fbpx Skip to main content
Sparks for Artists Sparks for Artists Sparks for Artists Sparks for Artists Sparks for Artists 

Welcome to the family 😎

We’re hyped that you’re keen to find out more about joining Sparks as an artist/composer!

Here are a few answers to the most common questions we get but if there’s anything else that we can help answer, just send Simon an email at simon@sparks.fm.

About Sparks

What is Sparks and how does it work?

So what exactly is Sparks? Well… We’re not a music library, we’re a catalogue of musical ideas used to kickstart a collaborative process between creative and composer.

We put Sparks in front of Advertising Agencies, Editors, Directors, Music Supervisors & Content Producers who need music for their projects.

When a client chooses your Spark, we work with you (and them) to develop the Spark and turn it into a tailored piece that fits their brief and picture perfectly.

After the project is complete, the original Spark remains on the platform awaiting new interest for future projects.

What can I submit to Sparks?

We are always on the hunt for new and exciting composers and artists.

We ask that submissions are your original music that you own and control 100% of the copyrights in both the composition and master recording. We are open to interesting re-records and covers but please make it very clear when submitting.

We’re not fans of soundalikes and using uncleared samples. If you decide to use samples, please please please make sure they come from pre-cleared sample libraries and avoid any musical loops from Splice or Output Arcade unless used creatively (chop chop chop!).

How does it work if a client wants to use one of my Sparks?

We’re constantly pitching and responding to briefs with Sparks. When a client decides that they want to tailor or adapt your Spark, we get in touch with you and loop you into the process.

We charge a Tailoring Fee to the client so you are always compensated for any time spent on tweaks and tailoring. This typically falls around £250 for 3 rounds of small tweaks.

Once the client is happy and we have sign off, we’ll work with you to sort out any cut-downs & mastering before sending for Final Delivery… and then that’s a wrap 🍾

How do I submit/deliver my music to Sparks?

When you have new Sparks you’d like to send our way, please head over here and fill in your details and pop your name and date as the playlist title.

Please make sure that files are:

  • named clearly with your name/artist name and the track title
  • in 48k WAV format
  • free of any clicks or pops at the start or end

We’ll then be in touch with the next steps!

Artist Agreements

How do the splits work?

Any income we receive from the exploitation of the musical compositions and sound recordings (excluding performing right and neighbouring right income) is divided with the composer 50/50. This would include sync, mechanical and streaming income.

The reason that performing right and neighbouring right income is excluded from the composer’s royalty entitlement on our agreement is because the composer collects the writer’s share and artist’s share of performing right and neighbouring right income (respectively), i.e. 50%, from PRS and PPL.

Sparks, as the publisher and label, would collect the publisher’s share and rightsholder’s share of performing right and neighbouring right income (respectively), i.e. the remaining 50%, from PRS and PPL.

What does the 'derivative works' section in the agreement mean?

Sorry in advance… contracts give us a headache too.

The original composer is always given the first opportunity to make the changes required but if for some reason the original composer is unavailable then as a last resort, we can appoint a third party to make the changes. We then are only deciding the splits of any Derivative Work (not the original Spark) exercising the “good faith”, which is also to the composer’s benefit.

Remember this only applies to substantial amendments rather than trivial amendments for re-timing purposes, edits etc. In these instances, the original composer’s entitlement would not be reduced.

How do you figure on splits and royalties on the non-exclusive agreement?

On our non-exclusive agreement, when a Spark gets a placement, we create a new registration with an alternate title on PRS. For example, ‘Your Spark x Toyota’.

This means we can easily figure out the right splits and only work off of what royalties have been generated by our sync and not interfere with your existing royalty stream.

Request a free music search

Airy, Gritty, Flowing, Banging, Ethereal, Edgy…

Choose any 3 words which describe the music you’re after (and include a brief if you have one) and we’ll send back a playlist of suitable Sparks.

Submission received, thank you!

Close Window

Request a free music search

Airy, Gritty, Flowing, Banging, Ethereal, Edgy…

Choose any 3 words which describe the music you’re after (and include a brief if you have one) and we’ll send back a playlist of suitable Sparks.

Submission received, thank you!

Close Window