Udio moves to hire a Head of Artist Partnerships
AI music firm Udio’s latest move is another sign that AI music companies are getting serious about industry relationships.
AI music generator Udio is looking to recruit a new Head of Artist Partnerships, according to MBW. While it may just appear like a job appointment, its significance points to the bigger picture for AI in the music industry. After a rocky start, the company is now doubling down on building real relationships with the music industry.
From controversy to collaboration
Udio’s early days were full of controversy. Just after launching, the company (alongside Suno) was sued by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on behalf of all three major record companies, accused of “mass infringement” of copyright.
Legal pressure followed from Germany’s collection society GEMA, alongside a lawsuit on behalf of independent musicians. Despite these lawsuits, Udio continued to pump out new features and updates.
Rumors about licensing talks with major labels materialized, and in October last year, deals were in place. Universal Music Group (UMG) and Udio announced they had settled their copyright lawsuit and entered into a new partnership focused on what they described as an “innovative, new commercial music creation, consumption and streaming experience”. Just weeks later, Warner Music followed with its own licensed music partnership with the AI company.
At the time, we noted that when two of the world’s biggest music companies chose collaboration with AI platforms, it sends a clear message that AI music generators and major labels can coexist responsibly, legally, and profitably.
Now, Udio wants to take another step towards strengthening its relationship with the music industry.
What will Udio’s Head of Artist Partnerships actually do?
According to MBW, the US-based Head of Artist Partnerships will be responsible for building and managing Udio’s relationships with key stakeholders across the music industry. That includes expanding participation in Udio’s Artist Platform, as well as negotiating directly with artists, managers, labels, and publishers.
What this means for the music industry
Udio’s move mirrors a wider confidence in AI music across the industry. Last year, rival AI music generator Suno made a similar appointment. The company also attracted a $2 billion valuation, showing investor confidence in AI music’s growing role within the future of music.
On top of its recent agreements with major labels, Udio’s hire is another signal that AI music isn’t going away. Instead, it’s looking to further cement its place within the music industry.