CORPUS Journey
The idea behind CORPUS began years before the world was ready for it. What follows is the path from early questions to a global music ecosystem — and the milestones that shaped it.
The first ideas for CORPUS emerged. Could a global, shared music dataset be built on a decentralized license and incentive model? A system that motivates musicians to contribute — and enables meaningful, artistically capable music AI? The idea felt too big. And in 2021, few would have understood the problem we were trying to solve.
ChatGPT arrives. Public interest in generative AI explodes. For a moment, it feels like the train has left the station. But with lawsuits like The New York Times vs. OpenAI, it becomes clear: copyright and training data will be at the heart of the debate.
Still in hibernation. First exploratory conversations with potential partners and institutions.
The EU's Creative Europe Innovation Lab funding call provides the reason to write it all down. CORPUS is born on paper — with structure, urgency, and purpose. In December 2024, the project officially starts, initiated by Sofilab.
We build the foundation: Technical architecture, Legal framework, Licensing protocol. In October, we present the CORPUS system to the public for the first time.
We launch REEF, our first user-facing platform. It demonstrates how artists and creators can already collaborate with and through AI in meaningful, expressive ways. The dataset continues to grow. We begin working with cultural institutions to explore how historical and ethnological music archives can be made accessible through interactive AI. We also tour across Europe to meet the musicians who will help shape the system.
CORPUS becomes its own entity, spun off from Sofilab. We seek additional public funding to remain independent from market pressures. REEF is now recognized as an invaluable creative tool in media production and begins to generate profits. Our focus expands beyond Europe. We connect with music communities in Africa and Asia and adapt our legal base to diverse jurisdictions.
Integration of CORPUS-based systems into vehicles and home robotics begins. This marks a turning point: music generated or adapted in real-time becomes part of everyday interaction — enhancing mobility, domestic spaces, and ambient experiences. The artistic work of contributors now reaches new audiences through entirely new contexts.
Significant global growth. CORPUS is now present all over the world, including South and North America. It becomes part of the infrastructure for adaptive, personalized entertainment.
CORPUS powers a new global sound ecosystem — built on artistic contribution and shared value. Contributors receive long-term residual income. A billion-dollar market for human-AI music emerges — shaped by those who made it possible.
Be Part of What Comes Next
CORPUS is built by musicians, researchers, and creators who believe in a different future for music and AI. If the journey resonates with you, there’s a place for you in it.