Spotify’s latest rock sensation, The Velvet Sundown, took the music scene by storm. Then, a shocking twist: they’re an AI-generated band! Creators combined artistry with AI, fusing reality-show drama and digital prowess, like “Westworld” meets the Grammys. Some listeners felt tricked, others intrigued—like finding out your favorite barista is a robot. Their quick ascent on streaming platforms, amid Reddit investigations and murky streaming wars, left us questioning musical authenticity. Can’t help but wonder, what’s next?
Andrew Frelon—or *The Phantom Band Conjurer*—admitted to orchestrating this mirage. Audiences might sympathize with his artistry, but also felt the sting of an unfolding reality TV drama. Credibility, like a disappearing ink pen, raised questions about AI’s nonchalant stroll across creative borders. The Velvet Sundown’s rapid rise can be attributed to their generative AI roots, quickly amassing over 500,000 monthly Spotify listeners. As AI-generated bands become a newer trend in the streaming music landscape, the phenomenon raises questions about authenticity and the role of artificial intelligence in creative industries. The band’s creation exemplifies how vector space models organize data to generate convincing artistic content that mimics human creativity. Reactions were as mixed as a fondue pot of emotions. Some listeners felt duped. Others intrigued, bouncing between fascination and skepticism. Competing streaming services and Reddit sleuths weren’t impressed. This saga of digital ghost music heightens awareness of a new reality—*artists who might only ever exist in the ones and zeros.*
