Reggae Band Faces Challenges from Unauthorized AI-Generated Remixes

California-based reggae band Stick Figure recently experienced an unexpected surge in popularity when their seven-year-old track ‘Angels Above Me’ topped iTunes charts in six countries. However, the viral success was driven primarily by unauthorized AI-generated remixes, leaving the band with minimal royalties. Over 1.8 million plays were recorded on YouTube for one remix in just five days, and multiple versions were spreading rapidly. Stick Figure’s management has been issuing copyright takedowns and contacting streaming platforms to remove these tracks, with mixed results. While some platforms like Spotify and YouTube have complied, others remain online. The rise of AI music tools has made it increasingly easy to produce remixes at scale, raising challenges for artists and streaming services in tracking and compensating original creators. Deezer reports that 44% of daily uploads in 2026 are AI-generated, with the majority deemed fraudulent. Industry experts note that while unauthorized remixes have existed for decades, generative AI introduces new complexities in copyright enforcement and royalties. Streaming platforms are beginning to implement protective measures, but the sheer volume of uploads complicates preemptive enforcement. In the meantime, Stick Figure continues to focus on creating new music, working on their ninth album while navigating the evolving landscape of AI-driven content in the music industry.