The impact of artificial intelligence on music has been exposed with the recent case of the gang The Velvet Sundown on SpotifyThis group has managed to accumulate more than a million views in just a few days, attracting attention not only for their melodies, but especially for the fact that their music, their image, and even the story behind the band were all products created using artificial intelligence.
The stir it has caused The authenticity of The Velvet Sundown This has led many Spotify users and music industry professionals to rethink the boundaries between the human and the digital in artistic creation. Social media and specialized forums have echoed this debate, intensified by the band's own public acknowledgment of the use of AI for all of its compositions and promotional photographs.
From initial controversy to public acceptance
Initially, the virtual members of Velvet Sundown and its creators denied using artificial intelligence, maintaining an ambiguous stance regarding the accusations. However, following a leak from someone close to the team, the band reversed itself and released a statement admitting that their project was the result of a collaboration between human creativity and AI algorithms. "It's not exactly a person. It's not exactly a machine, but it lives somewhere in between.", they said, defining The Velvet Sundown as a “synthetic music project under human creative direction.”
The news has served to rekindle discussions about the authenticity in popular musicIndustry figures such as Roberto Neri, CEO of the Ivors Academy, have warned of the risks of allowing AI-powered bands to achieve widespread success without the involvement of real musicians. The most cited problems They have to do with transparency, copyright management, and the consent of human creators.
Pressure on platforms and new legal framework
Streaming platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer, They are not currently required to indicate which content has been generated by artificial intelligence., making it easier for entirely digital projects like The Velvet Sundown to fade into the mainstream scene. This lack of regulation has led to movements and proposals demanding greater clarity and specific rules for the release and promotion of AI-generated music.
Meanwhile, well-known figures such as Elton John and Dua Lipa have expressed their concern and publicly advocated for stricter restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence in music creation, fearing that the proliferation of such projects could jeopardize the diversity and originality of the industry.
The debate on creativity and artistic identity It becomes even more complicated when you consider that, according to recent studies, a large portion of the digital content circulating on social media and music platforms already contains some artificial component. key question Whether algorithm-generated music can truly connect with listeners and convey genuine emotions remains an open question.
The controversy around The Velvet Sundown has highlighted the urgent need for the music industry and streaming services to review their policies around labeling, transparency, and the protection of human artists' rights, while recognizing the opportunities offered by well-used artificial intelligence.
This case reflects how technology can influence the future of art and what ethical and regulatory challenges must be addressed to ensure authenticity and the protection of traditional creators. The discussion remains crucial in defining the role of artificial intelligence in music and its impact on popular culture.
