AI music generator Udio secured two major deals in late 2025.
First up was Universal Music Group in October, followed by Warner Music Group in November. Both companies settled their copyright infringement lawsuits against Udio, and struck licensing deals for an AI music platform due to launch in 2026.
As the AI firm appears to get ever-closer to the music business, Udio is now hiring a Head of Artist Partnerships based in Los Angeles or New York to lead relationships with “key stakeholders” across the industry.
The role, according to a job listing, will focus on expanding participation in Udio’s Artist Platform and negotiating with artists, managers, labels, and publishers.
The successful candidate will “define and lead how artists engage with Udio at a pivotal moment in the company’s growth” and “work directly with top-tier artists and industry leaders while shaping the future of creative collaboration”.
In mid-2024, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), on behalf of all three major record companies, sued Udio and rival AI platform Suno for “mass infringement” of copyright.
In November 2025, Suno also struck a licensing deal with Warner Music, settling litigation between the two companies. However, it continues to face legal action from UMG and Sony Music Entertainment, as well as European collecting societies including Denmark’s Koda and Germany’s GEMA.
According to Udio’s job posting, the Head of Artist Partnerships will drive artist adoption of the Udio Artist Platform from initial conversations through onboarding and ongoing engagement. The role requires experience working directly with artists, managers or labels, along with a network across the music industry and proven ability to negotiate complex partnerships.
Back in November, Warner described its agreement with Udio as creating new revenue streams for artists and songwriters while protecting their work.
The new hire, according to the job ad, will work closely with legal, product, marketing and leadership teams to structure participation frameworks and terms for artists. They will also gather feedback to inform platform improvements and represent Udio at industry events and conferences.
Udio, backed by investors including a16z, Redpoint, Hanwha, will.i.am, Steve Stoute, Kevin Wall and more, says it “builds extraordinary AI experiences to empower musical artists and super fans.”
“Udio’s mission is to champion musicians and expand how fans engage with their favorite music and artists.”
Udio
The company says: “Udio’s mission is to champion musicians and expand how fans engage with their favorite music and artists.”
Following its settlement with UMG and Warner Music, Udio said its reimagined subscription service “will introduce a suite of creative experiences that enable users to make remixes, covers, and new songs using the voices of artists and compositions of songwriters who choose to participate, while ensuring artists and songwriters are credited and paid.”
Ahead of the launch, Udio in November said it also plans to roll out what it said are “expanded protections and other measures designed to safeguard the rights of artists and songwriters.”
Udio is hiring for an exec with a “strong network across the music industry, with credibility and trust among artists and their representatives”.
This person will also be required to demonstrate “Proven ability to negotiate, close, and manage complex partnerships or deals” and “excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to bridge creative, legal, and technical conversations”.Music Business Worldwide
