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AI Music CEO: People Dislike Making Music

WUIM Editorial
3 min read

Is Making Music Really a Pain? Let’s Chat About It!

Hey there, music folks and curious minds alike! Today, we’re diving into this wild claim by Mikey Shulman, the CEO of Suno AI, who says most people don’t really enjoy making music. What? Let’s unpack this, share some stories, and maybe, just maybe, debunk this notion. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, and settle in.

Making Music: A Joy or a Chore?

So get this—Mikey Shulman went all out on the 20VC podcast and dropped this bombshell: “I think the majority of people don’t enjoy the majority of the time they spend making music.” Now, maybe he’s onto something, or maybe not. I mean, music’s been around forever, even babies love banging things together for fun—so, this whole not-enjoying thing might sound like a surprise to many.

But hey, maybe Mikey’s thinking about all the nitty-gritty technical stuff that goes into making music. You know, strumming that first awkward chord on a guitar or trying to figure out some impossible software when all you want are some sick beats.

AI: The ‘Quick Fix’?

Enter Suno AI, this rad software that lets you whip up music by just typing what vibe you’re going for! Imagine saying, “I want a chill summer evening sound,” and poof! Music. Sounds kinda magical, right? Yeah, but there’s a hitch. Suno’s facing heat from the recording industry because, apparently, it trained using a whole dump of copyrighted music without permission. Oops.

Shulman argues that AI like Suno can democratize music creation. It’s like giving everyone a backdoor into the hit-making process without the years of training. On paper, it sounds great—but maybe there’s more to this story.

The Madness Behind Mastery

Okay, let’s get into why people, like me and probably you, dig making music. Folks often compare it to running. It’s tough, challenging, and yeah—sometimes, it’s a slog. But that climb, that process of getting better, of mastering your craft, is half the joy.

Think about it. Every musician—from the GarageBand newbie to the pro-level maestro—started somewhere. Those first tunes might have been more noise than music, but with time and effort, we refine our art. We don’t always do things because they are easy but because they are fulfilling.

Can AI Measure Up?

Alright, let’s take a quick detour and imagine a world where AI is doing its thing in studios worldwide—no wrong notes, no out-of-tune instruments. Cool for streaming, but what about the soul in the music? The realism, mistakes, and unexpected surprises bring life to a track.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about using tech to enhance creativity. I mean, ever since sequencers and synthesizers became a thing, I’ve been hooked. But there’s something about the hands-on messing around with instruments that feels irreplaceable.

AI’s Place in Music’s Future

So what’s the verdict? Could Suno AI and other tech make waves big enough to turn music-making on its head? Absolutely. But will it replace the core joy of creating music the old-school way? Doubt it. The best scenario would probably be a hybrid—using tech when it complements, not replaces, our creativity.

Even Mikey acknowledges that everyone at Suno has a “deep love and respect for music.” It’s not about kicking out the human element—it’s about finding ways to make music more accessible.

Final Jam

In the end, maybe it’s about finding balance. Embrace AI, enjoy the shortcuts, but don’t chuck away the satisfying grind of learning an instrument or producing a track. It’s a mixed playlist, people. Let’s keep experimenting, keep jamming, and see where this love for music takes us next!

If you’re curious or want to dive in deeper, check out some links below to explore more about AI, tech, and music. Keep creating, keep questioning, and most importantly, keep listening!

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