In the last few years, AI-generated music has flooded the internet, with tracks often shared under fictitious names or in imitation of global superstars.
But a worrying new trend is emerging fake albums are being uploaded directly onto legitimate streaming platforms like Spotify, falsely credited to established but not superstar artists.
Even deceased musicians are seeing new AI-generated material appear in their catalogues, raising profound questions about creativity, authenticity, and the future of music.
Singer songwriter Portman recently discovered an album published under her name on Spotify. At first glance, it looked legitimate she was listed as performer, writer, and copyright holder.
A mysterious producer, Freddie Howells, was even credited in the album notes. But Portman insists she has no idea who this person is and no trace of them exists online.
The music itself was polished, perfectly tuned, and convincing enough to fool casual listeners. Yet, to Portman, it felt disturbingly empty. I’ll never be able to sing that perfectly in tune.
And that’s not the point. I don’t want to. I’m human, she explained. Her words cut to the heart of the issue AI can generate flawless soundscapes, but it struggles to capture the imperfections and emotions that make music authentically human.
Just days later, a second album appeared on her streaming page. This time, it was 20 tracks of generic background noisenwhat she bluntly described as AI slop.
The Problem of Fake AI Albums
Portman’s experience is not an isolated incident. Other independent and mid tier artists have reported similar situations entire fake albums suddenly added to their catalogues without their knowledge.
In some cases, deceased musicians have had posthumous new releases created by AI, cheapening their legacy.
For example, one jazz musician’s estate discovered an AI-generated album on Spotify falsely attributed to him years after his death.
While some fans believed they had unearthed a lost gem, the estate quickly denounced it as fraudulent. The family expressed concerns not only about lost revenue but also about the damage to his reputation.
This case illustrates the potential harm to both living and dead artists erosion of trust, confusion among fans, and dilution of artistic identity.
Industry experts are beginning to sound alarms. Dr. Joanna Demers, a professor of musicology at USC, argues AI-generated music, when misattributed to real artists, undermines the very foundation of authorship.
Copyright law was built around human creators AI disrupts that assumption. David Israelite, CEO of the National Music Publishers’ Association, adds, The music industry is being blindsided by a flood of AI content.
Without tighter regulations and monitoring by streaming platforms, fraudulent albums will continue slipping through. Streaming services claim they are working on detection systems, but the sheer volume of uploads makes policing difficult.
Spotify alone sees over 120,000 new tracks uploaded every day. With AI tools making music generation faster and cheaper, the problem is expected to escalate.
Why Listeners Are Fooled
From a listener’s perspective, AI-generated music can be deceptively convincing. These tools can mimic vocal timbres, replicate instrumental styles, and churn out clean, studio quality tracks within minutes.
But while the sound may be polished, what’s missing is the soul of human creativity. Portman herself described the music uploaded under her name as vacuous and pristine. It ticked all the technical boxes but lacked the emotional depth that comes from real experience.
Human artists make mistakes, breathe differently, and convey feelings shaped by their personal journeys. AI cannot replicate lived experience it can only simulate it.
For artists like Portman, the impact is deeply personal. Imagine logging onto your streaming page only to find music you never created, with your name splashed across it.
Fans might assume you released it, critics could review it, and your reputation could be damaged. One indie folk musician shared anonymously that he found two fake singles attributed to him last year.
Fans messaged him asking if he had changed his style, not realizing the tracks weren’t his. It felt like someone stole my identity, he said. Not just my name, but my artistic voice.
Such experiences highlight that this isn’t merely a copyright issue it’s an existential threat to artistic authenticity.
The Battle Between AI and Human Creativity
The rise of AI-generated music raises pressing ethical and legal questions. If AI generates a track, who owns it the programmer, the user, or no one at all?
When AI mimics an artist’s style, does it cross into fraud if published under their name? What happens when AI fabricates new material by deceased artists? Does it preserve their memory or distort it?
For fans, the issue also touches on trust. If streaming platforms become flooded with fake AI albums, how can listeners be sure they are supporting the real artist?
This erosion of confidence could harm the entire ecosystem of digital music. The fight against AI-generated fraud will likely require a multi layered approach:
Stronger Platform Screening Streaming services must implement AI-detection systems to verify uploads. Legal Reforms Copyright law must evolve to address non human creation and fraudulent attribution.
Artist Advocacy Musicians need clearer channels to report fraudulent uploads and reclaim their identities. Transparency Tools Labels and platforms could add digital watermarks or verification badges to confirm authenticity.
Ultimately, listeners also play a role by staying critical and verifying sources. Supporting artists directly through live shows, official websites, and merchandise helps ensure revenue and recognition go where they belong.
Protecting the Human Spirit in Music
The rise of AI-generated music poses both creative opportunities and existential threats. While AI can enhance production and open new artistic frontiers, its misuse especially in the form of fake albums risks stripping music of its humanity.
As Portman poignantly noted I’ll never be able to sing that perfectly in tune. And that’s not the point. I don’t want to. I’m human.
That human imperfection is what gives music its power, depth, and timeless connection.
Unless the industry takes stronger action, more artists may find their identities hijacked by AI slop. And if that happens, the very soul of music could be at stake.