Today, Explained AI music is here
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Jan 9, 2026 
Ian Kreitzberg, AI correspondent for Puck, and Denis Bichard, Senior tech reporter at Scientific American, dive into the intriguing world of AI-generated music. Kreitzberg reveals how AI tracks have seamlessly infiltrated playlists, often without listeners noticing. Bichard shares insights from his month-long experiment of exclusively listening to AI music, highlighting its emotional distance and surprising authenticity. Both guests discuss the implications for artists and the music industry, emphasizing the need for protections as AI music becomes mainstream.
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AI Music Is Already Everywhere
- AI-generated music is already widespread on streaming platforms and charts.
- Many listeners encounter AI tracks daily without realizing they are not human-made.
Velvet Sundown Duped Listeners
- Ian Kreitzberg described Velvet Sundown as an AI music project that duped listeners before revealing itself.
- Their rapid album releases and classic-rock sound raised red flags leading fans to investigate.
Labeling Changes Perception
- Casual listeners often don't care whether music is AI-generated when it sounds good.
- But labeling a track as AI-generated usually makes people judge it more harshly.