Bandcamp bans AI generated music
- Text by Isaac Muk
- Photography by Shutterstock
Human creativity — The new policy applies to music created “wholly or in substantial part” using artificial intelligence tools, with its team reserving the right to remove any suspected tracks from the platform.
Online music record store and distribution platform Bandcamp has announced a ban on music created using generative AI.
The updated policy was revealed yesterday (January 13) via its blog, in which the company said that all music “that is wholly or in substantial part by AI” will be prohibited on the platform. It added that “any use of tools to impersonate other artists or styles is strictly prohibited”.
Any music that is suspected of being AI generated may be removed by the Bandcamp team, while reporting tools allow users to flag music that they suspect to have been made using AI.
The statement read: “Bandcamp’s mission is to help spread the healing power of music by building a community where artists thrice through the direct support of their fans. We believe that the human connection found through music is a vital part of our society and culture, and that music is much more than a product to be consumed.”
It continued: “Similarly, musicians are more than mere producers of sound. They are vital members of our communities, our culture, and our social fabric. Bandcamp was built to directly connect artists and their fans, and to make it easy for fans to support artists equitably so that they can keep making music.”
The announcement comes at a time when AI music is increasingly entering people’s feeds. Last year, The Guardian reported that an AI-generated band got 1 million plays on Spotify, while the streaming service removed 75 million “spammy” tracks from its platform between September 2024 and September 2025.
Bandcamp has a track record of attempting to give artists a fair deal. In November, Bandcamp announced that Bandcamp Fridays – when the platform waives its share of revenue to ensure that 100% goes to artists – is set to continue in 2026. The company claims that the venture has led to over $120 million (£90 million) going directly to musicians.
Isaac Muk is Huck’s digital editor. Follow him on Bluesky.
Buy your copy of Huck 82 here.
Enjoyed this article? Follow Huck on Instagram and sign up to our newsletter for more from the cutting edge of sport, music and counterculture.
Support stories like this by becoming a member of Club Huck.
You might like
“Welcome to the Useless Class”: Ewan Morrison in conversation with Irvine Welsh
For Emma — Ahead of the Scottish author’s new novel, he sat down with Irvine Welsh for an in-depth discussion of its dystopic themes, and the upcoming AI “tsunami”.
Written by: Irvine Welsh
The Pope has declared holy war on AI
The New Butlerian Jihad — In his first encyclical letter, Pope Leo XIV addressed the increasing pervasiveness of artificial intelligence as a threat to the already fragile structures of society. Newsletter columnist Emma Garland makes sense of it all.
Written by: Emma Garland
Horst Festival is a blueprint for a creative, collective future
Hymn — Highlighted by an engrossing performance directed by Fallon Mayanja, the 2026 edition was a showcase of ASIAT Park’s ever-evolving space as an incubator for art, music and creativity.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien: “Technology’s evolution on the human psyche is a massive problem”
Blue Morpho — With the release of his second solo album, the songwriter and guitarist explores analogue rawness, spirituality and pulling himself out of a dark place. D’Arcy Doran caught up with him at SXSW to find out more.
Written by: D’Arcy Doran
New film spotlights London’s Bubble Club, the party by people with learning disabilities
Radically inclusive clubbing — Produced by Muddled Marauders and currently fundraising for completion, the feature documentary focuses on the inclusive night, which has been in operation since 2005.
Written by: Roxana Diba
In a Cutthroat world, shame are embracing the power of fun
Huck x SXSW London — Ahead of their headline performance at Village Underground on June 6, Ali Shutler speaks to lead singer Charlie Steen about their journey from young breakout stars to wisened heads, embracing excess, and returning to their joy-fuelled roots.
Written by: Ali Shutler
