UPDATE: Denver rock band Velvet Daydream is in a fierce trademark battle against an AI copycat band named The Velvet Sundown, which has appeared on Spotify. Just months after gaining 900,000 listeners, the AI band’s numbers have plummeted by over 750,000, raising questions about the future of music creation.
Ryder King, the lead vocalist and guitarist of Velvet Daydream, expressed disbelief upon discovering that an AI-generated band was using their name. “A few months ago, someone sent us a message and showed us there was an AI band with our name,” he said, adding, “It doesn’t say that anymore, but I have a screenshot of it.” This incident has sparked confusion among fans, with some mistakenly believing Velvet Daydream itself is AI-generated.
The Velvet Sundown promotes itself as a band created entirely by artificial intelligence, with a bio that reads: “All characters, stories, music, voices and lyrics are original creations generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools.” The unsettling nature of AI-generated music and its impact on artists has led to a growing concern within the creative community.
“These AI bands are releasing an album a month, and they’re taking away streams from real musicians,” King emphasized. “It’s not easy to make an album. It’s really unfortunate.” The band is now working to secure its trademark, aiming to force the AI band off major streaming platforms. After initially considering a costly trademark application, they found a legitimate option for just $600, raising $500 via GoFundMe to cover the costs.
King noted, “The other half of music…is the live show. That’s where you connect deeply with people.” Velvet Daydream is gearing up for a new album release and tour, promising fans a chance to experience their authentic sound, distinct from AI-generated music.
This ongoing situation underscores a broader debate about the role of artificial intelligence in the arts. Renowned filmmaker Guillermo del Toro recently condemned the use of AI in creative fields, stating, “When they tell you that art doesn’t matter…that a fucking app can do art, that leads to fascism.” Velvet Daydream’s struggle highlights the urgent need for clarity in the evolving music landscape, where human creativity faces unprecedented challenges from technology.
As the band prepares for their live shows and album launch, they aim to reaffirm the value of human artistry in music. With their unique revival of classic rock and a growing social media presence, Velvet Daydream is ready to take on the challenges posed by AI in the music industry.
Stay tuned for updates on Velvet Daydream’s upcoming performances and their ongoing battle against AI in music.
