AI Band’s Viral Spotify Success Exposed as Elaborate Media Hoax

“Spokesperson” for Viral AI Band The Velvet Sundown Confesses to Media Hoax

The Velvet Sundown, a band that quickly gained over 700,000 monthly listeners on Spotify within a month, has turned out to be part of a deliberate hoax aimed at the media. The group’s rapid rise sparked curiosity and skepticism, especially given the hints that their music was AI-generated.

The Rise of The Velvet Sundown

In early June 2025, The Velvet Sundown released two albums: ‘Floating On Echoes’ and ‘Dust And Silence’. Their Spotify page listed a four-piece band with members named Gabe Farrow (vocals), Lennie West (guitar), Milo Rains (bass), and Orion ‘Rio’ Del Mar (percussion).

Their tracks appeared frequently in Discover Weekly playlists, helping to boost monthly listeners dramatically in a very short time. However, the band’s legitimacy was questioned, with suspicions growing that artificial intelligence played a major role in creating their music.

Unveiling the Hoax

Andrew Frelon, who acted as the band’s “spokesperson” and managed their social media presence, revealed in a Medium post that the entire project was a hoax aimed at the media. He admitted that the albums were created using Suno, an AI music generator also known for its use by producer Timbaland on the fake artist TaTa.

Frelon highlighted that AI was not just a brainstorming tool but the actual driver behind the music creation. The hoax was intended as a form of marketing and trolling to provoke discussion about AI’s growing role in music.

Why It Matters for PR and Communications Professionals

This case illustrates how AI can be used to create and promote content that blurs the line between reality and fabrication. For those in PR and communications, it’s a reminder to verify the authenticity of viral stories and campaigns carefully.

Frelon explained how playlist placements helped push the band’s music to a wide audience quickly, showing how digital platforms can amplify even artificial or fabricated content. This raises questions about the responsibility of streaming services and playlist curators in managing AI-generated content.

Broader Industry Concerns

The Velvet Sundown hoax comes amid growing concerns from established artists about AI’s impact on music. Last year, Nick Cave described AI in music as “unbelievably disturbing” and warned it would have a humiliating effect on creatives.

Earlier this year, major artists including Elton John, Coldplay, and Dua Lipa called on the UK government to update copyright laws in response to AI’s rise in the creative industries. The conversation around AI-generated content is no longer hypothetical; it’s influencing policy and industry standards.

Key Takeaways for PR and Communications

• Scrutinize viral content: Rapid growth and mysterious origins can be red flags, especially when AI tools are involved.
• Understand AI’s role: Know that AI can create convincing content that might be difficult to verify at first glance.
• Prepare for ethical questions: Be ready to address the implications of AI in creative work and how transparency affects public trust.
• Monitor platform dynamics: Pay attention to how playlist algorithms and digital distribution can amplify content beyond traditional gatekeeping.

For professionals interested in the intersection of AI and communications, exploring courses on AI tools and their applications can provide valuable insights. Platforms like Complete AI Training offer resources to understand these emerging challenges better.