Not quite human: AI band's debut sparks industry meltdown
But as fans started digging into the story behind the group, they unearthed something unexpected: the band wasn't quite real.
After a short-lived run of interviews and vague statements describing themselves as 'guided by human creative direction', the group finally came clean online. The entire project – from vocals and lyrics to promotional photos and even the band's backstory – was created using AI tools, particularly the music generation platform Suno.
Their cryptic confession on social media only fuelled the fire: 'Not quite human. Not quite machine. Merely somewhere in between'.
What followed was a heated debate across the Internet and inside the industry. Spotify, where the album gained its viral popularity, came under fire for its lack of transparency. A spokesperson insisted that 'all music on Spotify, including AI-generated music, is created, owned and uploaded by licensed third parties.' But critics weren't convinced.
Liz Pelly, author of Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist , pointed to earlier incidents — like the 2023 viral AI track that mimicked Drake and The Weeknd — as evidence of how easily AI can mislead listeners and exploit real artists.
Industry figures like Sophie Jones from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) have echoed calls for stricter rules around AI-generated content, including clearer labelling, licensing, and enforcement.
While fans continue to stream the album – perhaps now out of curiosity more than admiration – the controversy has sparked one of the most urgent debates in recent music history. Is this the future of music creation, or just a digital masquerade?
Either way, it seems that Velvet Sundown has left a lasting echo — real or artificial.
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Muscat Daily
8 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Not quite human: AI band's debut sparks industry meltdown
In a plot twist worthy of a sci-fi rock opera, a mysterious band has shaken the music world – and not just with its sound. Racking up over a million Spotify streams, Velvet Sundown's debut album Floating on Echoes and Dust and Silence struck a chord with listeners drawn to its soulful, country-folk vibe reminiscent of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. But as fans started digging into the story behind the group, they unearthed something unexpected: the band wasn't quite real. After a short-lived run of interviews and vague statements describing themselves as 'guided by human creative direction', the group finally came clean online. The entire project – from vocals and lyrics to promotional photos and even the band's backstory – was created using AI tools, particularly the music generation platform Suno. Their cryptic confession on social media only fuelled the fire: 'Not quite human. Not quite machine. Merely somewhere in between'. What followed was a heated debate across the Internet and inside the industry. Spotify, where the album gained its viral popularity, came under fire for its lack of transparency. A spokesperson insisted that 'all music on Spotify, including AI-generated music, is created, owned and uploaded by licensed third parties.' But critics weren't convinced. Liz Pelly, author of Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist , pointed to earlier incidents — like the 2023 viral AI track that mimicked Drake and The Weeknd — as evidence of how easily AI can mislead listeners and exploit real artists. Industry figures like Sophie Jones from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) have echoed calls for stricter rules around AI-generated content, including clearer labelling, licensing, and enforcement. While fans continue to stream the album – perhaps now out of curiosity more than admiration – the controversy has sparked one of the most urgent debates in recent music history. Is this the future of music creation, or just a digital masquerade? Either way, it seems that Velvet Sundown has left a lasting echo — real or artificial.
Observer
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- Observer
A Look at the Decline of Traditional TV and Radio and the Rise of Multi-Platform Media
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Muscat Daily
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BTS breaks records as Dynamite surpasses 2bn streams on Spotify
Seoul South Korea – In a monumental achievement, BTS's hit single 'Dynamite' has surpassed 2 billion streams on Spotify, becoming the first K-pop group and the first Asian act to reach this milestone. Released in 2020, 'Dynamite' was a groundbreaking track that made history by becoming the first song by a Korean group to top the Billboard Hot 100, propelling BTS into the global spotlight and cementing their position as a dominant force in the international music scene. The song's success has been a testament to the enduring appeal of BTS, whose influence continues to spread across the globe despite five of the seven members currently completing their mandatory military service. 'Dynamite' has remained a fan favourite, symbolising joy and unity during difficult times. In addition to the group's collective achievement, Jungkook, the youngest member of BTS, has also reached a significant milestone of his own. His solo track 'Seven,' featuring rapper Latto, has garnered over 2.15 billion streams on Spotify, making him the only K-pop solo artist to achieve such a feat. Fans worldwide have taken to social media to celebrate these remarkable milestones, with many expressing their pride and admiration for BTS and Jungkook's contributions to the global music industry. The group's success continues to highlight the growing influence of K-pop, and their legacy as global superstars remains firmly intact.
