DistroKid removes songs amid UMG lawsuit alleging AI-slop pipeline

DistroKid confirmed to The Verge that it has removed a very small number of recordings in direct response to claims made by Universal Music Group (UMG) in a lawsuit filed in September. UMG’s complaint alleges that DistroKid operates an “AI-slop pipeline,” a term critics use to describe platforms that distribute AI-generated music with insufficient safeguards.

Artists have taken to social media to report that their non-AI works were removed without notice or explanation. Musician McGwire said six of his songs were taken down, including a licensed cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” and a track using a beat he purchased through a marketplace. He reported no communication from DistroKid before or after the removals and described the process of contacting the company as difficult, involving a lengthy interaction with a bot before reaching a live agent.

Rapper Insane Ian and producer King Chase also described removals of original songs without warning or explanation. Chase noted that an entire album had been removed despite being live for three to four years without prior issues. Artists emphasized frustration with the lack of transparency and recourse.

DistroKid’s VP of Artist Services, Amanda Ferri, stated that the company strongly disputes the allegations in UMG’s lawsuit and regrets the disruption to affected artists. Ferri added that DistroKid is working to minimize disruption while protecting artists’ ability to release their music.