ElevenLabs, an AI audio company, has launched its music model called Eleven Music. This new model allows users to create music from written prompts and is available for commercial use. The company has also struck licensing deals with Merlin and Kobalt to train a forthcoming “Pro” model.
Merlin, a digital licensing organization representing 30,000 independent labels and distributors, will allow its members to opt-in to AI training in exchange for royalties. Kobalt, an independent publishing giant, will also provide rights holders with the opportunity to participate in AI training in exchange for royalties.
The new Eleven Music model is available now, but a “Pro” model trained on Merlin and Kobalt rights holders is expected to debut soon. The model can generate custom audio for studios, brands, and creators, including background music for brands, novelty songs, and UGC-safe content for social platforms.
Kobalt’s deal with ElevenLabs has a worldwide remit and lasts for two years. Participants will receive royalties relative to how many of their works were used to train the model, weighted using digital proxies that account for song popularity on other digital platforms.
The new partnership aims to ensure that artists’ work is respected, valued, and protected in AI innovation. Merlin’s CEO Jeremy Sirota stated that the company built safeguards into the partnership “to showcase how AI companies and music rightsholders can collaborate.”
Source: https://www.billboard.com/pro/elevenlabs-ai-music-model-merlin-kobalt-licenses-details