Bands like The Velvet Sundown and TaTa, which are completely generated via artificial intelligence, are igniting considerable debate within the music sector. This discussion escalates as Spotify is reported to have released AI-produced tracks on the profiles of artists who have passed away.
For example, Blaze Foley, a country music singer-songwriter who was killed almost 40 years ago, had a fresh song called “Together” surface on his Spotify page last week. The track has now been taken down for infringing Spotify’s policies against deceptive content, which forbid impersonation aimed at misleading. Prior to its removal, the song allegedly contained characteristics typical of Foley’s music, such as a male country vocalist, piano, and electric guitar, and it was reminiscent of a slow country ballad. The song’s page also showcased an AI-generated depiction of a man singing into a microphone, who did not bear any resemblance to Foley.
Craig McDonald, the owner of Lost Art Records, Foley’s music label, remarked that the song did not correspond to Foley’s style, characterizing it as an AI-generated copy lacking authenticity.
Blaze Foley is not the sole late artist impacted by this matter. Spotify has also presented AI-generated music credited to Grammy-winning country singer-songwriter Guy Clark, who died a decade ago. Similar to Foley’s situation, the image for Clark was also AI-generated and did not look like him.
A Spotify representative indicated that the platform intends to take action against licensors and distributors who do not prevent such fraudulent activity, with repeated or serious infringements leading to a permanent ban from Spotify.
Music journalist Ted Gioia commended Spotify’s prompt reaction to the situation; however, some users remain doubtful regarding the platform’s management of the AI music phenomenon. In a Reddit discussion, participants voiced their concerns over AI-created tracks showing up in their playlists, advocating for an AI filter.
Spotify’s present strategy includes removing tracks or albums if AI is used in a misleading manner. Nonetheless, there is no label for AI-generated music, which many listeners wish to see. Spotify did not promptly clarify how it distinguishes AI-produced music or whether it intends to introduce such a label.
The Guardian noted that while streaming services like Spotify are not legally obligated to label AI-generated music, there is an increasing call for government action to ensure clarity regarding AI’s involvement in music production.
Sophie Jones, chief strategy officer at the British Phonographic Industry, urged the UK government to uphold copyright and implement transparency requirements for AI firms, advocating for explicit labeling of AI-generated works.
The ongoing friction between AI and streaming platforms is leaving both fans and musicians uncertain about what lies ahead.