UMG, Splice partner to explore artist-led AI tools for music creation

The partnership will focus on building a roadmap for commercial AI tools that prioritise creative control, sound quality and respect for intellectual property. According to both companies, the agreement is intended to support artists by combining Splice’s existing AI-enabled tools with UMG’s artist-led approach to music production and development.

The collaboration will examine the use of AI-powered virtual instruments and workflows that allow artists signed to UMG to integrate their own sounds into Splice’s systems. UMG artists are expected to contribute directly to the development process, helping to shape tools designed to reflect artistic intent with high levels of fidelity.

Michael Nash, executive vice-president and chief digital officer at Universal Music Group, said the partnership was aimed at aligning technological innovation with ethical practice. “We’re excited to form this alliance with Splice to promote the alignment of innovation and ethicality in addressing the interests of the creative community to leverage cutting-edge AI-enabled tools to further their artistic expression. We look forward to partnering with Kakul Srivastava and her team on this critically important strategic technology front,” he said.

Splice chief executive Kakul Srivastava said the company had focused on building AI tools that place creators at the centre of the process. “We’ve spent time building AI tools designed to fairly compensate creators and keep them in control,” she said. “We’re thankful for Universal’s continued support, and excited to work together to put these commercial tools in the hands of artists everywhere, knowing they can trust the end result.”

The announcement builds on Splice’s involvement in industry-wide discussions around the responsible use of artificial intelligence in music. In June 2024, the company joined UMG and other industry stakeholders as a signatory to the ‘Principles for Music Creation with AI’, which promote ethical, transparent AI practices that support, rather than replace, human creators.

Over the past year, Splice has expanded its presence across major digital audio workstations, including Ableton and Pro Tools, and introduced new AI-native tools focused on artist-led monetisation, governance and creative control. The company also broadened its reach into professional composition through its acquisition of Spitfire Audio.

UMG and Splice said further details on the development and rollout of the AI tools would be shared as the collaboration progresses.