Concerns surrounding the impact of AI-generated music on the streaming landscape continue to grow. In an article by Chris Stokel-Walker for Fast Company last year, the challenges faced by artists on platforms like Spotify became increasingly apparent, particularly due to the rising competition from tracks created by artificial intelligence. This shift isn’t new; in 2019, Warner Music Group began distributing music composed by algorithms, raising questions about authenticity in an industry traditionally defined by human artistry.
Recent developments reported by Music Ally highlight a specific case that has brought these issues to the forefront: a group named The Velvet Sundown. With an impressive monthly listener count of 372,931 on Spotify, there are significant suspicions surrounding their true nature. According to Stuart Dredge’s report, Reddit users were among the first to notice discrepancies related to the band, including an enigmatic quote attributed to Billboard that appears to be fabricated, the absence of a personal online profile for any band members, and a promotional image that gives an uncanny impression of artificial creation.
Deezer, another prominent streaming service, has noted that the band’s music may have been produced using AI, further substantiating industry concerns. An additional alarming detail is The Velvet Sundown’s appearance on a Spotify playlist titled “Vietnam War Music,” a playlist that includes artists who were relevant during that era, while The Velvet Sundown was not, raising questions about the authenticity and intent behind their promotion.
These events suggest a troubling trend pointed out by author Liz Pelly in her work on “ghost artists.” Previously, ghost artists involved actual musicians, but the latest case exemplifies a shift toward creating music solely using algorithms. This scenario raises critical questions regarding the future of music consumption and the authenticity of the artists behind the sounds we enjoy. As the music industry grapples with these advancements, it is clear that a balanced approach must be sought to ensure that real artistry is not compromised in favor of algorithmically generated content.
Overall, while AI technology has the potential to enhance music production, it also faces scrutiny over its implications for genuine artistic expression. The industry’s adaptation to these changes could pave the way for a dialogue about the nature of creativity in a digital age.