AI
Suno launches new music AI model trained on licensed content amid mounting legal battles
The AI music startup rolls out Suno v6 using authorized recordings from major labels, as it contends with copyright lawsuits and data breach allegations.
TechCrunch — AI
Suno, which produces AI systems that generate music from text prompts, introduced Suno v6 on Wednesday—a redesigned model family built using authorized music data sourced from major record labels and distributors including Warner Music Group, BMG, and Believe. The rollout represents a significant pivot as the company faces mounting legal pressure over its training practices.
A shift toward licensed data#
The new v6 suite deliberately moves away from the training data that powered Suno's earlier models. This change comes after the startup resolved a lawsuit with Warner Music Group and reached partnership terms with BMG, both of which had accused Suno of building its systems on copyrighted material without permission.
Three new model options#
Suno is retiring its older versions and introducing three variants of v6:
- Suno v6 — the standard model for paying subscribers, optimized for precise control and predictable outputs
- Suno v6 wild — an experimental version for paid users, designed to generate surprise results and spark creative ideation
- Suno v6 mini — a streamlined iteration available to all users, prioritizing speed over complexity
Expanded creative capabilities#
The upgraded platform now permits users to refine individual song sections using text prompts or lyric changes, and to draw inspiration from images, video, or text references. Additional capabilities include isolating instruments from samples and reconstructing them with new beats. The company is also developing a remix feature—contingent on participating artists' consent—as part of a new revenue-sharing arrangement with partnered labels.
Suno's chief product officer, Jack Brody, framed the initiative as creating fresh income streams. "The music ecosystem and our partners are always looking for ways to create more revenue opportunities for their rights holders and artists. So a big part of this release is creating additional revenue streams there," he said in an interview.
