AI Band Surpasses Major Influence on Spotify, Causing Discontent

The recent rise of AI-assisted music has stirred quite the controversy within the music industry, igniting a debate on influence and originality. A notable band, Holding Absence, expressed their frustration after being surpassed in Spotify listenership by an up-and-coming AI-focused group named Bleeding Verse in a mere two months.

AI-assisted music production is not a new phenomenon; it has been utilized by artists for years. For instance, rapper Drake controversially integrated AI-generated verses from iconic artists Tupac and Snoop Dogg during his notable feud with Kendrick Lamar, only to later retract the track amidst backlash.

Despite the challenges posed by AI, the emergence of AI-generated and AI-assisted bands is rapidly changing the music landscape. This trend has created confusion for fans who mistakenly believe they have discovered innovative new sounds. The implications are particularly significant for established bands like Holding Absence, who have been recognized as influences for these AI groups and continually navigate the shifting dynamics of listener engagement.

Bleeding Verse Overtakes Holding Absence on Streaming Platforms

Emerging from Cardiff in the summer of 2025, Bleeding Verse has garnered attention for its distinct sound, which it attributes to the use of “AI-assisted instrumentation and vocals.” Their Spotify profile straightforwardly states that they are producing “human lyrics, turned to songs with AI.”

Screenshot of Bleeding Verse' Spotify info page with AI admission and biography — Screenshot via Spotify

Bleeding Verse acknowledges its use of AI technology in music production.

While Holding Absence enjoys around 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify and a substantial following of nearly 100, 000 on Instagram, Bleeding Verse has surpassed them with an impressive 897, 000 listenership, despite having less than 2, 000 followers on Instagram. This abrupt shift has raised eyebrows and provoked concern.

Lucas Woodland, a member of Holding Absence, took to social media expressing his shock and disillusionment over the situation. He warned that continued support of AI-generated music could jeopardize the existence of human-driven bands. In his words, “So, an AI ‘band’ who cite us as an influence (i.e., it’s modelled off our music) have just overtaken us on Spotify, in only TWO months. It’s shocking, it’s disheartening, it’s insulting – most importantly – it’s a wake-up call. Oppose AI music, or bands like us stop existing.”

So, an AI “band” who cite us as an influence (ie, it’s modelled off our music) have just overtaken us on Spotify, in only TWO months. It’s shocking, it’s disheartening, it’s insulting – most importantly – it’s a wakeup call. Oppose AI music, or bands like us stop existing.

— Lu (@Lucaswoodland) September 30, 2025

Fans of Holding Absence have responded to Woodland’s plea, expressing surprise and disappointment regarding Bleeding Verse’s AI integration. Comments like “If this is about BV, I was so disappointed. Really liked the sound that came up on my Apple Music suggestions, ” reflect a growing sentiment against AI’s influence in art. Similarly, another listener remarked, “I genuinely believe the listeners are fake; nobody in their right mind would want to listen to AI slop.”

This incident highlights the rapid evolution of the music industry, where AI-driven artists are increasingly gaining traction. Moreover, new AI projects, such as Xania Monet, a collaboration between AI and poet Talisha Jones, have been making headlines, with Jones securing a lucrative multi-million dollar record deal last September, further illustrating the converging paths of technology and artistry.

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