AI Band’s Denial Rings Hollow Amidst Fake Photos, Questionable Streams

The Indie Rock Mystery

An “indie rock band,” **The Velvet Sundown**, is under scrutiny. The band’s online presence features AI-generated images of nonexistent members. Now, the band denies using AI, attempting to control the narrative amidst mounting skepticism.

Absolutely crazy that so-called “journalists” keep pushing the lazy, baseless theory that The Velvet Sundown is “AI-generated” with zero evidence. Not a single one of these “writers” has reached out, visited a show, or listened beyond the Spotify algorithm.

— The Velvet Sundown (@Velvet_Sundown) March 24, 2024

The band’s X account is fighting back. However, the denials ring hollow considering the AI-generated imagery and other red flags. The band’s Spotify bio also provides evidence of being AI-generated. These factors lead many to doubt their claims of being a genuine band.

“This is not a joke. This is our music, written in long, sweaty nights in a cramped bungalow in California with real instruments, real minds, and real soul.”

— An X account purporting to be The Velvet Sundown

The debate around AI’s influence on music is growing. This situation highlights the complexities of AI music generation and its effect on the industry. Currently, AI-generated music accounts for roughly 10% of all music streams, a number that is steadily increasing (Statista, 2024).

The Rise of AI in Music

The band is racking up hundreds of thousands of monthly listens on Spotify. This success has led to more scrutiny, particularly regarding their authenticity. The band’s music, and its visuals, raise serious questions about its legitimacy.

The band’s recent album, “Dust and Silence,” was flagged by Deezer. The platform marked the album as “AI-generated content.” This adds to the growing suspicion surrounding **The Velvet Sundown**.

The Impact of AI

The use of AI in music creation is sparking debate. This is reflected in **Paul McCartney**’s warnings about AI’s potential to reshape the industry.

Many are calling out the lack of transparency. The band’s lyrics and inconsistent vocals also raise questions about the true nature of the project. The use of AI-generated content could affect the careers of human artists.

The controversy surrounding **The Velvet Sundown** underscores the need for more transparency in the music industry. This could prevent any misleading of listeners about the source of the music.