AI Fake Bands Taking Over Playlists
AI-generated music is increasingly appearing on streaming platforms, often without clear disclosure. A El País article highlights examples like Concubanas, a fictional Cuban-Congolese band whose song “Rumba Congo” is actually made by AI. While it sounds authentic, the only hint is a small note saying the music is “altered or synthetic.”
Experts, like researcher María Teresa Llano, say AI music can be impressive but loses its emotional impact once its origins are revealed. The trend is growing fast: AI music revenue is expected to rise from $100 million to $4 billion by 2028, possibly accounting for 20% of streaming income.
Platforms vary in transparency—YouTube requires AI disclosure (often hidden), while Spotify has no clear policy. Some creators embrace the fiction, like the channel Zaruret, which posts AI music from fake bands with invented histories and has gained millions of views.