ElevenLabs, a leading AI audio-generation company, announced a new model on Tuesday that enables users to create music cleared for commercial use. This marks a significant expansion for the company, which has primarily focused on AI audio tools like text-to-speech and conversational bots over its three-year history.
Alongside the launch, ElevenLabs shared samples of its AI-generated music, including a track featuring a synthetic voice rapping about ambition and leaving its hometown, from “Compton to the Cosmos.” The uncanny resemblance to the style and language of artists like Dr. Dre, N.W.A., and Kendrick Lamar raises questions about authenticity, as these artists drew from real-life experiences that AI cannot replicate.
The move into music generation comes with legal and ethical challenges. Last year, AI music startups Suno and Udio faced lawsuits from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) over allegations of training their models on copyrighted material. Reports indicate these companies are now negotiating licensing deals with major record labels.
To address these concerns, ElevenLabs has secured agreements with Merlin Network and Kobalt Music Group, digital publishing platforms representing independent musicians. Merlin works with artists like Adele, Nirvana, and Phoebe Bridgers, while Kobalt represents names such as Beck, Bon Iver, and Childish Gambino.
A Kobalt representative confirmed that artists must voluntarily opt in to license their music for AI training. The deal provides musicians with new revenue streams, revenue-sharing opportunities, and protections against misuse.
The announcement was updated with a statement from Kobalt at 12:50 PM ET.