Mikey Shulman, co-founder and CEO of AI music generation platform Suno, has broken his silence to defend the company's technology, drawing a provocative comparison to the diabetes medication Ozempic. Shulman argues that AI tools like Suno are pushing music forward, enabling new discoveries and genres, while acknowledging the widespread, albeit often unspoken, adoption of such technologies.
Key Takeaways
- Suno's co-founder, Mikey Shulman, defends AI music generation as a tool that advances the industry.
- He controversially likens the adoption of AI music tools to the widespread, discreet use of Ozempic.
- Shulman suggests AI can help people create music more easily, even if they don't enjoy the process.
- He maintains that mastering music still requires significant dedication, albeit potentially in different skill sets.
- Suno has a deal with Warner Music Group, while litigation with other major labels is ongoing.
AI as a Catalyst for Musical Innovation
Shulman views Suno as a tool that democratises music creation, allowing for shortcuts and new avenues of expression. He believes that technology inherently drives music forward, leading to the emergence of new artists and genres. "We’re the Ozempic of the music industry – everybody is on it and nobody wants to talk about it," Shulman stated in an interview with The Guardian, highlighting the pervasive, yet often unacknowledged, use of AI in music creation.
Addressing the 'Slop' and Copyright Concerns
When questioned about the potential for AI to generate low-quality output, or 'slop', Shulman dismissed the notion as subjective. He shared a personal anecdote about creating a song with his four-year-old, which, while perhaps 'slop' to others, was deeply meaningful to them. Regarding the training data for Suno's models, Shulman indicated that they use music from the 'open internet', but declined to elaborate on specifics due to ongoing legal proceedings and trade secrets. "Copyright is a different thing," he commented, acknowledging the complexities surrounding intellectual property in the AI era.
The Future of Musical Mastery
Despite the accessibility offered by AI tools, Shulman does not believe they diminish the need for dedication and skill in music. He echoed the sentiment that achieving mastery in music still requires significant time and effort, potentially around the 10,000 hours Malcolm Gladwell described. However, he suggested that the nature of the skills practiced might evolve as musicians integrate AI into their workflow. Suno currently has an agreement with Warner Music Group, while legal disputes with other major record labels remain active.