A Canadian individual who deceived media in an intricate AI music prank has expressed regret for any harm caused by the experiment but finds it too captivating to abandon. Under the alias Andrew Frelon, the individual misrepresented himself as the spokesperson for a band named The Velvet Sundown, which he later revealed he had no association with, sparking a media frenzy that propelled the AI-assisted “band” to a million monthly listeners on Spotify.
In an interview with CBC News, the person, who chose to remain anonymous due to fears of online harassment and potential work repercussions, disclosed that the online saga commenced when the band surfaced on music streaming platforms, garnering substantial streams from two albums. However, astute listeners started to question the validity of the band as its members lacked any digital presence, and there was no evidence of live performances. Additionally, the band’s visuals bore signs of generative AI.
As the controversy escalated, an account on social media platform X representing the band refuted allegations of AI involvement, dismissing them as baseless. Subsequently, in an article with Rolling Stone, Andrew Frelon confessed to orchestrating The Velvet Sundown and the X account utilizing generative AI technology from Suno, labeling the project as an “art hoax.”
Despite attempts to clarify his involvement, a different X account associated with The Velvet Sundown disavowed any ties to Frelon, alleging an attempt to hijack the band’s identity. Frelon later admitted to fabricating his association with the band, acknowledging that his actions, although not maliciously intended, had upset some individuals.
While the mystery surrounding The Velvet Sundown persists, Frelon, a web platform safety and policy expert with a background in generative AI, emphasized the experiment’s role in exploring the boundaries of reality and media verification processes. He emphasized the need to delve into the discussions around generative AI, its advantages, and risks.
The incident shed light on the ease of creating misleading content and its rapid dissemination, raising concerns about the integration of AI in music production. The evolving landscape of AI-generated music, including the emergence of AI “bands,” has sparked debates within the music industry regarding authenticity and the influence of technology on creative processes.
Experts suggest that the increasing sophistication of AI in music creation blurs the distinction between AI-generated and human-made content, potentially reshaping the industry’s landscape in the future. Despite concerns over AI’s impact on music authenticity, the prevalence of AI-generated music projects indicates a shift towards embracing technological advancements in creative industries.