Suno launches Spark program for independent musicians with strict terms

In short: Suno has launched Spark, a new program that offers money and support to unsigned musicians, but the application terms include strong control over participants’ music and public comments.

What happened

Suno, a company known for making music with AI (software that can generate songs from prompts, like a text-to-music tool), announced a new “incubator” program called Spark. An incubator is a program that helps creators grow, usually with funding and advice.

Spark is aimed at independent artists who are unsigned singers, songwriters, or producers releasing music under their own name. Suno says the program will provide grants, mentorship, and marketing support.

But artists who apply must agree to terms that some people have criticized online, including on Suno’s Reddit forum. One key requirement is that artists must make their songs available on Suno for remixing, meaning other users can reuse parts of the music to make new versions.

The terms also give Suno a broad license to use the artist’s work, including the ability to create “derivative works,” which are altered versions of the original (like a remix, cover-style change, or an edited copy). The terms also include limits on legal options, such as waiving the right to a trial and to join a class action lawsuit. The Verge notes Suno is already facing a proposed class action lawsuit from independent artists.

Another clause described as “Good Vibes Only” says participants cannot portray Suno or its products in a negative light. It also gives Suno the right to request edits or removals of the participant’s content, and violations can mean removal from the program.

Why it matters

Programs like Spark can help musicians pay bills and reach new listeners. But the terms matter because they can affect who controls an artist’s songs and whether the artist can speak publicly about their experience.

Source: The Verge AI