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ElevenLabs · Music

ElevenLabs signed its first major-label deal with Universal Music, and the fan platform doesn't exist yet

ElevenLabs and Universal Music Group entered a multi-year licensing agreement and strategic collaboration. The first step is a fan platform built on licensed music, with remixes, mashups and new interpretations from participating artists. The platform is in development.

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ElevenLabs
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Cvetelin Ivanov
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A remix of your favourite song, made by you, with the artist taking part and legal. That is the promise. The platform doesn't exist yet.

So I write it as a plan. On 10 September ElevenLabs and Universal Music Group announced a multi-year agreement, and the first thing they will start with is a new platform for fans. It is in development. There is no date.

Fact

The facts: on 10 September 2026 ElevenLabs and Universal Music Group (UMG) announced a multi-year licensing agreement and strategic collaboration, ElevenLabs' first with a major label, spanning licensing and product development. The two companies will jointly develop AI audio products for artists and songwriters. The first step is a new AI-powered music creation platform for fans, built on licensed music and artist participation: remixes, mashups, new track interpretations and personalised vocal experiences. The platform is in development and will be separate from ElevenLabs' existing music products, the Music API and ElevenMusic. Quoted are Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of UMG, and Mati Staniszewski, co-founder and CEO of ElevenLabs.

The direction is familiar

In August Spotify and Merlin agreed on fan covers and remixes with credit and money for the original artist. Now a major label signs with an AI audio company. The frame is the same: fans can play with the music if the artist has said yes and if someone is counting.

Labels no longer ask whether. They ask how, and for how much.

One thing is missing from the announcement, and it is the core: how the money is split. They say artists and songwriters should get a fair share. When the platform has terms someone can read, it will become clear what fair means.

At a party the best moment is often when the DJ plays someone else's song, but their own way. People remember it for years. If this platform gives that to every fan without robbing the author, it will be good. If not, it will be one more generator with a licence.

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