AI Psychedelic Rock Band Velvet Sundown Sparks Spotify Controversy Over Authenticity
June 30, 2025
The Velvet Sundown, a new four-piece psychedelic rock band from California, has gained significant attention on Spotify with over 470,000 monthly listeners, yet doubts linger about their authenticity as they may be AI-generated.
Their music has been described as a blend of Pink Floyd and Tame Impala, but the lack of a prior digital presence raises suspicions about the band's true nature.
Despite the band's apparent success, investigations reveal that the supposed members, including Gabe Farrow and Lennie West, have no verifiable history or evidence of live performances.
Further signs of their AI origins include generic song titles and fabricated media quotes, such as a dubious attribution to Billboard that has never been published.
Their Instagram account features AI-generated images and posts that humorously acknowledge the artificiality of their music production, reinforcing skepticism about their authenticity.
The band's Spotify bio lists fictional members and vague descriptions, which has led to increased scrutiny and speculation about their legitimacy.
This situation highlights the urgent need for clearer disclosure requirements from streaming platforms, as the rise of AI-generated music poses challenges for real musicians.
The impact of AI music is particularly concerning for small bands, like SorryPark, who struggle to compete against AI-generated acts despite their dedication and live performances.
As AI continues to infiltrate the music industry, predictions suggest that workers could lose a significant portion of their income to AI-generated content over the next few years.
The market for generative AI in music is expected to expand dramatically, with a notable increase in the number of AI-generated tracks submitted daily to platforms like Deezer.
Currently, Spotify does not require disclosure for AI-generated music, allowing such content to be distributed without transparency, which frustrates fans and industry commentators alike.
In light of media scrutiny, the band's Spotify bio has been altered, reflecting the ongoing concerns about the authenticity of their music and the implications for the broader music industry.
Summary based on 7 sources
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Sources

PetaPixel • Jun 30, 2025
AI Images of Fake Rock Band Help Propel Them to Half a Million Spotify Listeners
Tom's Guide • Jun 30, 2025
Spotify AI band controversy — who is The Velvet Sundown and are they real?