Suno has just released their version 4 AI model, and unlike ChatGPT or Gemini that output text or images, Suno actually outputs music. Enter the genre, the theme, and some lyrics, and get returned a 2 to 3-minute audio clip - complete with instrumentals, lyrics, and actual vocals.
Getting Started with Suno
Search for Suno AI and log in with your Google account or any other account. The free basic plan gives you 50 credits daily, which is about 10 songs. You can create four songs at once.
Simple Mode: One Prompt, One Song
The create tab has two modes: Simple and Custom. In Simple mode, enter a text prompt and hit create. Suno generates two different songs per prompt - same lyrics but different instrumentals. The generation takes about 5 seconds.
For a test, I used a prompt for a sad country rock song. The output came back with proper verse, chorus, and bridge structure. Listening to it, there’s really no way to tell it was made by AI.
Custom Mode: Your Own Lyrics
Custom mode lets you enter your own lyrics, set specific styles, exclude certain genres, and even add your own audio to mash everything together. This is perfect for anyone creating music who wants to rapidly prototype ideas.
Editing and Extending
After generation, you have several options:
- Download: Export as MP3 audio
- Edit: Crop the song or replace sections
- Extend: Make the track longer
- Persona: Get different AI characters to sing the song
- Cover song: Create variations
Note that commercial rights require a Pro plan. The free tier is great for proof of concept and experimentation.
My Test: New Zealand Drum and Bass
As a drum and bass fan, I prompted Suno with “Give me a New Zealand drum and bass with female vocals.” The output was a 3-minute, 7-second track that was genuinely indistinguishable from real music. Generated in about 3 seconds.
Final Thoughts
Suno V4 is remarkably good at generating music that sounds completely authentic. Whether you’re prototyping ideas, creating background music, or just experimenting with AI-generated audio, it’s an impressive tool that makes music creation accessible to anyone - regardless of musical background.
