Key Points
- ElevenLabs released an AI‑generated album to showcase its Eleven Music generator.
- Thirteen artists contributed original tracks that blend their style with AI.
- Artists retain full ownership and 100% of streaming revenue from their songs.
- The album is available on Spotify and the ElevenLabs website.
- Major record labels are signing deals with AI platforms like Suno, Udio, and Klay.
- Some artists oppose voice and style cloning without compensation.
- ElevenLabs aims to partner with artists to capture new monetization opportunities.
Background
ElevenLabs, a company known for its speech‑generation technology, announced an album created entirely with its newly launched Eleven Music generator and Iconic Voices Marketplace. The company says the collection is intended to illustrate how musicians can expand their creative range with artificial intelligence while maintaining full ownership of their work and earning all streaming revenue.
The Eleven Album
The album, titled “The Eleven Album,” includes a mix of musical genres and spoken‑word pieces from thirteen contributors. Among the participants are Liza Minnelli, Art Garfunkel, Patrick Patrikios, Willonius (known for “BBL Drizzy”), Iamsu!, Demitri Lerios, Emily Falvey, Sunsetto, KondZilla, Chris Lyons, Kai, Angelbaby, and Michael Feinstein. Each artist produced an original track that blends their distinctive style with the capabilities of Eleven Music. The collection is available for streaming on Spotify and can also be accessed through the ElevenLabs website.
Industry Response
At the same time, major record labels are reevaluating their stance on AI‑generated music. Universal Music Group and Warner Records have entered agreements with AI platforms such as Suno and Udio, while Sony Music Entertainment has joined the other two labels in partnering with Klay’s “ethical” AI platform. These deals suggest that the music industry is seeking ways to monetize AI‑generated content while addressing copyright concerns.
Artist Concerns
Despite the collaborative approach taken by ElevenLabs, many artists have expressed strong opposition to the cloning of their voice, style, or likeness without appropriate compensation. Critics argue that AI clones could diminish an artist’s ability to earn a living, especially if listeners cannot easily distinguish between AI‑generated and human‑made music. ElevenLabs aims to avoid missing out on monetization opportunities by working directly with artists and ensuring they retain full rights and revenue from the AI‑enhanced tracks.
Looking Ahead
ElevenLabs hopes the album will serve as a proof‑of‑concept for the commercial viability of AI‑assisted music creation. By offering artists ownership and revenue guarantees, the company positions itself as a partner rather than a disruptor, aligning with the broader industry trend of forming strategic partnerships with AI technology providers.
Source: theverge.com