Merlin, the digital music licensing society for independent labels and distributors, has signed a partnership with AI-powered music creation platform Udio.  This partnership establishes "a framework for licensing Merlin’s independent members’ repertoire to train AI models while protecting the value of real artistry and ensuring fair compensation." “As AI develops, it is critical to Merlin that we work with partners who respect artists, their work, and the requirement to license music,” said...

Universal Music Group (UMG) has signed a new strategic multi-year license agreement with China's music streaming service provide NetEase Cloud Music, in a deal that includes artist-centric provisions and terms covering artificial intelligence (AI). The deal makes the catalogue of artists and recordings by Chinese and international artists that are signed, released and distributed by UMG’s labels available across NetEase Cloud Music’s streaming platform and associated digital services in China. ...

Bertelsmann-owned music company BMG has united its Commercial Sync, Production Music, and Media Services units into one new global service, SYNC+, which will combine BMG’s repertoire, creative expertise, and strategic music services to provide clients, artists, and partners access to a single licensing hub.  The new service will provide access to more than three million songs and recordings, over 200,000 exclusive production music tracks, and a full range of bespoke crea...