The Brian Lehrer Show How AI Songs Got on Your Spotify Playlist
Nov 19, 2025
Kyle Chayka, a staff writer at The New Yorker specializing in technology and internet culture, dives into the rise of AI-generated music on streaming platforms. He discusses how these songs are climbing the charts often unnoticed by listeners, and the evolution from mimicking popular artists to using anonymous avatars. Chayka examines the democratizing effect of AI on music creation and the emotional shortcomings of these tracks. He also explores concerns from traditional musicians about AI's impact on the industry.
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AI Avatars Score Surprise Hits
- Breaking Rust and other AI avatars reached wide audiences with hit songs that many listeners didn't realize were AI-made.
- Kyle Chayka describes several examples like Velvet Sundown and Zania Monet to illustrate the phenomenon.
How Nick Hustles Makes AI Tracks
- Nick Arter (Nick Hustles) writes his own lyrics and uses apps like Suno and Udio to generate full tracks.
- The AI produces melody, instrumentation, recording quality, and singing while he supplies lyrics and prompts.
AI Lowers Barriers To Audience Access
- Generative AI plus streaming platforms lets nonprofessionals reach listeners without traditional gatekeepers.
- That access can attract record labels back to creators who proved they can build an audience independently.