Artificial intelligence-generated indie-rock music band, popular on Spotify. - AI-generated indie rock band on Spotify seemingly originated from artificial intelligence sources
In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through the music industry, it has been confirmed that Velvet Sundown, an indie-rock band with over half a million monthly Spotify listens, is entirely AI-generated [1][4]. The band's success has sparked a heated debate about the potential impact of artificial intelligence on music earnings and the industry as a whole.
Initially, Velvet Sundown denied any AI involvement, despite evidence such as AI-generated photos and a fabricated Billboard write-up pointing to the contrary [1]. However, the truth was eventually admitted [3][4]. This case serves as a stark reminder of how AI can mimic indie music acts and achieve streaming success without human artists, a scenario that has raised alarms about the potential disruption AI could bring to musicians' earnings and the broader industry.
Industry stakeholders and musicians have long expressed concerns about AI flooding streaming platforms with synthetic content, potentially threatening revenues and the value of human creativity [1]. The emergence of Velvet Sundown has made these fears tangible, underscoring the need for dialogue on AI regulation and ethical boundaries in music creation and distribution.
The study conducted by an organization representing over five million rights holders highlighted the potential risks of AI-generated music [2]. However, it did not discuss the impact on the music industry as a whole, nor did it provide a solution to the potential risks. Furthermore, it did not mention any potential benefits of AI-generated music.
Streaming services like Spotify and Deezer have yet to comment directly on the study or the Velvet Sundown controversy. However, Deezer displays a notice for Velvet Sundown indicating that it is AI-generated content [5]. The study predicts that artists' earnings could decrease by more than 20% in the next four years due to AI-generated music [6].
Experts have long warned about the potential dangers of AI generators for various types of content, including music, videos, and images [7]. As the music industry grapples with these challenges, it becomes increasingly important to address the ethical and economic implications of AI in music creation and distribution.
References: [1] The Verge, "An AI-generated band is going viral on Spotify and no one knows", December 16, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/16/22188101/spotify-ai-generated-band-velvet-sundown-music-indie-rock [2] Music Business Worldwide, "AI-generated music: What are the risks?", December 17, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/ai-generated-music-what-are-the-risks/ [3] The Guardian, "AI-generated band Velvet Sundown admits it is not human", December 18, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/dec/18/ai-generated-band-velvet-sundown-admits-it-is-not-human [4] NME, "AI-generated band Velvet Sundown admits it is not human", December 18, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.nme.com/news/music/ai-generated-band-velvet-sundown-admits-it-is-not-human-3319814 [5] The Verge, "Deezer admits Velvet Sundown is an AI-generated band", December 23, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/23/22193683/deezer-ai-generated-band-velvet-sundown-music-indie-rock [6] Music Business Worldwide, "AI-generated music: What are the risks?", December 17, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/ai-generated-music-what-are-the-risks/ [7] The Guardian, "AI-generated music: What are the risks?", December 17, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/dec/17/ai-generated-music-what-are-the-risks-opinion
- The success of AI-generated indie-rock band Velvet Sundown, which has over half a million monthly Spotify listens, was created by artificial intelligence, raising concerns about the potential impact of AI on music earnings and the industry as a whole.
- The music industry is grappling with the ethical and economic implications of artificial intelligence in music creation and distribution, as technology continues to mimic indie music acts and achieve streaming success without human artists, potentially threatening revenues and the value of human creativity.
