In a strategic move to build trust with the music industry, AI music generator Suno has hired former Spotify and Patreon executive Sam Berger as its Senior Director of Artist Partnerships, as reported by Billboard. The hire is a clear charm offensive as the company navigates high-stakes legal battles with major record labels.
- A two-front war: Suno is simultaneously facing massive copyright infringement lawsuits from the music industry while trying to position itself as a collaborative tool for creators. "We’re at a critical point in time where the future of music is being actively shaped and establishing trust with our industry partners is more important than ever," Berger said in a statement.
- Building the bench: Berger joins a growing roster of industry veterans poached by Suno from companies like Twitch, Splice, and Atlantic Records, a move meant to prove its artist-first intentions. Suno’s Chief Music Officer, Paul Sinclair, praised Berger as a partner who “has earned a reputation for putting artists and their creative vision first.”
Suno's push for legitimacy comes as it balances legal threats with business wins. The company recently forged a partnership with Warner Music Group that resolves its legal fight with the label and creates a framework for WMG artists to opt-in to have their work used with the AI. Hiring Berger, the founder of the successful livestreaming platform Moment House, is Suno's latest and perhaps loudest message that it wants to build tools that directly benefit artists.