AI-generated music, epitomized by the viral success of bands like The Velvet Sundown, is increasingly worrying the music industry, CNBC reports. With over one million monthly listeners on Spotify, The Velvet Sundown has earned significant revenue, sparking intense debate about copyright and the role of human artists in the age of artificial intelligence.
Initially thought to be a human group due to their polished image and seemingly authentic music, The Velvet Sundown has now openly declared itself a “synthetic music project” using generative AI guided by human creative input. The project’s Spotify bio describes itself as an artistic endeavor designed to explore the evolving boundaries of authorship and identity within music.
Jason Palamara, assistant professor of music technology at the Herron School of Art and Design, noted to CNBC, “[The Velvet Sundown] is much better music than most of what we’ve heard from AI in the past.” Palamara pointed out that while early AI-generated songs typically featured repetitive hooks, current platforms like Suno and Udio now create structurally coherent songs complete with verses, choruses, and bridges, setting a new standard for generative music technology.
The rapid proliferation of AI music is evident on platforms beyond Spotify. Deezer, a France-based music streaming service, reported that nearly 18% of the music uploaded to their platform is fully AI-generated. The ease and affordability of creating AI-generated tracks, with premium services costing approximately $30 per month or less, contribute significantly to this trend.
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Keith Mullin, head of management and music industry courses at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, described AI music as “the hot topic of the moment,” particularly around copyright implications. Major record labels such as Sony Music, Universal Music Group, and Warner Records have responded with lawsuits against AI platforms Suno and Udio, alleging mass copyright infringement.
The emergence of AI-generated artists is causing anxiety among human musicians. British alternative pop artist Tilly Louise expressed frustration at the success of AI-generated bands, which overshadow efforts by human artists struggling financially despite millions of streams. She called the phenomenon “discouraging,” highlighting the already challenging environment for independent musicians.
Music educators are adapting, incorporating AI tools into their curricula to equip young artists with strategies for using AI to complement their creative processes rather than replace them. Grammy-winning producer Timbaland has embraced the trend, launching Stage Zero, an entertainment venture featuring an AI-generated pop star, suggesting significant changes to industry models ahead.
Music critic Anthony Fantano voiced concern about AI music’s impact on consumers, arguing that it clogs social media feeds and hinders genuine human connections. Fantano described AI-generated music as inferior to human-produced art and criticized the technology’s use as a cost-cutting measure.
The American Federation Of Musicians has called for clear labeling of AI-generated songs and better copyright protection to safeguard human creativity. Tino Gagliardi, the federation’s president, stressed that consent, credit, and compensation must form the foundation of any ethical AI deployment in the music industry, stating clearly, “Anything short of that is theft.”
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