Splice and SoundCloud join forces to launch artist development program, Nova

Maria Egan

Music creation platform Splice and SoundCloud have joined forces to launch a new emerging artist program called, Nova.

Nova is open to unsigned Splice and SoundCloud creators and the partnership starts with a series of contests across the Splice and SoundCloud communities.

According to the Nova landing page, the winners of the first Nova Contest will get to produce their own Splice Sounds pack.

Splice is set to release twelve Nova Artist Packs, collections of signature sounds, loops, and samples, starting January 2022, and artists can enter the first contest starting today (October 26).

Selected Nova artists will have their music amplified on SoundCloud’s Distribution Network and the top four “SuperNovas” will get “enhanced marketing and distribution services” including distribution support, investment, and amplification from SoundCloud on their next project, including $20,000 marketing spend.

The four winners will be picked by teams at Splice and SoundCloud.

Elsewhere at Splice, the platform recently announced its first artist in residence program with producer Kenny Beats.

Earlier this month, Splice set up a strategic advisory board consisting of artists, entrepreneurs and music executives from various territories.

In February 2021, Splice, which claims to be used by over 4 million people, closed a $55 million round of Series D funding, led by Goldman Sachs’ GS Growth.

The round took Splice’s total funding to over $155m, including a $57.5m Series C funding round in March 2019.

“We’re opening the doors to our most talented users and leveraging our global producer community to amplify these creators.”

Maria Egan, Splice 

Splice Chief Music Officer, Maria Egan said: “We’re opening the doors to our most talented users and leveraging our global producer community to amplify these creators.

“The power of our platform, alongside this incredible partnership with SoundCloud, will give artists a unique opportunity to kick start their careers.”

“The Nova program combines our unique capabilities, music expertise and scale to offer new opportunities for artists, creators and fans to come together to grow careers and break new artists.”

Jeff Ponchick, SoundCloud

Jeff Ponchick, Vice President and Head of Creator, SoundCloud, added: “As leaders in new music discovery and creator empowerment, SoundCloud and Splice share the same DIY ethos to elevate the emerging artists and thriving communities found on our platforms who are driving music culture forward.

“The Nova program combines our unique capabilities, music expertise and scale to offer new opportunities for artists, creators and fans to come together to grow careers and break new artists.

 Music Business Worldwide