Grammy-Nominated Artist Exposes AI-Generated Tracks on Spotify
Grammy-nominated artist Paul Bender recently discovered something alarming on his Spotify profile. A song he didn’t recognize was listed under his side project, The Sweet Enoughs. “It was something I had never seen, recorded, or certainly uploaded to Spotify,” Bender said. “After listening, it was clear the track was generative AI.”
Bender, a member of the renowned jazz-funk group Hiatus Kaiyote, realized he wasn’t alone. After investigating further, he found two more AI-generated tracks published under his name, none of which were his work. Even more concerning, Spotify’s app notified him that additional singles were “scheduled for release” without his knowledge.
Spotify Blames ‘Mapping Error’ — But Artists Aren’t Convinced
“It’s really perplexing to me,” Bender shared. “I did a little bit of digging… and found heaps of stories of it occurring.” A YouTube video even revealed how someone used AI to create and upload fake songs, earning over $3,000 through Spotify.
Spotify responded to the outrage, claiming it was merely a “mapping issue” — a mix-up between similar artist names. But Bender and his manager Si Gould say this explanation is “laughable.” The problem is much larger: AI-generated content is infiltrating streaming platforms, and the systems in place do not adequately verify uploads.
Algorithm Damage Can Lead to Real Financial Loss
While these fake tracks don’t directly steal revenue from Bender, they jeopardize his algorithmic rankings, which in turn could severely affect his earnings. “Potentially depriving him of significant income in an industry where even hundreds of dollars in streaming fees are considered a win,” said Gould.
Despite Spotify’s claim that every uploaded track is reviewed by a human, the presence of multiple AI-generated imposters proves otherwise. Bender posted a video exposing the issue, which quickly gained traction, especially in the U.S., prompting commentary from major figures like Anthony Fantano.
Independent Artists Left Vulnerable
“Yet another annoying issue in the music industry that will not end despite the fact that it could so easily be fixed,” Fantano remarked. But Spotify has done little to implement meaningful safeguards, revealing a deeper disregard for independent artists.
“If you are just a mid-ranking performer… Spotify simply does not care,” said Troy Barrott of the creative law firm CornerSoul. “The big performers get specialised treatment,” but everyone else is left exposed.
This issue signals a broader threat to creative industries. Generative AI is disrupting music, photography, visual arts, and film. As Bender noted, “the music didn’t sound anything like my stuff but I am sure that is coming soon with AI.”
Platform Loopholes and Legal Grey Areas
Barrott explains that Spotify avoids liability through its user agreements, which transfer responsibility to uploaders — “You are generally agreeing that the material you’re uploading is not infringing another artist’s copyright,” he said. And with third-party uploaders like Believe, finding the actual offender becomes nearly impossible.
This is only the beginning. A landmark 2023 report by APRA and AMCOS warned that by 2028, 23% of music creator revenues — over AUD$519 million — could be lost to AI. It also found that 82% of creators fear AI will make it impossible to sustain a music career.
Laws Lag Behind as Streaming Dominates
The Australian government’s Revive cultural policy revealed that 67% of music consumption in Australia was through streaming in 2021, a number that has likely grown. With Arts Minister Tony Burke in place, hopes remain for reform, but legislation lags far behind the speed of technological disruption.
Despite their awareness, Spotify and others remain passive, perhaps fearing the backlash of challenging major revenue drivers. When contacted, Music Australia declined to comment, and ARIA’s chief did not respond.
Copyright Law Needs Urgent Reform
Barrott warned, “Unfortunately, legislation and regulators move slowly, and the horse has already bolted.” The outdated Copyright Act must evolve swiftly to address AI’s growing capabilities and threats.
Spotify did remove the fake tracks from Bender’s artist page — but they remain live under a different artist profile still titled The Sweet Enoughs. Bender admits removing them from other platforms like Tidal, iTunes, and Prime Music is more trouble than it’s worth.
Bender’s Final Word: Close the Door
His final message is a blunt one: “Shut the door, Spotify. If you have a million mosquitoes coming into your house, you don’t leave the door open and try and kill them one by one. Just shut the door.”
The warning is clear. AI is hurtling toward the creative industries, and the response from streaming giants is dangerously inadequate.
