Spokesperson for AI band Velvet Sundown revealed as hoaxster

The recent controversy surrounding the AI-generated psych rock band, Velvet Sundown, has taken an unexpected turn with the revelation that the project’s spokesperson, Andrew Frelon, is actually an imposter. Frelon conducted an interview with Rolling Stone where he claimed that Velvet Sundown was an “art hoax” created using the AI platform Suno. In an elaborate scheme, Frelon maintained a Twitter account and fake email address to deceive the public.

In a shocking turn of events, Frelon admitted to being the mastermind behind the hoax in a Medium post. He justified his actions by stating that he wanted to draw attention to the practices of journalists who may overlook fact-checking and ethical considerations in their haste to meet deadlines. However, the real victims of this hoax are the members of the Velvet Sundown band, who have disavowed any affiliation with Frelon and his deceitful actions.

Frelon, claiming to have experience in web safety and policy issues, has a history of using generative AI for creative projects, including fabricating fake historical artifacts to support art hoaxes. While Frelon attempted to shift the focus of his actions onto the media, the true lesson to be learned is the ease with which harmful misinformation can be spread online, and the vulnerability of individuals simply trying to do their jobs.

The incident with Velvet Sundown serves as a reminder that even in a world where AI-generated music can be unsettling, human deception and manipulation are equally unsettling. It underscores the importance of verifying information and questioning sources in an era where misinformation spreads easily. As the music industry continues to evolve with technology, it is vital to remain vigilant against those who seek to exploit these advancements for personal gain.