Yes — you need a license, exactly like any cover artist does. The AI part doesn't change copyright law.
1. The mechanical license. To release an audio cover (Spotify, Apple), you need a mechanical license for the underlying composition. The easy route: many distributors (DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby) offer cover licensing as an add-on — they handle the paperwork and royalties for a small fee.
2. Don't change the lyrics (much). A standard cover license covers faithful covers. Rewrite the lyrics or change the fundamental character and you're in 'derivative work' territory, which needs direct permission from the publisher.
3. YouTube is separate. Content ID will likely claim your cover video and route ad revenue to the publisher — that's normal and expected, not a strike. Don't fight claims on songs you don't own.
4. Suno's Cover feature vs. real covers. Covering YOUR OWN Suno song needs nothing. Covering someone else's copyrighted song needs the license above — same as if you'd recorded it with a guitar.
5. When in doubt, your distributor's help docs or a quick consult with a music lawyer beats a guess. (This isn't legal advice — just the standard path.)
Good luck! Hank founder of SonorixPG