Suno, the AI music generation company, has struck a distribution partnership with Believe Music, owner of the TuneCore platform, reversing a prior policy that had blocked AI-generated tracks made on Suno from being distributed via TuneCore. Under the opt-in deal, music from participating Believe and TuneCore artists and labels may be used to train Suno's forthcoming model, which will rely exclusively on licensed music, and all Suno-created tracks will again be eligible for distribution through TuneCore. The agreement matters because it signals major and independent players in the music industry increasingly seeking formal, compensated arrangements with AI firms rather than blanket bans, even as legal disputes over AI and copyright continue.

The partnership marks Suno's first tie-up with an independent distributor and joins existing collaborations with Warner Music Group and BMG on its new licensed-music model. Rights holders who opt in are promised compensation and protection of their rights, according to a joint statement, while Believe's TuneCore artists must explicitly consent before their material is used in training. The deal comes despite Suno facing lawsuits from Universal Music Group, Sony Music Group, Round Hill and musician Jason Isbell, and after a recent controversy involving unauthorised Mary J. Blige adverts, underscoring the company's efforts to build industry credibility through partnerships and safeguards.