‘AI-Generated Slop’: UMG Sues DistroKid for ‘Flooding’ Streaming Platforms With Junk Music
As the music industry grapples with a surge in AI songs, the world's biggest music company says a massive distributor is a big part of the problem.
Universal Music Group is suing music distributor DistroKid, accusing it of flooding streaming platforms with low-quality AI-generated music. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, alleges that DistroKid's practices are deceptive, illegal and harm artists and consumers. UMG claims that DistroKid promotes itself as a legitimate distributor when it is actually a conduit for AI-generated "slop" that siphons revenue from legitimate artists.
The lawsuit cites DistroKid distributing an artist called "Lofi Chill" who released 4,562 tracks in a single year, which is impossible for a human musician. The suit also accuses DistroKid of copyright infringement, including the upload of music that is sped up or remixed, and songs with new vocals over existing recordings. UMG is seeking damages and an injunction to stop DistroKid's unlawful practices.
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