Spotify is facing a problem with fake bands using AI-generated covers to farm millions of streams. These fake artists, with names like "Highway Outlaws" and "Waterfront Wranglers," have no social media presence and generate streams by blending in with real artist playlists. Reddit users uncovered the scam, revealing that these "bands" cover various songs across genres without producing any original music.
Although Spotify removed the content, it wasn't illegal—these fake bands were exploiting the streaming system rather than committing fraud. The royalties system is affected, with more money going to cover performers instead of the original artists. Despite concerns, Spotify does not currently prohibit AI-generated music as long as it follows general platform rules. The article suggests that the best way to support real artists is by attending their live shows and buying merchandise, as AI can't replicate those experiences.
Discussion (4)
This has been coming for a while since Spotifys algorithm is designed to optimize clicks and streams, so when AI-generated music blends in, its bound to happen. I wonder how long it will be before actual big-name artists start using this same technique. Imagine Taylor Swift dropping a fake cover album under some random band name just to double dip on the streaming royalties! AI is getting out of hand, and the industry is not even ready.
The bigger issue here is copyright law. If these AI bands are only doing covers, the original songwriters should still be getting royalties, right?
Ok but how much of a problem is this actually? If they are just doing covers and paying royalties, then why all the outrage?
These AI "bands" are diluting the pool of available streams, especially in specific genre playlists where smaller real artists should be.
people might not notice while they're playing their "chill road trip" playlists in the background, but the artists who depend on those streams for exposure and royalties definitely do. And there's no real connection to these AI bands (no live shows, no fan base) so it's counter productive to the entire indsutry of musicians who actually hustle to build a career.