Stability AI releases a new audio model that can create six-minute songs
Source: TechCrunch
Model lineup
- Small SFX – 459 M parameters (optimized for on‑device sound effects)
- Small – 459 M parameters (suitable for on‑device music generation up to two minutes)
- Medium – 1.4 B parameters (full compositions up to 6 min 20 s)
- Large – 2.7 B parameters (full compositions up to 6 min 20 s)
Both the medium and large models can maintain musical structure and melodic tone over the full 6 min 20 s length—more than double the duration supported by Stable Audio 2.0 (released in 2024).
Availability
- Small SFX, Small, and Medium – open weights, free to use and modify.
- Large – accessible only via the API and paid self‑hosting services; enterprises with revenue over $1 M must obtain an enterprise license.
The open‑weight models represent a significant upgrade from the previous open version, which was limited to 47 seconds of music generation.
Image credit: Stability AI
Industry context
Several companies are advancing music‑generation tooling, including:
- Google – Lyria 3 Pro music generation model
- ElevenLabs – new AI‑powered music generation app
Legal disputes highlight the importance of licensed data. Ongoing court battles involving Suno and Udio underscore that data licensing and label partnerships may be crucial for the long‑term viability of AI music services.
Partnerships and licensing
Last year, Stability AI announced collaborations with:
- Warner Music Group – joint development of next‑gen tools
- Universal Music Group – strategic alliance
The company states that the new audio models are built on fully licensed data.
Product roadmap and leadership
Stability AI is developing a new suite of products aimed at professional musicians, though specific features have not been disclosed.
Ethan Kaplan, former chief digital officer at Universal Audio and Fender, has joined Stability AI to lead its professional music offering.
Talent moves in the AI music space
- Suno hired former Merlin CEO Jeremy Sirota as chief commercial officer.
- ElevenLabs appointed Derek Cournoyer (formerly of indie publisher Kobalt) as strategy lead for its music business.