DistroKid has removed a small number of recordings uploaded by users after Universal Music Group brought a sharply worded lawsuit against the music distribution company, Billboard has confirmed.
Amanda Ferri, DistroKid’s vp of artist services, confirmed the removals to Billboard on Monday (Oct. 12). In a statement, she 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.”
It was not immediately clear which type of music was subject to the takedowns. Some users have complained online that the tracks DistroKid removed were neither created by AI nor unlicensed. Others have raised concerns about slow responses from the company’s customer service.
Billboard reported in October 2024 that DistroKid had downsized its artist relations and quality control departments in the U.S. and moved some of that operation to the Philippines.
The lawsuit filed last month against DistroKid marks a significant new front in the music industry’s push to crack down on mass generated AI music. UMG and other major players have already spent years locked in litigation against Suno over the use of unlicensed songs in the AI training process. In addition, various streaming platforms recently announced plans to label AI music on their platforms.
The takedowns come as the music industry weighs how to handle AI music, with UMG pursuing litigation and streaming services preparing labels for AI tracks.
