AI music tools have songwriters grooving

This platform strategy of turning listeners into creators aligns with Mikey Shulman's vision as the cofounder and CEO of the leading AI music company, Suno. Speaking on The Twenty Minute VC, a venture-capital podcast, in 2025, Shulman outlined his vision for music in the age of AI, saying that AI-generated music is an opportunity to drive greater engagement for both listeners and creators. He added that most artists he speaks with "use and love Suno", which he takes as an encouraging sign.

"I am extremely optimistic about the future," he said, suggesting that artists may eventually embrace AI tools.

Li Yanbing, a composer who graduated from the China Conservatory of Music, describes the AI music industry development as "a trend beyond imagination". In her opinion, AI shows great potential in productivity and creativity. It may soon take over parts of the workflow, such as background music.

However, for music professionals, especially younger ones, using AI as a tool is wiser than dismissing it.

"Those who learn to use it well, and then go beyond what it can do, can build stronger skills and keep pace with where the industry is heading," she says.

For Greyson Chance, an American singer-songwriter who toured China, the rise of AI inspires optimism rather than concern.

"I am not worried about it at all. Since the beginning of time, people have been singing and performing — that's not going to change because of technology. If anything, artists and musicians should use technology to improve their music. Sometimes I use AI software for inspiration."

AI songwriting is still in its early phase, but it has already changed the rhythm of how people make music.

Whether it ultimately enriches the musical landscape or leads to creative saturation will depend on how people use AI songwriting tools and on the industry's decisions about what is considered work and who gets recognition.

Lin Ke'er contributed to this story.