The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) has secured what it describes as the first industry-wide licensing agreement with an artificial intelligence music company, announcing deals with both Udio and KLAY on Wednesday (June 10).
NMPA President and CEO David Israelite said the pact with Udio, a major AI music platform, acknowledges that songs are as critical as sound recordings for AI training.
“Today, we are announcing the first-ever industry-wide licensing deal with a major AI music company. Songs are just as important, if not more, than sound recordings when it comes to AI training. [Udio] allows people to reimagine music using the distinct styles of songwriters and artists. To do this, Udio accepted that it needs permission from publishers and labels, and they’ve come to the table to bring creators in as business partners. As it should be.”
NMPA members in good standing will be able to review and opt into the Udio agreement starting Monday, June 15. The specific financial and contractual terms were not disclosed. The opt-in mechanism mirrors approaches some AI companies have offered to rightsholders seeking to control the use of their works.
KLAY Partnership
Israelite also detailed a parallel deal with KLAY, an AI platform that reimagines listening through immersive, interactive tools powered by a large music model trained entirely on licensed content.
“[KLAY] reimagines listening with immersive, interactive tools powered by their large music model, trained entirely on licensed music. What is special about KLAY is that it is securing licenses before launching its platform. We all know how rare that is in our business, where too often people ask for forgiveness instead of permission.”
An opt-in window for NMPA members to join the KLAY deal will open before the agreement takes effect later this summer. KLAY has previously signed licensing deals with all three major record labels and their associated publishing companies.
