AI slop invades music: Deezer reports 44% of uploads are AI-generated

The term 'AI slop' describes the proliferation of low-quality AI-generated content flooding digital platforms. In music, this phenomenon has been particularly acute. Deezer reported that 75,000 of its daily uploads (44%) are AI-generated, and 97% of listeners cannot distinguish AI from human-made music. Major labels initially sued AI music companies like Udio and Suno for copyright infringement, but by late 2025 they pivoted to partnerships: Universal Music Group (UMG) struck a deal with Udio, and Sony Music settled with Suno. In early 2026, UMG partnered with Nvidia to 'combat AI slop' while further commercializing AI music. Bandcamp took a different stance, banning AI-generated music entirely in January 2026, arguing music is a cultural dialogue older than writing. The UK government declined to support a law allowing AI training on copyrighted music, and Brazil passed comprehensive AI legislation. A session musicians' union sued UMG and Warner over revenue sharing from AI deals. The Atlantic launched a tool to identify songs used to train AI music generators, revealing widespread exploitation, with SZA noting disproportionate impact on Black artists. Suno alone produces 7 million songs daily, most unheard. The article critiques AI music as lacking interiority, citing Henri Bergson and Richard Sennett to argue that music's value lies in human experience and craftsmanship.