The rise of AI is impacting various sectors, from music to job markets and even international trade. In the music industry, AI-generated content is becoming increasingly prevalent, with artists like The Velvet Sundown facing accusations of using AI, leading to controversy and debates about authenticity. Andrew Frelon, initially a spokesperson for the band, later admitted to using AI in some of their songs as an "art hoax," while the band denies his claims. Streaming services like Spotify and Deezer are grappling with how to handle AI-generated music, with Deezer using AI detection tools and flagging a significant percentage of uploaded tracks as AI-generated. Simultaneously, AI is predicted to cause job displacement, with CEOs from companies like Anthropic, JPMorgan, Amazon and Ford forecasting potential job losses, particularly in entry-level positions. Sam Altman, the creator of ChatGPT, also anticipates AI eliminating thousands of jobs, while new roles will emerge. This trend is not limited to the U.S., as the Netherlands and other countries are seeing a decrease in entry-level job opportunities, potentially due to AI automation. In response, there's a push to gain AI skills, though more focus is needed on helping graduates enter the workforce. On the technology front, the U.S.-China trade war continues to affect the semiconductor and AI industries, creating both challenges and opportunities for companies like Applied Materials, Lam Research, NVIDIA, AMD, DeepSeek and Alibaba. Companies like Cadence and Siemens are driving AI hardware innovation with their design tools, while Bank of America is patenting AI-based auditors. Texas Tech and Fermi America are planning a large energy and AI campus in Texas, aiming to boost U.S. competitiveness. SOCRadar has launched its MCP Server for secure AI threat intelligence, and experts suggest that robotics could be the next big investment after AI.
Key Takeaways
- AI-generated music is on the rise, sparking debates about authenticity, with bands like The Velvet Sundown facing accusations of AI use.
- Andrew Frelon admitted to using Suno AI to create some Velvet Sundown songs as an "art hoax," while the band denies his claims.
- Deezer flags 18% of daily uploaded tracks as AI-generated and is actively tagging and removing AI content.
- CEOs from Anthropic, JPMorgan, Amazon, and Ford predict AI-driven job losses, especially in entry-level positions.
- ChatGPT creator Sam Altman forecasts AI will eliminate thousands of jobs, while new roles like AI ops technicians will emerge.
- Entry-level job opportunities are decreasing in countries like the Netherlands, potentially due to AI automation.
- The U.S.-China trade war impacts semiconductor and AI industries, creating opportunities for companies like Applied Materials, Lam Research, NVIDIA, AMD, DeepSeek and Alibaba.
- Cadence and Siemens are driving AI hardware innovation with their design tools, potentially reducing chip development time by 30-50%.
- Bank of America has patented AI-based auditors of artificial intelligence.
- Texas Tech and Fermi America are planning a large energy and AI campus in the Texas Panhandle, with the first gigawatt of online power expected by 2026.
AI-Generated Music: Is That Band Real or Just a Computer?
A growing number of musicians online may not be human at all, raising questions about authenticity in music. The band The Velvet Sundown, with nearly 600,000 monthly listeners, is suspected of being entirely AI-generated. Experts point to the music's generic nature, lack of online presence, and AI-like qualities in band photos as evidence. While AI music is becoming more common, some worry about the loss of human expression in art. French music platform Deezer uses an AI detection tool and has declared that Velvet Sundown's music is AI.
AI 'Slop Music' Infiltrates Streaming Services With Butt Songs and More
AI-generated music is becoming more common on streaming services like Spotify and Deezer, sometimes with strange results. One example is BannedVinylCollection, an artist creating X-rated songs using AI, earning around $200 a month on Spotify. Music Business Worldwide found 13 seemingly AI-fueled artists with over 4 million monthly listeners. Deezer flags 18% of uploaded tracks as AI-generated daily. While platforms ban AI deepfakes of real artists, there's no blanket ban on AI music, raising concerns about labeling and listener awareness.
Velvet Sundown's Spokesperson Claims Band is Hoax After AI Accusations
Andrew Frelon, who claimed to be a spokesperson for the band The Velvet Sundown, now says it was a hoax. He says he tricked the media by creating a fake social media account for the band. The Velvet Sundown, which has over 700,000 listeners on Spotify, denies Frelon's claims and says he is not affiliated with them. The band insists they are a multidisciplinary artistic project and asks for reporting to be based on verifiable sources. Glenn McDonald, a former Spotify employee, says the band's popularity shows a shift towards AI-driven music recommendations.
Velvet Sundown Spokesman Admits to 'Art Hoax' and Using AI
Andrew Frelon, who claimed to be part of the band The Velvet Sundown, now admits the project was an "art hoax." He says he used Suno, an AI music company, to create some of the band's songs. Frelon changed his story multiple times, but eventually admitted that at least some songs were AI-generated. The Velvet Sundown gained popularity after being accused of using AI, with their top song reaching 675,000 plays. Streaming services like Deezer are grappling with the rise of AI music, with Deezer tagging and removing AI-generated content.
US-China Trade War: How AI and Semiconductors are Affected
The U.S.-China trade war is impacting the semiconductor and AI industries. While a recent tariff truce offers some relief, export controls remain. This creates opportunities for U.S. semiconductor equipment companies like Applied Materials (AMAT) and Lam Research (LRCX). Despite restrictions, Chinese AI firms like DeepSeek and Alibaba (Qwen3) are catching up. Experts suggest investing in infrastructure like cloud providers (AWS, Alibaba Cloud) and chipmakers (NVIDIA, AMD) while avoiding AI startups heavily reliant on U.S.-China data.
Cadence and Siemens Lead AI Hardware Revolution With Design Tools
Cadence and Siemens are key players in the semiconductor design automation (EDA) sector, driving AI hardware innovation. They use AI in their tools to optimize chip design, potentially reducing development time by 30-50%. Siemens acquired Altair for $10 billion to enhance its simulation capabilities. Asia-Pacific is a key growth region, but U.S. export controls create challenges. Investors should consider Cadence (CDNS) for its AI focus and Siemens (SI) for its diversified portfolio.
Bank of America Patents AI Auditors and More Texas Inventions
Dallas-Fort Worth ranked 9th in the U.S. for patent activity with 168 patents granted. Bank of America patented AI-based auditors of artificial intelligence. Texas Instruments Inc. received the most patents with 25. Blake Browder from Dallas was the top inventor with 4 patents. Patent activity can show future economic growth and talent development in the area.
CEOs Predict AI Job Losses, Creating Competitive Environment
CEOs are increasingly predicting job losses due to AI, turning it into a competitive topic. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei warned that half of entry-level office jobs could vanish within five years. JPMorgan's consumer banking chief projected a 10% workforce reduction due to AI. Amazon's Andy Jassy warned employees to expect a smaller workforce. Ford's Jim Farley claimed AI will replace many salaried jobs in the U.S.
AI Threatens Graduate Jobs, Says The Guardian
Entry-level jobs for graduates are becoming harder to find, partly due to AI. Companies are using AI for tasks previously done by young graduates. IBM's HR department uses AI for 94% of routine tasks. The Guardian warns that this could harm the careers of graduates already burdened with debt. The government is encouraging people to gain AI skills, but more focus is needed on helping graduates enter the workforce.
Texas Tech and Fermi America Plan Huge Energy and AI Campus
Texas Tech University System and Fermi America are building a large advanced energy and AI campus in the Texas Panhandle. The project aims to help the U.S. compete with China in energy and technology. The facility will have 18 million square feet of data centers and can support 11 gigawatts of IT capacity. The campus is expected to provide research and academic opportunities for Texas Tech students and faculty. The first gigawatt of online power is expected by 2026.
ChatGPT Creator Predicts AI Will Eliminate Thousands of Jobs
Sam Altman, the creator of ChatGPT, predicts that AI will eliminate many jobs. Economists estimate that AI could impact 300 million full-time positions. The World Economic Forum expects a net loss of 14 million jobs by 2030. Altman says AI will automate tasks like basic Python debugging and junior paralegal research. However, new jobs will also emerge, such as AI ops technicians and synthetic-media designers.
AI Could Be Taking Entry-Level Jobs in the Netherlands
Entry-level job opportunities in the Netherlands are decreasing, possibly due to AI. A study found that only 9.2% of job openings were for recent graduates, down from 14.4% last year. The Dutch Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) warns that AI threatens entry-level jobs. AI can easily handle tasks previously done by junior staff in fields like consulting and financial advising. IT and customer service jobs are especially at risk of being automated.
SOCRadar Launches MCP Server for Secure AI Threat Intelligence
SOCRadar has released its MCP Server, which allows AI models to securely access its threat intelligence platform. The MCP Server uses the Model Context Protocol to create secure connections between AI and data sources. This allows AI assistants to access real-time threat information and interact with security tools. Security teams can use the MCP Server to generate reports and automate responses, improving their workflow and reducing administrative tasks. SOCRadar provides threat intelligence services to over 800 customers in 70 countries.
Robotics: The Next Big Investment After AI?
As AI advances, robotics could be the next big investment opportunity. Markus Bolte from AlixPartners explores how robotics could be integrated into businesses worldwide. This shift presents a promising opportunity for investors.
Sources
- What People Are Getting Wrong This Week: 'The Velvet Sundown' and AI Music
- From Sensual Butt Songs to Santa’s Alleged Coke Habit: AI Slop Music Is Getting Harder to Avoid
- ‘Spokesperson’ for AI ‘Band’ Velvet Sundown Now Says He’s a Hoaxer
- Spokesman for Viral AI Band The Velvet Sundown Admits to ‘Art Hoax,’ ‘Trolling’ in First Interview
- Semiconductors and AI: Strategic Reassessment Amid U.S.-China Trade Barriers
- EDA Titans Cadence and Siemens Drive the AI Hardware Revolution
- Patented: Bank of America's AI-Based Auditors of Artificial Intelligence and More North Texas Inventive Activity
- AI job predictions become corporate America's newest competitive sport
- The Guardian view on the graduate jobs crunch: AI must not be allowed to eclipse young talent
- TTU System, Fermi America announce world’s largest advanced energy & intelligence campus
- Goodbye to thousands of traditional jobs - Sam Altman, creator of ChatGPT, confirms which jobs will disappear due to artificial intelligence
- Artificial intelligence could be stealing entry-level jobs in the Netherlands
- SOCRadar debuts MCP Server for secure AI threat intel access
- Beyond AI: why robotics could be the next investment frontier