AI-generated music is rapidly infiltrating streaming platforms like Spotify, and even listeners who typically avoid it are being exposed to tracks such as “Taste My Ass” and “I Caught Santa Claus Sniffing Cocaine.”
The rise of "AI slop"—subpar, often bizarre, digitally created music—is becoming increasingly evident across digital platforms. For instance, a notable AI-generated song, “Make Love to My Shitter” by the creator BannedVinylCollection, gained unexpected popularity. Host Brace Belden discovered it queued up on Spotify after he played a more traditional album, mistaking it for a forgotten raunchy record from the past.
The creator, who goes by JB, clarified that his collection of novelty songs is entirely AI-produced. This includes titles such as “Grant Me Rectal Delight.” JB has been able to make a modest profit from his music, thanks to platforms like Patreon and Bandcamp, although he earns approximately $200 monthly from Spotify alone.
Tim Ingham of Music Business Worldwide reported similar encounters, where he too stumbled across AI-generated tracks on Spotify, with many of them sensationalizing adult themes. Ingham identified a number of AI artists with a combined 4.1 million listeners. Interestingly, not all AI music is outlandishly themed; some simply mimic popular genres without overt comedic elements.
The phenomenon isn’t confined to Spotify; platforms like Deezer have also noted a significant influx of AI-generated music. Deezer’s data indicates that about 18% of daily uploads are flagged as AI content, amounting to approximately 600,000 tracks each month. Despite efforts at filtering AI music, many major streaming services still lack options for users to completely block these AI-generated tracks from their recommendations.
Belden advocates for streaming platforms to prohibit AI uploads altogether. Currently, there’s no universal ban on AI music across major services. While platforms like YouTube have regulations against deepfaking artists’ work, Spotify lacks clear labeling requirements for AI-generated content.
The surge in AI music has led to notable cases, including the rapid ascension of an AI-driven band called Velvet Sundown, which garnered significant attention for its Spotify streams. Initially, there was confusion and misrepresentation on social media regarding their use of AI, but subsequent clarifications confirmed that the contributions were entirely artificial.
Various individuals have reported mixed feelings toward AI-produced music, with some experiencing unexpected enjoyment despite their aversion to it. For instance, Andy Cush, an independent musician, came across an AI jazz piece during a relaxed outing, which left him questioning the creative value of AI in music production.
In a striking development, AI-generated music even made its way to the US charts with a track titled “A Million Colors” reaching the TikTok Viral 50 chart. It showcases how AI music, which once seemed niche or trivial, is becoming increasingly mainstream and accepted—even among those who claim to detest it.
As AI technology evolves, its impact on music and artistry continues to raise discussions around authenticity, creativity, and the future of the industry itself.
