UMG & Roland Release ‘Principles for Music Creation with AI’ Statements

Photo Credit: Tom Pottiger

Universal Music Group and Roland Corporation have announced a strategic relationship for clarifying the direction and intention of AI use in music.Both companies have published ‘Principles for Music Creation with AI’ at aiformusic.info, which are clarifying statements regarding ethical AI use in music creation. UMG and Roland say they will advocate for these principles to be adopted across the music industry and creative communities.

So what are the core Principles for Music Creation with AI?We believe music is central to humanity.We believe humanity and music are inseparable.We believe that technology has long supported human artistic expression, and applied sustainability. AI will amplify human creativity.We believe that human-created works must be respected and protected.We believe that transparency is essential to responsible and trustworthy AI.We believe the perspectives of music artists, songwriters, and other creators must be sought after and respected.We are proud to help bring music to life.Both Roland and UMG hope these statements will spur the involvement of other music organizations and stakeholders in supporting the creation of an ethical framework for the use of AI in music creation.

Both companies have also committed to initiatives that include establishing a joint research and development hub, a collaborative research project focused on confirming the origin and ownership of music, and the integration of Roland products and services in select Universal-owned music production facilities around the world.“As companies who share a mutual history of technology innovation, both Roland and UMG believe that AI can play an important role in the creative process of producing music,” says Masahiro Minowa, Chief Innovation Officer at Roland. “We also have a deep belief that human creativity is irreplaceable, and it is our responsibility to protect artists’ rights.”

“The Principles for music Creation with AI establishes a framework for our ongoing collaboration to explore opportunities that converge at the intersection of technology and human creativity.”

Michael Nash, Chief Digital Officer, EVP at Universal Music Group, adds: “At UMG, we have long recognized and embraced the potential of AI to enhance and amplify human creativity, advanced musical innovation, and expand the realms of audio production and sound technology.”

“This can only happen if it is applied ethically and responsibly across the entire industry,” Nash continues. “We are delighted to collaborate with Roland to explore new opportunities in this area together, while helping to galvanize consensus among key stakeholders across music’s creative community to promote adoption of these core principles with the goal of ensuring human creativity to thrive alongside the volution of new technology.”