Udio Moves Closer to the Music Industry With Major Label Deals and New Artist Partnerships Push

AI music startup Udio is taking another step toward the mainstream music business following a pair of high-profile licensing agreements with major record companies and the launch of a new executive search focused on artist relations.

In late 2025, Udio reached separate agreements with Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group, resolving copyright lawsuits and clearing the way for a licensed version of its AI music platform, which is scheduled to launch in 2026. The agreements marked a significant shift for the company, which had been at the center of an industry-wide legal fight over the use of copyrighted recordings in AI training and music generation.

Now, Udio is building out the business side of that relationship. The company has begun recruiting a Head of Artist Partnerships, based in either Los Angeles or New York, to oversee relationships with artists, labels, managers, and publishers. According to the job listing, the role will be responsible for driving adoption of Udio’s Artist Platform, leading negotiations, and shaping how artists engage with the service as it prepares for its commercial debut.

The hire comes less than two years after the Recording Industry Association of America sued both Udio and rival platform Suno on behalf of the major labels, alleging large-scale copyright infringement. While Udio has since settled with UMG and Warner, Suno has only reached an agreement with Warner and continues to face litigation from Universal, Sony Music, and several European collecting societies.

Udio says its upcoming subscription service will allow users to create remixes, covers, and original songs using the voices and compositions of artists who choose to participate, with systems in place to ensure proper crediting and payment. The company has also said it plans to introduce additional safeguards aimed at protecting rights holders ahead of launch.

The Head of Artist Partnerships will work closely with Udio’s legal, product, and marketing teams to define participation terms, gather feedback from the creative community, and represent the company at industry events.

Backed by investors including 16z, Redpoint, Hanwha, will.i.am, Steve Stoute and Kevin Wall are positioning themselves as a bridge between AI technology and the traditional music industry. With major label deals in place and a new leadership role focused on artist relations, the company is signaling a shift from courtroom battles to commercial collaboration.