Music and tech are hitting a new high note as Timbaland, the iconic producer and four-time GRAMMY-winner, steps into a dynamic role as the strategic advisor for Suno, an AI-powered music creation tool that’s redefining the industry. After immersing himself in the platform for months, Timbaland is set to provide daily insights, guiding Suno’s product development and creative direction in real-time.
In an exciting kick-off, Timbaland’s latest track, Love Again, will exclusively premiere on Suno, setting the tone for a creative partnership focused on pushing boundaries. Adding to the excitement is a Remix Contest led by Timbaland himself, where aspiring artists have the chance to put their spin on the track. With $100,000 in prizes up for grabs, the top two remixes will debut across major streaming platforms, promising unprecedented visibility for the winning artists.
“When I first discovered what Suno was doing, I was immediately intrigued,” Timbaland shared, highlighting his enthusiasm for innovation and artist empowerment. “AI doesn’t have to replace artistry. It can amplify it, and that’s exactly what Suno and I aim to do—open up a new world of possibilities for generations of artists to come.”
The collaboration not only echoes Timbaland’s commitment to driving musical innovation but also aligns with Suno’s mission to empower artists at every stage of their careers. Suno CEO Mikey Shulman expressed his excitement, sharing, “Having Timbaland on board is monumental. Together, we’re creating a space where musicians can bring their ideas to life at the speed of their imagination, whether they’re newcomers or industry veterans.”
This isn’t Timbaland’s first tech-forward endeavour. He’s long been an advocate for blending music and technology, previously co-founding Beatclub, a platform for producers and musicians, and launching VERZUZ, the popular virtual music competition series, alongside Swizz Beatz. He also operates his own label, Mosely Music Group, and is an influential voice in the ongoing conversation around AI’s role in the music industry.
At AFROTECH 2023, Timbaland shared his vision, underscoring AI as a tool for accelerating creativity. “We as a culture are the trendsetters,” he explained. “If we embrace AI, we can redefine it, and the benefits are limitless.”
For Timbaland, working with AI isn’t just about keeping up with tech trends; it’s about leading them. He’s optimistic about the power of AI to boost both creative and financial opportunities, especially within Black culture. “It’s about making AI cool and valuable for the artist community,” he said. “If we take it and make it our own, the potential is beyond exciting—it’s transformative.”
Main Image:Essence