DistroKid has been quietly taking down songs in response to UMG lawsuit
DistroKid is removing songs from its platform in response to a lawsuit from Universal Music Group regarding AI-generated content. Independent artists report that their non-AI works are being caught in the purge, with little communication or recourse from the company.
Why it matters
This highlights the growing friction between major labels and digital distributors over AI copyright enforcement and the lack of transparency for independent creators.
Artists are taking to social media to complain that DistroKid has unceremoniously removed their work without notice. Now DistroKid has confirmed to The Verge that the takedowns are a direct response to claims made by UMG. The label filed a lawsuit in September claiming that DistroKid has created an “AI-slop pipeline.” Artists are saying that their non-AI works are being caught up in the purge, however.
Musician and self-described “Video Game boy” McGwire reported that six of his songs had been removed from streaming. As has been the case with others, McGwire says that there was no communication from DistroKid before or after the removals, and that he had to contact the company for an explanation.
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