Here’s what’s happening. UMG, Warner, and Sony used to fight AI. Now? They are licensing it. Instead of blocking AI-generated music, they are making agreements with AI companies to use songs, voices, and styles from their huge catalogs.
They call it “artist compensation” and “creative protection.” But it’s also clear—this is new money. And they want a large share.
🤝 What the Agreements Actually Say
- AI companies must license music correctly
- Artists can choose not to be used for training
- There should be credit and payment if their voice or work is used
- And there should be systems to track what was used
Sounds good, right? But…
💸 It’s Also a Business Move
Here’s the point: big labels are not only protecting artists. They are protecting their influence.
- Turning AI into a source of income
- Keeping control over how AI uses music
- And yes—they want payment from AI companies
In short: don’t block AI. Take control of it.
🆕 What’s New in 2025
- Talks with AI platforms: UMG, Warner, and Sony are now negotiating with AI music services like Suno and Udio. They want payment, artist opt-outs, and tracking tools (similar to YouTube’s Content ID). Some agreements may even include owning part of these AI companies.
- UMG patents: Universal has already filed 15 patents related to AI (2 already approved), covering rights management, content safety, and even music for health. They also created Music IP Holdings, Inc. to license these patents worldwide.
- Sony’s move: Sony supports Vermillio, a platform that can track, remove, and monetize AI use of artist content.
- Court cases: Labels are still in legal disputes with AI firms such as Anthropic. Recently, publishers lost a case because the court said they did not prove “serious harm.”
🤷♂️ What About Independent Artists?
That’s where it gets complicated.
Independent musicians are not included in these agreements. If you are unsigned, your music or even your voice may already be in AI datasets—with no credit, no payment, and no knowledge.
Unless:
- You use a platform that protects you (rare)
- You try to track AI use yourself (very difficult)
- Or new laws are made (not yet happening)
So while big labels earn more, independent creators remain unprotected—copied, collected, and ignored.
🎯 The Bigger Picture
This is not only about defending music. It is about controlling its future.
Yes, it protects some artists. Yes, it brings in money. But big labels are making AI follow their rules—and earning money while doing it.
And unless independent artists are included, the gap will only grow.
Because protecting creativity should not mean protecting power—it should mean protecting everyone.
𝚃𝚢𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙾𝚞𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙱𝚕𝚞𝚎 • 𝖽𝖺𝗋𝖾𝗆.𝗆𝗎𝗌𝗂𝖼.𝖻𝗅𝗈𝗀
