Recently, the startup ElevenLabs announced the launch of a new service called "Eleven Music," which allows individuals and businesses to create their own music using artificial intelligence technology. Users just need to input simple English prompts, such as "create a pop jazz song with a '60s atmosphere, powerful lyrics, but suitable for relaxing on a Friday afternoon," and ElevenLabs' AI model can generate a complete piece of music, including vocals and instrumental performances, within minutes.
Image source note: The image is AI-generated, and the image licensing service provider is Midjourney
ElevenLabs is known for its voice generation software, and entering the music generation field is a significant move. Previously, several large music companies have sued other music generation startups like Suno and Udio, accusing them of using copyrighted works without permission during AI training. Mati Staniszewski, co-founder and CEO of ElevenLabs, stated that ElevenLabs has reached a cooperation agreement with Merlin Network, a digital copyright organization representing independent record labels, to use the works of artists represented by Merlin in model training. In addition, ElevenLabs has also reached similar agreements with Kobalt Music Group, an independent copyright management and music publishing company.
These agreements provide legal protection for ElevenLabs' AI-generated music, allowing it to be widely used for commercial purposes. Staniszewski hopes to reach agreements with major record companies such as Universal Music Group, Sony Music Group, and Warner Music Group. Although ElevenLabs currently does not use data from these large music companies, they have taken measures to ensure that the music generated by their model does not include the names of artists or specific lyrics, and to prevent the generation of lyrics that may incite violence or illegal activities.
The target customers of Eleven Music include businesses and creators, aiming to help them produce music for commercial projects or creative activities without hiring composers or paying for limited usage licenses from major record companies. Currently, the company has provided access to its AI music model for 20 clients, who use the model to create music for movies, television, games, and fitness and meditation applications. Although ElevenLabs has not disclosed the specific information of these clients, it is expected that AI-generated music will be widely used in industries such as telecommunications, automotive, advertising, and entertainment.
Although AI music generation services offer many conveniences, ElevenLabs still faces many challenges, including pressure from competitors and strong calls from the entire creative community for the protection of creators' rights. The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) pointed out that while AI technology is exciting, innovation can only be achieved when technology companies follow the rules and respect the rights of human creators.
Key Points:
🎵 ElevenLabs launched the "Eleven Music" service, allowing users to quickly generate commercial music.
🤝 Collaborated with Merlin and Kobalt to ensure legal permissions for AI-generated music.
⚖️ AI music generation faces legal challenges, and protecting creators' rights has become a key issue.