Stick Figure’s Viral Dilemma with AI-Manipulated Music

Stick Figure, a Southern California reggae band founded by Scott Woodruff in the mid-2000s, encountered an unexpected challenge with the viral success of “Run Run River.” Despite being an independent artist with billions of streams over eight albums, the band experienced an unusual situation. A manipulated version of their 2019 track “Angels Above Me” went viral without any credit to the original artists.

“Run Run River” hit No. 2 on Shazam and gained tens of millions of plays on streaming services and social media. However, it was an AI-enhanced version with altered vocals and added dance beats. Woodruff expressed frustration, stating, “Someone’s making all these royalties and we thought we would never be able to get ahold of this.”

Stick Figure’s team actively worked to remove the fraudulent track and refocus attention on the band. Yet, AI-manipulated music proliferation presents challenges for artists, labels, and streaming platforms. Such manipulations can be created cheaply and marketed for profit without proper credit.

Streaming services and social media platforms struggle to catch all fraudulent content, with some embracing it under legal conditions. Woodruff noted, “Real humans, real emotion. These are our melodies.” The band had a heartfelt connection to the original song, written during difficult times for co-writer TJ O’Neill.

This problem is not unique to Stick Figure. Deezer reported 75,000 AI-generated tracks uploaded daily, with 85% deemed fraudulent.

Spotify removed 75 million spam AI songs last year, highlighting the negative impact on genuine artists. In a noteworthy case, Michael Smith from North Carolina pled guilty to wire fraud for streaming 100,000 AI-generated tracks and claiming $8 million in royalties.

Björn Lindvall of Hipgnosis Songs warns of rising risks to artists. AI can turn countless individuals into creators, but it might also overwhelm the industry’s capacity to manage data and rights.

Stick Figure gained popularity in South Africa following “Angels Above Me” airplay by a local radio host. However, an edited version titled “Run Run River” uploaded by TikTok user @MDBHouse created further nuisances for the band.

The band’s managers identified lost revenue and reputational concerns. Thomas Cussins from Ineffable Music emphasized that unauthorized AI manipulation isn’t a cover. Legal measures to address fraudulent track uploads were crucial.

Woodruff highlighted the time invested in crafting cover songs compared to rapid, cost-free AI modifications and uploads. “Humans had to record it. It’s a different world now,” he remarked.

The song’s personal significance transcended lost profits, as it resonated with audiences dealing with grief. “It’s become a staple in the live show,” Woodruff shared.

Stick Figure’s management estimated the band lost around 25 million monetizable streams due to the fake single’s proliferation. The team also lost millions of social media impressions involving the track.

Cussins feared the growing hurdle of enforcing copyright amid AI manipulation. “I’m very scared that the next generation of artists and managers will no longer be able to stop it,” he noted.

Despite the challenges, fans rallied online to credit the band for their work. “They’re like, ‘Hey, give credits to the original songwriter, Stick Figure,’” Woodruff said.

The band considered allowing certain AI versions to exist with proper credit but ultimately rejected deals with MDB. Instead, Stick Figure created their own dance remix titled “Run Run River (Angels Above Me)” featuring David Guetta and Alok.

This incident mirrors broader impacts of AI on the music industry, where viral singles increasingly debut as snippets on social media. AI-generated music can overshadow originals and sometimes falsely credit artists.

Streamers employ measures like Digital Data Exchange and Apple’s Transparency Tags to identify and credit AI content. Ineffable’s Adam Gross highlighted the need for technology to ensure proper credit to composers amidst AI-driven manipulations.

The record industry is adapting to include AI music, reflected in Billboard’s altered rules and Spotify’s deal with Universal Music Group. AI-driven fan edits promise new revenue streams.

Woodruff maintains a positive outlook through fan support in navigating AI challenges. “The fans have taken over comments on those videos,” encouraging recognition of the band’s contribution.