Suno launches new AI music models with Warner Music and BMG

NEW DELHI: AI music is getting a new soundtrack, and this time the music industry is part of the deal.

AI music startup Suno has launched a new suite of music-generation models in partnership with Warner Music Group and BMG, allowing users to create new music inspired by licensed music from participating artists.

The move comes as AI-generated music faces growing scrutiny from artists and the wider music industry over the use of copyrighted works without compensation. Streaming platforms such as Deezer and Spotify are also stepping up efforts to improve transparency around AI-generated tracks.

Suno’s new lineup includes its flagship v6 model, the exploratory v6-Wild model and v6-mini. The v6 and v6-Wild models will be available to Pro and Premier subscribers, while v6-mini will be offered to all users for free.

The company said v6 is designed for more precise music generation based on specific creative requirements, while v6-Wild is intended for experimentation and exploring new musical ideas.

Suno expects v6-mini to deliver faster and improved results compared with other free music-generation models.

The launch marks a notable shift in Suno’s approach as it works more closely with rights holders. The company has faced legal pressure over copyright concerns, but has since moved towards licensing arrangements with major music companies.

Last year, Udio settled copyright lawsuits with Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group. Suno also settled a copyright lawsuit with Warner Music and subsequently signed licensing agreements.

Suno CEO and co-founder Mikey Shulman said the partnerships could provide a model for closer cooperation between AI companies and the music industry.

“We believe this is a blueprint for how AI and the music industry can strengthen one another and build entirely new product experiences for artists, fans, and the broader music community,” said Suno CEO Mikey Shulman.

The company said the latest models would replace its previous versions as it moves the platform entirely to the v6 generation.

Suno offers Pro and Premier subscriptions in the US at $8 and $24 a month, respectively. The company recently raised more than $400 million in funding at a valuation of $5.4 billion, highlighting investor confidence in the emerging AI music market.

Shulman said Suno’s next step would be to build opt-in experiences around individual artists, allowing musicians to decide whether to participate and receive payment when they do.

“What comes next is a new kind of product we’re developing: opt-in experiences built around individual artists, where artists can choose to participate and get paid when they do,” said Suno CEO Mikey Shulman.

The development comes as streaming services also explore ways to bring generative AI into music while maintaining licensing and rights protections. Spotify, for instance, is developing an AI-powered remixing tool that would allow users to create new versions of licensed music and share them with fans within the platform.

For Suno, the latest launch represents a move from simply generating music with AI towards building a model where AI-generated creativity and music rights can coexist.