Suno licenses BMG recordings for new AI music models
Developing story first seen 2 hours ago
Suno has struck a licensing agreement with BMG, adding another major music-company partner as it prepares AI models trained on licensed material. The deal is significant because it gives the music generator further industry backing while addressing allegations that it used copyrighted recordings without permission.
Suno will pay to use BMG artists’ recordings and retrospectively cover their use in its earlier model training; BMG follows Warner Music Group in settling with the company. BMG says the agreement provides artist choice, protections and clearer economics, while Suno continues to face other copyright lawsuits and has announced watermarks and download limits for its AI-generated tracks.
- Suno signs a licensing deal with BMG.
- The agreement covers past and future use of BMG recordings.
- It boosts Suno’s legitimacy amid continuing copyright disputes.
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Suno is a company that lets people make songs using artificial intelligence. Users can type in a description, such as a style or mood, and the system produces music and vocals that resemble a finished track.
The company has faced claims from record labels that its earlier AI systems were trained on copyrighted recordings without permission. Music companies argue that recorded songs are protected works, while AI developers have sought agreements that allow them to use such material legally.
BMG is one of the world’s large music companies, representing recording artists and music publishing rights. Licensing deals can give AI firms access to music for training while setting terms on payment, artist participation and how generated tracks may be used.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that licensing BMG recordings is a pragmatic way to bring generative music into a lawful, compensated relationship with the industry. Retrospective payment, artist choice and technical safeguards can recognise rightsholders’ interests while allowing developers to build tools that may expand creative experimentation and new revenue opportunities. They contend that negotiated agreements are preferable to prolonged litigation and can establish clearer standards for the wider market.
The case against
Critics argue that a deal with one major company does not resolve the wider concern that AI systems may have been built using recordings without the informed consent of all affected artists and labels. They worry that individual creators may have limited bargaining power, that compensation may not reflect the value extracted from their work, and that generated music could compete with human musicians. From this perspective, stronger consent, transparency and enforceable protections should precede—not merely accompany—the commercial deployment of such models.
More coverage
- Billboard — BMG and Suno Reach Licensing Deal for AI Music Model
- Music Business Worldwide — Suno inks global licensing deal with BMG, ahead of launching new music model
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Originally published by Variety as “AI Music Generator Suno Strikes Licensing Deal With BMG as It Preps New Label-Backed Models”.