The world of AI music is moving fast, but sometimes it feels like the rules around it are still stuck in the past. One of the most surprising gaps in the AI music landscape today is the inability to make and release cover songs on platforms like Suno. For a platform celebrated for unlocking creativity, this limitation feels unnecessarily restrictive—especially considering that U.S. law already provides a clear path for licensing cover songs.
In the United States, artists have long enjoyed the right to record and release cover songs under what’s known as the compulsory mechanical license. This law makes it possible for musicians to legally cover songs as long as they pay the appropriate royalties, usually through agencies like the Harry Fox Agency. It’s a well-worn, straightforward system that fuels one of the most vibrant corners of the music ecosystem. Without it, countless iconic albums wouldn’t exist. Think of David Bowie’s Pin Ups—a brilliant album entirely made of covers, paying homage to the songs and artists that shaped him.
So why hasn’t Suno stepped into this territory?
One argument could be the additional “red tape” involved in licensing covers, especially when songs are hosted publicly on Suno’s platform. But here’s the thing: Suno doesn’t need to open the floodgates on its public-facing catalog. It could allow users to generate cover songs for private use or off-platform distribution, letting musicians handle licensing on their own. This would align Suno’s tools with existing industry practice while freeing artists to explore one of the most time-honored traditions in music: reinterpreting the songs they love.
What’s even more puzzling is that Suno seems to be okay with mashups and remixes—areas that, frankly, live in even murkier copyright waters than covers. Allowing mashups but banning covers feels like a strange mismatch, especially since the legal foundation for covers is much more stable.
For indie musicians, the impact of this limitation is deeply felt. Many artists want to revisit the music that shaped them, whether it’s covering their own early work or reimagining underground gems from the 1980s and ’90s cassette scene. Imagine the creative explosion that could happen if Suno users were allowed to legally tap into this archive of influence, paying homage while adding their own voice to the conversation.
There’s also a massive business opportunity here. If I were sitting at the head of a major label like Universal, I’d be inking partnerships with Suno today. Why? Because it represents an enormous new revenue stream. Not only would it generate licensing income, but it would also deepen fan engagement and breathe new life into back catalogs, bringing old songs to new audiences in completely reimagined ways.
As a musician, I already love revisiting and covering my own early material, and I know I’m not alone. The ability to cover thousands of underground albums, write about them, and share the results would open up a rich, untapped creative space for both artists and audiences.
Suno has a chance to lead here—not just in AI music creation, but in building a bridge between innovation and tradition. By updating its terms of service to allow cover songs, it could empower creators, satisfy legal requirements, and open up new commercial and artistic opportunities. It’s time for Suno to join the party.
