Suno launches Spark incubator program for independent artists with grants, mentorship, and restrictive terms

Suno, an AI music generation company, launched Spark, an incubator program aimed at unsigned singers, songwriters, and producers. The program offers grants, mentorship, and marketing support to selected participants. To qualify, artists must release music under their own name and agree to the program’s terms and conditions, which have drawn scrutiny.

Participants must make their songs available on Suno for remixing and grant the company a broad license to their works. This license includes the ability to create derivative works and grants Suno limited exclusivity over the material. Additionally, artists waive their right to a trial and participation in class actions, and agree to a non-disparagement clause that prohibits negative statements about Suno, its personnel, or its products.

The non-disparagement clause requires participants to promote Suno and allows the company to request edits or removals of content that portrays it negatively. Violations could result in removal from the program. The program’s launch follows a proposed class action lawsuit from a group of independent artists against Suno, underscoring ongoing disputes over AI’s role in creative industries.