Stability AI's $76M Funding Round: A Stronger Hand for the Labels, the Same Old Deal for Artists
Sony, Universal, and Warner just all invested in the same AI company. Smart move against Suno in court, since it proves the labels aren't against AI, just against not getting paid for it. But zoom out and it's the same story the industry has told for decades. The label owns the copyright, so the label captures the new revenue stream, even when that revenue comes from a use of the music nobody could have negotiated for when the artist signed. Stronger legal position for the majors. Same old deal for the artists.
AI Music Isn't Going Anywhere. That's Not the Same as Saying It's All the Same.
A year ago, a company the size of Alibaba entering AI music generation would have been a major headline. Today it's one more entrant in a field that already includes Google, Suno, Udio, Motzart, Fender and a growing list of others, backed by waves of deep pocket and deep influence investors and infrastructure. There are no signs of things slowing down. So the quiet reception of Alibaba’s tool tells you something. The novelty phase of AI music is over. The category has arrived, and it's not going away.