Suno and Warner Music Group Forge Partnership Following Lawsuit Settlement
In a significant development for the music industry, AI-music platform Suno has announced a partnership with Warner Music Group (WMG) following a lawsuit settlement concerning the use of songs in its training data. This collaboration marks a crucial step in the integration of artificial intelligence within the music sector.
Suno and Warner Music Group Partnership Overview
Warner Music Group’s CEO, Robert Kyncl, described the partnership as a victory for the creative community. He emphasized that the collaboration aims to enhance revenue generation and improve fan experiences through the responsible use of AI technology. Kyncl stated, “AI becomes pro-artist when it adheres to our principles.”
- The partnership will focus on licensed AI music.
- Artists and songwriters will have the option to opt-in for the use of their work in AI-generated songs.
Key Figures and Statistics
Suno recently completed a funding round of $250 million and has amassed over 100 million users. The platform has gained prominence as a primary source of viral AI music content. CEO Mikey Shulman emphasized that this deal represents a paradigm shift in music creation and consumption.
Features and User Experience
Suno promises to maintain its current functions, allowing users to create original songs through written prompts and uploaded audio. Shulman assured users that higher quality music-creation models will be developed, leveraging licensed music from WMG. However, it remains unclear if artists can opt out of their works being used in these models.
Previous Lawsuits and Settlements
In June 2024, WMG, alongside Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment, initiated lawsuits against Suno and Udio, citing mass copyright infringement. The companies allegedly used copyrights without permission, arguing for fair use. Universal has since settled with Udio, followed by WMG’s settlement.
Concerns from the Music Artists Coalition
The Music Artists Coalition, led by industry veteran Irving Azoff, has expressed cautious optimism regarding recent AI partnerships while calling for clarity and fair compensation for artists. Azoff stated, “Artists must have creative control, fair compensation, and clarity about deals being done based on their catalogs.”
Suno-WMG Deal Benefits
Unlike the restrictive terms seen in Udio’s deal with Universal, the Suno-WMG partnership allows users to continue downloading their creations. Paid users will have a monthly limit on downloads, while those using Suno Studio will have unlimited access.
Additionally, users can expect new fan engagement experiences that enable them to create content featuring voices, likenesses, and compositions from participating Warner artists.
Acquisition of Songkick
As part of the agreement, Suno has acquired the concert-discovery platform Songkick from WMG. This acquisition aims to merge interactive music experiences with live performances, further enhancing user engagement.
The financial specifics of the partnership and settlement remain undisclosed. Shulman concluded optimistically, stating, “We’re heading towards a world where people don’t just press play—they play with their music.”
