Mikey Shulman, the co-founder and CEO of the AI music platform Suno, has recently revisited his contentious remarks from last year, where he suggested that most individuals do not find joy in the music-making process. This statement sparked considerable backlash from the music community, prompting Shulman to express some regret over his choice of words.
During an interview on the 20VC podcast, Shulman claimed that the majority of people do not enjoy the time they spend creating music, primarily due to the lengthy and demanding nature of the process. He emphasized that achieving proficiency in an instrument or production software requires extensive practice, which can detract from the enjoyment. However, many musicians took issue with this perspective, arguing that the challenges of music creation are often part of the passion and dedication that drives them.
In a follow-up interview with Billboard, Shulman acknowledged the backlash, stating, “I really wish I had chosen different words.” While he did not elaborate extensively on his feelings, he reaffirmed his respect for the art of music. This reflection comes as he discusses Suno’s ambitious plans for the future, which include the development of a comprehensive platform featuring a TikTok-like social media feed called Hooks, a streaming service, and various music tools aimed at a diverse audience.
Shulman clarified that the goal of creating a “verticalised” service is not to merge existing platforms like TikTok and Spotify but to enhance music discovery in ways that are currently lacking. He stated, “How do I make discovery way better than it is now? Because we are able to do something no one else can do.” The intention behind Hooks is to encourage users to engage with content actively and remix it, fostering a new kind of discovery experience.
Moreover, Shulman emphasized that Suno does not adhere to a “fixed pie mentality” regarding its role in the music industry. Instead, he expressed a desire to expand the industry as a whole, aiming to create more opportunities and growth for everyone involved.
