic partnership, stating, “We’re thrilled to unite the world’s leading music and technology companies to harness AI in ways that significantly benefit the creative community and enhance the global role of music.” He added that NVIDIA’s commitment to responsible AI principles is vital as they navigate this new frontier.
Richard Kerris, NVIDIA’s VP and GM of Media, noted the transformative potential of this collaboration. He described the upcoming era of music catalog exploration as an interactive and contextual experience. Kerris emphasized that the partnership would change how fans discover and engage with music, all while prioritizing artist rights and copyright protections.
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