As the debate over artificial intelligence-generated tracks intensifies, and concerns about ethical usage of artists’ voices in AI creations persist, Arpeggi Labs has created an AI voice cloning and licensing platform that has now achieved over 1 million audio clip conversions in just weeks since its launch.
The platform, called Kits.AI, says it offers tools for artists to safely create, license and share their own voice models. Kits.AI seeks artists’ permission when using voices for music creation, ensuring ethical use of AI voice models.
When users convert audio into a cover using a Kits AI artist voice model, the respective artist is notified and can grant approval for commercial use. This process allows artists to retain full control over the utilization of their voice while receiving upfront payment through Kits.AI’s conversion credits system.
The platform is backed by venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, along with other creator-first investors such as Kygo’s Palm Tree Crew fund, Austin Rosen’s Electric Feel Ventures, Anthony Saleh’s WndrCo, 3LAU, Steve Aoki, and Wyclef Jean.
Its creator, Arpeggi Labs, is also backed by 1confirmation, Palm Tree Crew, WndrCo Ventures, Steve Aoki, 3LAU, Wyclef Jean, Disco Fries, Electric Feel Ventures, Louis Bell, Joe Zadeh, the Audius Foundation, Shayne Coplan, Paul Veradittakit, and Cooper Turley.
Steve Aoki, Wyclef Jean, Louis Bell, Electric Feel Ventures & Disco Fries joined Arpeggi as advisors following their investment in September.
In addition to reaching 1 million ‘voice transformations’, Kits.AI also reports to have trained 80,000 voices and amassed 100,000 users.
“When we saw Grimes’ embracing AI to amplify her voice and engage her community, we were really excited by all the possibilities it could open for artists. But not all artists have the same resources as Grimes to support this kind of experiment.”
Evan Dhillon, Kits.AI
The launch of Kits.AI comes as some artists like Holly Herndon and Grimes have already embraced the technology and helped develop tools to share their voices in AI music creation.
“When we saw Grimes’ embracing AI to amplify her voice and engage her community, we were really excited by all the possibilities it could open for artists. But not all artists have the same resources as Grimes to support this kind of experiment,” said Kits Co-Founder Evan Dhillon.
“We believe that artists of all levels can open new revenue streams and build their communities if they have a way to do it themselves, so we set out to build it with Kits.AI.”
Kits.AI claims to be the only AI voice platform directly collaborating with artists to license and release their AI voices in the era of ‘fake Drake tracks,’ AI-generated bootleg music.
The platform says it employs a ‘Personal Until Approved’ license that allows artists to retain complete control over how their voices are commercialized, ensuring their creative integrity is upheld.
“We are excited to partner with Kits.AI to be on the forefront of helping artist voices be recognized and heard during the AI boom,” said a spokesperson for entertainment company Electric Feel Ventures.
“They are an important piece of the conversation to give control back to the artists while maintaining creative integrity.”
“As we traverse this new AI era, the limitless potential for creativity is thrilling, yet the need for ethical, rights-based discourse is equally crucial.”
TK,
TK, a singer-songwriter and producer and the first artist to partner with Kits.AI, added: “As we traverse this new AI era, the limitless potential for creativity is thrilling, yet the need for ethical, rights-based discourse is equally crucial.”
“After all, in the realm of AI voice models, it’s our voices, our impact, and we must retain control as artists; this is why I align with Kits.AI,” TK said.
Since TK’s involvement, other artists, including Reo Cragun, Sara Phillips, Sophia Galaté, Black Dave, Ed Honoret, and Jamee Cronelia have joined the platform.
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