Independent artists using DistroKid report that their recordings have disappeared from streaming services amid a copyright lawsuit by Universal Music Group (UMG), with some citing little notice or opportunity to dispute removals.
DistroKid says a small number of recordings have been removed following UMG claims. It disputes the lawsuit’s allegations and says it is working to limit disruption for affected artists.
Artists question removal claims
Over the past few weeks, an increasing number of DistroKid users have reported abrupt removals from major streaming platforms, including recordings that had been available for years without complaints.
Many notices identify only UMG as the complaining rightsholder and provide no route to challenge the removal, artists say.
Independent musician McGwire said on social media that six of his songs had been removed. He and other artists said they received no communication from DistroKid until they contacted the distributor.
McGwire said one removal cited an uncleared sample, but the recording he was accused of sampling was released two years after his own song.
Producer and music marketer Jesse Cannon criticised the lack of a warning or opportunity to contest claims:
“They should have allowed artists to have recourse in this and a warning to debate,” Cannon said, “but I’ve been told by former employees they see customer service as a waste of profits since they have such a high market share and remain ubiquitous.”
UMG’s allegations and DistroKid’s scale
UMG filed its federal copyright infringement lawsuit in September, alleging deceptive business practices involving undisclosed AI (artificial intelligence) recordings and unauthorised sped-up and slowed-down remixes.
The lawsuit accuses DistroKid of actively supplying streaming services with what UMG calls “AI-generated slop”. DistroKid has strongly denied the allegations and pledged to defend itself vigorously.
DistroKid is the largest independent music distributor by volume. Its distribution activity includes:
- An estimated 30% to 40% of all new music released globally.
- Approximately 35,000 new tracks daily processed and uploaded to Spotify and other services.
- A catalogue exceeding 20 million tracks from more than 2 million artists.
A study by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) found that DistroKid distributed 75.8% of the AI-generated tracks reviewed. Suno generated 90.4% of the tracks studied.
DistroKid faces potential statutory damages of up to $150,000 per infringed work. The lawsuit is pending ahead of an impending $2 billion acquisition by CVC Capital.
DistroKid responds
Amanda Ferri, DistroKid’s vice president of artist services, said:
“A very small number of recordings distributed through DistroKid have been removed in response to claims made by UMG. We strongly dispute the allegations underlying UMG’s lawsuit and regret the disruption to affected artists. We are working to minimize that disruption while protecting artists’ ability to release their music.”
