#United States #New York #Warner Music #music licensing #Suno AI

A New Era in Music Creation: Warner Music Group Teams Up with Suno

In a groundbreaking partnership, Warner Music Group (WMG), a prominent figure in the global music industry, has joined forces with Suno, a leader in artificial intelligence music technology. This collaboration promises to redefine how music is created, interacted with, and discovered while ensuring that artists and songwriters receive due compensation and protection.

Transformative Potential of AI in Music

The union combines Suno's advanced AI capabilities with WMG’s extensive expertise in artist development, creating an ecosystem that prioritizes creativity and innovation in music. Robert Kyncl, CEO of WMG, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This landmark pact with Suno is a victory for the creative community that benefits everyone.” Kyncl emphasizes the need for AI in the music industry to adopt licensed models that reflect the value of music, ensuring that creators can opt-in for the use of their names, images, likenesses, voices, and compositions in new AI-generated works.

Mikey Shulman, CEO of Suno, highlights the enrichment of the user experience, stating, “Our partnership with Warner Music unlocks a bigger, richer Suno experience for music lovers.” This collaboration is set to enhance the way music is made, providing tools for interaction between talented artists and fans, and ultimately shaping the music landscape for years to come.

New Features and Download Model Changes

As part of the agreement, Suno is set to introduce significant changes to its platform in 2026, unveiling new advanced licensed models. The existing models will be phased out, moving towards a more monetized approach. Users will need a paid account to download audio, and restrictions will be placed on free-tier songs, allowing them to be playable and shareable but not downloadable. This transition aims to generate new revenue streams for both artists and Suno, aligning with the overarching goal of supporting the music community.

The update also includes limited download caps for paid-tier users, where individuals can purchase additional downloads if needed. This decision aligns with the efforts of both WMG and Suno to ensure that the creators are remunerated fairly while also continuing to foster an environment where innovation thrives.

Enhancing Fan Engagement through Concert Discovery

In a move to reinforce the artist-fan connection, Suno has acquired Songkick, a live music and concert-discovery platform previously owned by WMG. This acquisition aims to create a thriving hub that merges interactive music experiences with live performances, thus broadening the reach of artists and providing a more intimate connection with fans. The integration of Suno and Songkick is expected to unlock numerous possibilities for deeper engagement, creating an enriched platform for music enthusiasts and creators alike.

As new features roll out, the collaboration between WMG and Suno focuses on maintaining the support for over 100 million creators already benefiting from the Suno platform. The partnership fosters an environment where artists can decide how their works will be represented in the rapidly evolving world of AI-generated music.

Looking Forward

Together, Warner Music Group and Suno are committed to establishing a revolutionary licensed AI music platform that prioritizes the interests of the creative community. The partnership is a promising step toward delivering new fan experiences while ensuring that artists and songwriters can prosper in an ever-changing industry landscape. As these advancements unfold, the music world eagerly anticipates a new chapter in creative collaboration, one that not only values innovation but also respects and rewards the contributions of its artists.