DistroKid Removes Tracks After UMG Complaint

The distribution platform DistroKid claims to have removed a "very small number" of recordings related to allegations from UMG and contests the complaint. However, several musicians describe removals without prior notice or explanation, including for works they believe are properly licensed and not AI-generated.

DistroKid downplays the scale and contests UMG's grievances

Amanda Ferri, Vice President of Artist Services at DistroKid, states that a very small number of recordings distributed by the platform have been removed in response to allegations made by UMG. She emphasizes that DistroKid firmly contests these allegations and regrets the disruption caused to the affected artists. The company claims to be working to minimize these inconveniences while protecting artists' ability to release their music. DistroKid confirms that these removals are directly linked to the grievances filed by UMG.

Removals without prior notice and difficult support access

Songs have been removed without notice, fueling frustration among artists who say they lack information and avenues for recourse. McGwire reports that six of his tracks have disappeared from platforms, with no message before or after the removals, and that he had to contact DistroKid for explanations. He describes a cumbersome access to customer service, after a long interaction with a bot, before reaching an agent. Among the affected works, he cites a cover of Isn’t She Lovely by Stevie Wonder that he claims to have licensed, a track built on a purchased beat that others had also acquired, and a title removed for unauthorized sampling, even though the allegedly copied track was released two years after his. Other testimonies abound: Insane Ian mentions the removal of an original song without warning or communicated reason; King Chase notes a complete album from an artist he was working with, removed without explanation, even though it had been online for 3 to 4 years and, according to him, without any copyright violation. Several claim that titles unrelated to AI have also been targeted.

UMG's September complaint triggers the removals

UMG filed a complaint in September, alleging that DistroKid had set up a pipeline for AI-generated content. DistroKid links the removals to these allegations. In this context, removals have occurred without prior notice, and artists report that works not related to AI are among the removed content.