AI music slop: What’s going on?
Perhaps you’ve seen the news about AI artists gaining streams, AI slop gaming royalty payout pools, or most recently — a study conducted by Ipsos found 97% of music listeners could not distinguish AI music from real music.
It’s troubling news for genuine independent artists. You’re working hard to get your music heard and build an audience, while bad actors are trying to siphon away streams, creative ideas, and headlines.
But CD Baby has your back. With over 25 years of experience, we’ve served independent artists through major changes in the industry before — and we’ve learned there’s a lot you can do to protect your fanbase and grow your career during uncertain times.
Five ways to cut through the AI music slop in 2026
The growth of AI music over the past year only places more value on the uniquely human elements of music creation and promotion. Read on for five tips to authentically lean into your artistry and build your fanbase.
1. Play live to connect with fans
Win new fans and showcase the energy of your music in a live setting. Whether you’re playing a local house venue or a theater, organize a show to connect with your fans in-person and create a human experience. Nothing beats the immersion, connection, and intimacy of a live show. Learn how to book your first show here.
2. Build a community around your music
You’ll feel most connected when you’ve built a community around your music. Be an active member of your music scene: attend local shows, support other artists, and develop a knowledge of your local creative ecosystem. You can also build community online — partake in niche forums, engage with other artists’ content, and network with fans. Learn how to start networking here.
3. Refine your brand to channel your personality
Your brand is the foundation for your music, artist identity, and values. It’s a translation of your personality. From the moods your music explores to the colors you used for your latest release, a brand sets the tone across media. A coherent and authentic brand should also be instantly recognizable — it should feel like you. Assess and optimize your brand here.
4. Market your music authentically
Great marketing helps you cut through the noise. Double down on the platforms that allow you to effectively connect with fans and use them to grow your audience. Provide your fans with authentic marketing content that they love such as behind-the-scenes content, newsletters, short performance clips, or live photos. Learn how to plan your marketing strategy here.
5. Embrace your imperfections
Music technology continues to provide musicians with more ways to execute flawlessly in the studio and on stage. But it’s important to note that our quirks give music a human feel — and can even develop into a core aspect of our musical identities. Stay true to your art and use music technology only in service to the music — meaning use tools to better achieve the sounds in your head.
Why real artists win in the AI era
While the future of AI music is uncertain, lean into what you know. Listeners will always seek connection, inspiration, and understanding through your artwork. Keeping your creative process, branding, and marketing authentic will help you cut through the noise and reach listeners who want to get to know you.
One more thing. Latest data from Luminate shows that of the 202 million tracks on streaming platforms in 2024, about 175 million (about 87%) received 1,000 or fewer plays. That means if you’re thoughtfully marketing your music, cultivating your fanbase, and making the most out of your streaming platform profiles, you’re already ahead of the slop and low-effort competition.
Ready to get your music out to the world? CD Baby distributes to over 150 platforms worldwide and as a preferred distributor for major platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, we’ll help you build out authentic profiles that fans can connect with.