Mikey Shulman Discusses AI’s Growing Role in Music Production

AI Tools Are Democratizing Music Creation

Suno co‑founder and CEO Mikey Shulman spoke with Bloomberg on October 1, 2026, about the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence tools in music creation. The interview took place during Bloomberg Screentime 2026 in Los Angeles, where Shulman highlighted how AI is reshaping the industry, addressing copyright challenges, and introducing new licensing frameworks.

Shulman explained that AI platforms can generate melodies, harmonies, and even full tracks in minutes, allowing producers to experiment with ideas that would normally take hours or days. He noted that Suno’s technology focuses on real‑time collaboration, letting musicians compose together across distances. „The speed of iteration is unprecedented,” he said. „Artists can test dozens of concepts in a single session, which changes how we think about creativity and workflow.”

How Will Copyright Laws Adapt to AI‑Generated Music?

Shulman emphasized that AI lowers barriers for emerging artists. Traditional production requires expensive equipment and studio time; AI software can replace much of that with accessible software. He cited examples of independent musicians who used AI to produce chart‑topping singles without major label backing. „We’re seeing a surge in high‑quality tracks from creators who previously had no resources,” Shulman observed. He also warned that the influx of AI‑generated content could saturate streaming platforms, making discovery more challenging for listeners.

The CEO discussed Suno’s partnership with major labels to develop AI‑assisted production suites. These collaborations aim to blend human intuition with algorithmic precision, ensuring that the final product retains artistic intent while benefiting from AI’s efficiency. Shulman added that Suno’s platform includes tools for automatic mixing and mastering, which can reduce post‑production time by up to 70 percent.

What Does the Future Hold for AI‑Powered Music Production?

Shulman answered questions about ownership and licensing. He acknowledged that current copyright frameworks struggle with works produced by machines. „We need clear guidelines on who owns the output when an AI is involved,” he said. He suggested a model where the user who inputs the prompt retains primary rights, while the AI provider holds a limited, non‑exclusive license. This approach could streamline royalty distribution and reduce litigation.

The interview highlighted recent court cases involving AI‑generated compositions, where judges ruled that purely algorithmic outputs lack the originality required for copyright protection. Shulman argued that as AI systems become more sophisticated, courts will likely adapt, granting limited rights to creators who curate or refine the AI’s output. He also mentioned emerging licensing platforms that offer micro‑licenses for short audio snippets, which could become standard in the streaming economy.

Shulman concluded by projecting a future where AI is an integral part of every studio. He expects AI to handle routine tasks—such as drum programming and chord progression generation—while musicians focus on emotional expression and storytelling. „The creative partnership between human and machine will become the norm,” he said. He also expressed optimism about AI’s potential to revive forgotten musical styles by re‑imagining them for modern audiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

The broader industry may see a shift toward subscription models that bundle AI tools with cloud storage and collaborative features. This could alter revenue streams for both artists and tech companies. Shulman warned that the rapid pace of innovation will require continuous education for musicians to keep up with new tools.

Q: Who owns the rights to a song created with Suno’s AI? A: The user who inputs the prompt typically holds primary rights, while Suno retains a limited, non‑exclusive license for its platform.