Universal Music Group partners NVIDIA to advance responsible AI in music

The collaboration aims to enhance music experiences for consumers while ensuring that artists and rightsholders receive appropriate recognition and compensation. Research and development under the partnership will focus on responsible AI applications in music, including new methods for protecting copyright and attributing musical works.

A key component of the initiative is the expansion of NVIDIA’s Music Flamingo model. Built on the company’s Audio Flamingo architecture, the model processes full-length tracks up to 15 minutes, analysing harmony, structure, timbre, lyrics, and cultural context. Music Flamingo employs chain-of-thought reasoning to provide nuanced interpretation of musical elements, allowing listeners to discover songs beyond traditional genre or tempo classifications.

“These technologies help unlock interactive experiences that allow artists to connect with audiences beyond conventional playlists or search,” UMG said. The model also provides tools for artists to analyse, describe, and share their music with greater depth, supporting emerging artists in reaching potential fans.

As part of the collaboration, UMG and NVIDIA will establish an artist incubator to develop AI-powered creation tools. The incubator will bring together artists, songwriters, and producers to co-design and test solutions that enhance originality and authenticity while prioritising responsible AI use.

“We eagerly embrace the opportunities that AI presents, and the fact that NVIDIA is taking a leadership position in the tech industry in their commitment to responsible AI principles is critically important,” UMG chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge said. “We look forward to working closely with NVIDIA to direct AI’s transformational potential towards the service of artists and their fans.”

NVIDIA VP and GM of media Richard Kerris: “We’re entering an era where a music catalog can be explored like an intelligent universe, conversational, contextual, and genuinely interactive. By extending NVIDIA’s Music Flamingo with UMG’s unmatched catalogue, we’re going to change how fans discover, understand, and engage with music on a global scale, responsibly and with safeguards that protect artists’ work.”

UMG’s Music & Advanced Machine Learning Lab has previously used NVIDIA’s AI infrastructure, and the partnership will expand research capabilities across UMG’s global studios, including Abbey Road in London and Capitol Studios in Los Angeles. Feedback from artists and rightsholders will be incorporated throughout development to ensure that AI tools empower creators while maintaining high standards of copyright and attribution.

The collaboration represents a significant step in merging AI technology with music creation and consumption, emphasising both innovation and responsibility in the industry.