Musicians Express Concerns as Major Labels Embrace AI-Generated Music in 2025
In 2025, AI-generated music became mainstream with notable successes such as Velvet Sundown amassing millions of streams, AI tracks topping Spotify's viral charts and a US Billboard country chart, and the AI artist Xania Monet signing a record deals. Additionally, an AI-generated Papi Lamour track was featured on BBC Introducing West Midlands, and Haven's 'I Run' reached the UK Top 20 amid accusations of AI imitation of Jorja Smith.
Major music labels, including Universal Music Group (UMG) and Warner Music Group (WMG), shifted from initially pursuing lawsuits to establishing licensing deals with AI firms Suno and Udio. UMG partnered with Udio, while WMG signed agreements with both Udio and Suno. Sony Music was reported to be in discussions, and the artist Klay was signed by all three majors before their music was used for training AI models.
Executives have framed these deals as measures to protect artists' rights and to enable new creative and commercial opportunities. Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl emphasized rights protection and new possibilities, while Universal Music Group CEO Lucien Grainge highlighted creating a healthy AI ecosystem and the democratization of music creation. The platform Udio allows users to create music with artists' voices and remix songs, with Klay positioning fans to influence musical journeys while ensuring artists receive compensation. Both parties emphasize an opt-in approach and royalty payments.
The legal backdrop involved the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) suing Suno and Udio for training AI models on label artists' music without permission, which led to settlements and licensing agreements with the major labels.
Artists have voiced diverse perspectives: Dave Stewart supports licensing voices, Imogen Heap uses AI as a tool and promotes Auracles for rights management, Catherine Anne Davies expresses caution about generative AI output, and groups like the Featured Artists Coalition and the European Composer and Songwriter Alliance have called for greater transparency.
Regarding terms and governance, agreements remain undisclosed but likely cover both past and future uses of material. While opt-outs exist, consultation with top-selling artists has been limited. A Universal internal memo reportedly stated that no license exists for voice usage without explicit consent.
Market outlook indicates AI music is a significant hype category attracting substantial venture investment. However, concerns remain about the potential devaluation of human-created art and impacts on radio airplay. Uncertainties could intensify with future advances toward artificial general intelligence (AGI).
