The music industry is facing a new challenge as the rise of AI-generated music is blurring the lines between real and artificial artists. One such case is the “mysterious singer” Sienna Rose, who has amassed a significant following on Spotify with her jazz-infused soul songs, but questions have been raised about her authenticity.
Sienna Rose’s music has been described as eerily similar to established artists like Norah Jones and Alicia Keys, leading some listeners to suspect that she may not be a real person. With no social media presence, no live performances, and an improbable number of songs released in a short period, the signs point to an AI-generated artist.
Streaming service Deezer has confirmed that “many of her albums and songs on the platform are detected and flagged” as computer-generated. The telltale signs include inconsistent drum patterns, bland lyrics, and a “generic” sound that lacks the emotional depth of human-created music.
The mystery surrounding Sienna Rose has raised broader questions about the impact of AI on the music industry. Streaming platforms like Spotify have defended the presence of such artists, arguing that it’s not always possible to draw a clear line between “AI” and “non-AI” music. However, the industry is grappling with the rapid increase in AI-generated content, with Deezer estimating that 34% of the songs uploaded to its platform are now AI-generated, up from around 5-6% just 18 months ago.
The issue has sparked a backlash from artists, with high-profile musicians like Paul McCartney, Kate Bush, and Damon Albarn releasing a “silent album” to protest against companies training their AI models on copyrighted work without permission. Pop star Raye has also voiced her concerns, arguing that fans will always prefer genuine, heartfelt music over computer-generated “emptiness.”
As the music industry navigates this new frontier, the case of Sienna Rose serves as a cautionary tale. The rise of AI-generated music poses a significant challenge, and the industry must find a way to maintain the authenticity and integrity of the art form while embracing the potential of new technologies.
