TL;DR
I went down a rabbit hole with Suno AI, using my own original music as source material. The results were astounding, demonstrating its power not just for creation, but for ideation, arrangement, and finishing "stuck" projects. The key takeaway is a new workflow: using Gemini to generate hyper-specific prompts for Suno.
Experiment 1: From Jam Session to Structured Song
The initial test involved transforming raw, improvisational ideas into finished pieces.
Test Case 1: Experimental Trio Jam
Input
Snippet of an experimental trio jam session.
assets/TK3_Original_A.mp3
Output: "John Scofield" Style
A jazz-funk take on the original jam.
assets/TK3_Original_A_Remix1.mp3
Output: "Middle Eastern Trap"
A trap remix with tablas.
assets/TK3_Original_A_Remix2.mp3
Test Case 2: Unstructured Basement Jam
Input
A different unstructured jam session excerpt.
assets/TK3_Basement_Tape_3.wav
Output 1
A distinct stylistic variation.
assets/TK3_Basement_Tape_3_remix1.mp3
Output 2
Another variation with a unique vibe.
assets/TK3_Basement_Tape_3_remix2.mp3
Experiment 2: Finishing an "Unfinishable" Track
Next, I tested Suno on a track I've been trying to finish for over a year.
Input: "Pourover Driftin"
My nearly-finished mix.
assets/POUROVER_DRIFTIN_KR_MIX_05.wav
Output: "Mainstream"
Better melodic choices & production.
assets/POUROVER_DRIFTIN_Remix_1.mp3
Output: "Coldplay"
Generated a beautiful, thoughtful intro.
assets/POUROVER_DRIFTIN_Remix_2_Coldplay.mp3
Output: "Bowie/Labyrinth"
Shockingly accurate Bowie-like vocal quirks.
assets/GoblinKing.mp3
Level-Up: The Gemini Prompting Workflow ðŸ§
This was the breakthrough: automating detailed prompt creation for maximum effectiveness.
The Process
- Choose a target artist/song for stylistic inspiration.
- Ask Gemini to analyze the song's key musical and production elements.
- Instruct Gemini to generate a 1000-character, comma-separated prompt from its analysis.
- Copy and paste the prompt directly into Suno.
Recommended Settings
Result: "Coldplay x Jacob Collier - Human Heart" Style
assets/HumanHeart.mp3
Result: "Radiohead" Style
assets/KidA.mp3
Result: "Maggie Rogers" Style
assets/MaggieRoger.mp3
Result: "Rilo Kiley" Style
assets/RiloK.mp3
Result: "Zedd" Style
assets/Zedd.mp3
Result: "Madeon" Style
assets/Madeon.mp3
Result: "Tycho" Style
assets/Tycho.mp3
Result: "Bonobo" Style
assets/Bonobo.mp3
Result: "Radio-Ident Choral Jingle" Style
assets/WXXX.mp3
Result: "70s Game Show" Style
assets/GameAShow.mp3
Final Thoughts & Future Implications
A True Creative Tool
The ability to download stems makes this a legitimate professional tool, not just a generator. Starting with high-quality source material significantly enhances the output.
Unlocking the Archive
For composers, this is a breakthrough for processing vast archives of demos, voice memos, and snippets. The primary value isn't for final release, but for rapidly creating cohesive arrangements and discovering inspirational creative choices.
The Future is an AI DAW
The new in-app editor (WavTool) is a clear indicator of a future, fully-featured AI-based Digital Audio Workstation that will likely become best-in-class very quickly.
Incredible Value
The accessibility of this power on a ~$10/month subscription tier is remarkable.