Toto’s latest song after 7 years is actually an AI fake
for Toto, sparking excitement about new music. However, fans were quick to realize that this release was not actually created by the iconic band known for hits like “Africa” and “Hold the Line.”
Steve Lukather, the only remaining original member of Toto, confirmed that “Name This Night” is a fake AI-generated song that somehow made its way onto Spotify under the band’s name. Lukather expressed surprise that the song was allowed on the platform and mentioned that he took immediate action by filing a formal complaint to have it removed. Despite these efforts, the track can still be found on other platforms such as YouTube and Apple Music.
While the origins of this AI-generated song remain unknown, Lukather made it clear that neither he nor the band had any involvement in its creation. He expressed concern about the potential misuse of artificial intelligence in the music industry, especially in scenarios where entire catalogs could be replicated to create new music that mimics the original artists’ sound.
The use of AI in music has been a topic of debate within the industry, with some artists embracing the technology while others raise objections. The emergence of entirely computer-generated bands like The Velvet Sundown has only added to the controversy surrounding AI-generated music. Spotify’s policies regarding AI-generated content remain unclear, as evidenced by the unauthorized release of the fake Toto song on the platform.
Despite the confusion caused by the fake Toto song, the band itself has not released any new music under their name since 2018. Toto, a Grammy-winning band formed in 1977, has left an indelible mark on the music industry with their unique blend of progressive rock, pop, soul, funk, R&B, blues, and jazz. Known for hits like “Hold the Line,” “Rosanna,” and the chart-topping “Africa,” Toto has sold over 50 million records worldwide.
As technology continues to evolve and shape the music landscape, artists like Toto are faced with new challenges and concerns regarding the authenticity and ownership of their music. The unauthorized release of an AI-generated song under the band’s name serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and potential pitfalls that come with advancements in artificial intelligence within the music industry.