In a recent declaration, the CEO of Suno AI made a bold and controversial statement: “The majority of people don’t enjoy the majority of the time they spend making music.” This sentiment has ignited a wave of discussion, particularly among musicians and creators who felt disrespected by such a claim. As someone who works in the music industry, it’s crucial to address how this statement undermines the very essence of music creation, which is, for many, a form of self-expression, passion, and even hobby—not just a profession.

Disrespecting the Passion of Music Creators

To claim that the majority of musicians don’t enjoy creating music overlooks one key point: music is an art form. Art, in its many forms, is a deeply personal experience. Whether you’re composing a symphony or producing an ambient track, the process is filled with both challenges and rewards. Musicians pour countless hours into perfecting their craft—not solely to earn money, but because the act of creation brings joy, fulfillment, and personal growth.

Music as a Hobby and Art Form

The assumption that music must always be converted into a career to be meaningful is misguided. Many musicians create because it’s a passion, a hobby, or a calling. It’s not all about generating income or turning their work into a profitable venture. Consider how many musicians, producers, composers, and songwriters continue to create despite not earning a living from their music. Why do they keep doing it? Because the process itself is fulfilling. They do it for the love of the art, not necessarily for commercial success.

Would you mine a cave for free? (In a free and democratic world, of course.) No one would ever say yes to something like that, yet many people still dedicate themselves to their craft every day, even without compensation. Art is not just a job; it’s a calling for some. It’s understandable that programmers and CEOs might not grasp this concept. After all, I can’t quite understand why they would spend 10 hours writing code when ChatGPT can provide the same result in just one prompt. So, in the end, it’s more of a critique of them than it is of real artists. Music is not a form of labor in the same way as mining or other physically demanding jobs. The act of creating music transcends economics and touches on the intangible. It connects people, brings comfort, stimulates thought, and serves as an emotional outlet for both the creator and the listener.

Musicians Keep Creating, Even Without Financial Reward

Musicians are resilient. The fact that so many continue to produce music without the promise of financial reward is proof of the genuine joy and dedication they feel toward their craft. They invest time, energy, and creativity because the process is inherently fulfilling. Even if the financial payoff is small or nonexistent, they create because it’s part of who they are.

This is the beauty of art—it’s not always about what you get in return. Sometimes, it’s enough to simply create and share your art with the world, knowing that you’ve made something beautiful, moving, or thought-provoking. This is the essence of what many musicians live for.

A Call for Respect

As we continue to innovate and automate, it’s essential that we remain respectful of the human element behind all creative work. Musicians are not machines churning out products for financial gain. They are individuals who, like all artists, express themselves through their medium—whether that’s music, painting, or writing. Dismissing their work as unenjoyable or unworthy simply because it’s not profitable is a disservice to the entire creative community.

So, let’s respect the musicians who continue to create, even when there’s no paycheck involved. They don’t need to prove their passion through monetary success. Their dedication is in the music itself.