Spotify, the popular music streaming platform, is reportedly experiencing a surge in AI-generated music covers, raising concerns among listeners and industry experts.
These AI “bands” are said to be infiltrating playlists and attracting millions of listeners, often by blending in with covers by real artists. Unlike genuine artists, these AI bands lack a digital presence on social media, leading to suspicions about the authenticity of their work.
AI bands and their suspicious presence
Vigilant Spotify users first noticed this trend, with a group of Reddit users bringing the issue to light. The investigation began with AI bands covering classic country songs but soon expanded to include various genres and decades. According to the Redditors, these bands have no original music, further fueling suspicions.
A Reddit user, identified by their handle Culibuildr, highlighted that this practice has been ongoing for several years, particularly in genres like ambient, electronic, and jazz music. The recent proliferation of consumer-accessible AI tools has made it easier for anyone to create music with vocals, complicating the identification of AI-generated content.
Labels and legal implications
The controversy deepened when a lawyer representing 11A, a label associated with some of these AI covers, claimed that human musicians were involved in the production process. However, the lawyer could not provide additional details or valid contact information for the label, raising further doubts about its legitimacy. An expired domain and a dormant Facebook profile with minimal followers were the only traces of the label’s online presence, which is unusual for a company operating in the digital music space.
The broader impact on the music industry
The situation highlights growing concerns about exploitative practices in the streaming industry. A Spotify spokesperson emphasized that while the platform does not prohibit the use of autotune or AI tools, content must comply with its deceptive content policy, which includes a ban on impersonation. The spokesperson suggested that content providers, including the AI bands, their management, or labels, might be responsible for the issue. Once flagged, these covers were reportedly removed from the platform.
Cole Henderson, an entertainment and music lawyer, pointed out that third-party intermediaries, often used by artists to manage their music on streaming platforms, could be behind these AI-generated covers. Henderson noted that while this practice might not be illegal, it is exploitative, particularly for the original songwriters who receive lower royalties than the AI performers and their labels. This situation underscores the need for the music industry to address the ethical and financial implications of AI-generated content as it continues to evolve.
The ongoing debate about AI in music highlights the challenges that streaming platforms like Spotify face in balancing innovation with protecting artists’ rights. As AI technology becomes more accessible, the industry must adapt to ensure fair compensation for all creators involved.