Mikey Shulman: Suno and the Sound of AI Music (Encore)
Aug 29, 2024
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Mikey Shulman, CEO and Co-Founder of Suno, is on a mission to revolutionize music creation with AI. He shares how Suno allows users to generate unique songs just by typing prompts. The conversation delves into the challenges of audio transcription and the innovative advancements in generative music. Shulman explores the potential of AI in transforming music formats and connecting artists with fans. He also addresses ethical considerations around artist rights and the future of music in the digital landscape, all while keeping the user experience at the forefront.
Suno's innovation democratizes music-making by allowing users to create songs simply by typing prompts, enhancing accessibility and creativity.
The podcast highlights AI's potential to transform music formats, enabling new styles and personalized listening experiences while shifting traditional paradigms.
Deep dives
The Launch of Suno's Mobile App
Suno, an AI music generation platform, has recently launched its first mobile app, allowing users to create music on-the-go. This advancement signifies a shift toward increasing accessibility for music creation, highlighting the platform's user-friendly design. The app aims to democratize music-making, enabling anyone to transform ideas into songs without extensive musical training or experience. This innovation could significantly alter how individuals interact with music, turning passive listeners into active creators.
The Founders' Passion for Music and AI
Mikey Shulman and his co-founders share a rich background in music, having been musicians themselves prior to their work in AI. Their journey began at Kensho, where they explored challenges in audio AI, leading to a love for audio innovation. Shulman’s early experiences performing and creating music drove the team's mission to enable more people to express themselves creatively through music. This unique blend of passion and expertise forms the foundation for Suno's vision of enhancing music generation capabilities for users.
Transforming Music Creation with Generative AI
Suno focuses on leveraging generative AI to allow users to create music that previously did not exist, transforming the music landscape. By lowering the barriers associated with traditional music production, it provides opportunities for creative expression beyond merely listening to music. This innovative approach aligns with trends in other industries, such as gaming, where user participation significantly enhances engagement. The founders believe that AI will facilitate a reimagining of music experiences, allowing for collaborative and social creations that redefine how individuals connect through music.
Future Implications of AI in Music
The podcast discusses how the integration of AI could change the format of music itself, as creativity and consumption evolve in tandem. While the standard song structure of three to four minutes may remain relevant, generative AI could introduce new forms of music that cater to users' preferences and styles. As creators experiment using platforms like Suno, traditional paradigms of music delivery and enjoyment may shift dramatically, fostering a more personalized listening experience. This evolution could also pave the way for clearer pathways to compensate artists for their work in a more dynamic music landscape.
Most of the hype around AI has revolved around its text capabilities, and the powers of LLMs like ChatGPT. But Suno is focusing on the unsung hero of AI - music. Suno is building a future where anyone can make good music - all you need to do is type in a prompt, and out will come a song that’s never existed before. This week, we’re revisiting a conversation with Mikey Shulman, CEO and Co-Founder of Suno. He joined Lightspeed Partner and host Michael Mignano earlier this year to talk through the intricacies of programming for sound, and what this technology could mean for music.
Episode Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to Mikey Shulman and Suno
(04:03) How transcribing S&P earnings calls inspired Suno
(08:41) There’s no Common Crawl for audio - they had to make their own
(12:37) Hacking text-to-speech to make music
(16:25) What’s the product market fit for generative music?
(21:15) How will AI change the format of music?
(28:44) Suno’s highlight reel so far
(31:39) Designing with the end user in mind
(38:26) Can AI transcend the creativity ceiling?
(40:48) How does Mikey think regulation and music rights will shake out?
The content here does not constitute tax, legal, business or investment advice or an offer to provide such advice, should not be construed as advocating the purchase or sale of any security or investment or a recommendation of any company, and is not an offer, or solicitation of an offer, for the purchase or sale of any security or investment product. For more details please see lsvp.com/legal.
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