The phenomenon of a non-existent group that is a hit on Spotify: a reflection on the challenges of the platform

Publié le 30 June 2025 à 18h02
modifié le 30 June 2025 à 18h03

The phenomenon of fictional musical groups deeply resonates with the contemporary music world. The authenticity of artists becomes a major issue as entities like Velvet Sundown establish themselves on Spotify without tangible existence. This *mystery* raises questions about the impact of *artificial intelligence* in musical creation. Streaming platforms take on a central role in the dissemination of these works, thus blurring the boundaries between the real and the virtual. The absence of members’ online presence heightens speculation about their origin. This situation demands a thorough reflection on the *nature of art* and the inherent challenges of verifying musical authenticity.

A group that intrigues

Velvet Sundown, certified “verified artist” on Spotify, captures attention with their meteoric success. Their debut works, released recently, have already garnered nearly 980,000 listens on the platform. This phenomenon provokes reflection on authenticity in the contemporary musical universe.

A music of questionable origin

Their rapid ascent raises questions about the origin of their music. Although the platform displays their verified status, part of their sound seems to be generated by artificial intelligence algorithms. Skepticism emerges, particularly after reviewing the group’s promotional resources.

Nearly nonexistent online presence

Social networks, essential for a group desiring to gain recognition, show hardly any activity for Velvet Sundown. The Instagram account mentioned by Spotify contains no posts. This enigmatic silence fuels suspicion regarding their actual existence.

Impact on streaming platforms

Spotify is not the only platform streaming the music of Velvet Sundown. Other services such as Apple Music and YouTube also present their albums without providing additional information. Deezer, however, exercises caution by informing users that some tracks may originate from artificial intelligence.

Deezer’s position

This difference in treatment among platforms is significant. Deezer displays a warning message on Velvet Sundown’s tracks, prompting listeners to question the nature of their artistic origin. Such a precautionary signal underscores the need for heightened discernment regarding musical works disseminated online.

Consequences for the music industry

The debate goes beyond the isolated case of Velvet Sundown. It raises broader issues concerning the notion of authenticity and the responsibility of streaming platforms. The question persists: who should ensure artistic integrity in a world where artificial intelligence could become omnipresent?

The necessity for regulation

In light of the rise of AI in musical creation, voices are rising to demand regulation. Transparency in the use of AI in music is essential to protect authentic artists and inform consumers.

Industry reactions

Neither Velvet Sundown nor Spotify has yet addressed this controversial topic. The deafening silence from the concerned parties raises questions. Industry professionals’ reactions could shape the future of digital music. Growing concerns surround the possibility that virtual artists could supplant real musicians.

Upcoming challenges

This phenomenon, though ephemeral, heralds major changes for the music industry. The development of artificial intelligence algorithms could transform musical creation. This transformation must be accompanied by deep reflection on ethical and artistic implications.

A question of artistic identity

Establishing a boundary between human creation and machine-generated content is becoming a necessity. Artistic identity could be redefined in the digital age, where creativity coexists with automation. This process will require open dialogues about the future of music and artists.

Frequently asked questions about the phenomenon of a non-existent group succeeding on Spotify

Why are Velvet Sundown considered a non-existent group?
Velvet Sundown appears to be a group created by artificial intelligence, with no real presence on social media or musical events, which calls their authenticity into question.

What is the number of listens of Velvet Sundown on Spotify?
Less than a month after the release of their first album, the group has accumulated over 980,000 listens on the Spotify streaming platform.

How does Spotify certify artists as “verified artist”?
Spotify grants the verified artist badge after the profile has been validated, but this is not a guarantee of authenticity or the real existence of the artists.

Why does Deezer express doubts about the authenticity of Velvet Sundown’s music?
Deezer displayed a message stating that some tracks from the album might have been created by artificial intelligence, raising questions about the provenance of their music.

What are the risks associated with music generated by artificial intelligence on platforms?
AI-generated music can deceive listeners and pose issues regarding artistic ownership, musical quality, and the transparency of streaming platforms.

Do Velvet Sundown have known members or a pre-existing musical history?
The members of the group, such as Gabe Farrow, Lennie West, Milo Rains, and Orion “Rio” Del Mar, have no online presence or musically known backgrounds, raising suspicions about their real existence.

What other music platforms are impacted by the phenomenon of non-existent groups?
Besides Spotify, other platforms like Apple Music and YouTube also stream the music of Velvet Sundown without certainty about their authenticity, while Deezer expresses reservations.

Who is responsible for verifying the authenticity of artists on streaming platforms?
The responsibility to verify artists’ authenticity primarily falls on streaming platforms, but it becomes increasingly complex with the emergence of AI-generated music.

How can listeners distinguish authentic music from that generated by AI?
It is often difficult to distinguish authentic music from that generated by artificial intelligence, necessitating increased vigilance on the part of listeners and platforms to ensure transparency.

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