If AI-generated band The Velvet Sundown thrives, Christian creativity may be in jeopardy

The hottest new band on the scene, The Velvet Sundown, was drawing millions of streams before listeners realised every note and lyric had been composed by artificial intelligence. Jermaine Dallas considers what the trend could mean for writers of worship music 

If the goal of Christian music is to reach the masses, you could argue we’re in a golden age. Yet, why does the very essence of creativity feel so jeopardised in this era of instant outputs? 

With the tools available to us today, it’s never been easier to fulfil the Great Commission through music. In Matthew 28:19–20, we’re reminded that the gospel message is a global one – meant to be spread far and wide. 

Streaming platforms and online distribution channels have democratised publishing, getting music directly to listeners. Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is also changing the game, offering us superpowers to enhance the creativity we already have – or so the theory goes. 

I was taken aback by the success of Velvet Sundown, the fully AI-generated band that has received millions of plays on Spotify and attracted global attention.

Everything about the band – from its visuals to the music itself – is machine-made, presumably with minimal human input. Global reach with creative detachment.

Could the same happen in Christian music, and what effect would it have?