The Mystery of Sienna Rose: AI or Artist?
Sienna Rose is currently experiencing a flood of success, with three of her jazz-inflected soul songs capturing a spot in Spotify’s Viral Top 50. The standout track, “Into the Blue,” has garnered over five million streams, placing her on the radar as a potentially significant new musical talent. However, an unsettling mystery lingers: indications strongly suggest that Sienna Rose may not be a real person but rather an AI-generated entity.
The streaming service Deezer has flagged a number of Rose’s albums and songs as computer-generated, raising eyebrows across the music industry. Upon further examination, clues emerge that point towards her being an AI artist. Sienna has no presence on social media, has yet to perform live, and has released an astounding number of tracks—at least 45—from September to December alone. Such output raises questions about authenticity in a space where prolific human artists like Prince would find it challenging to match her pace.
Compounding this suspicion is the visual aspect of her brand. Rose’s now-deactivated Instagram displayed an eerily uniform collection of headshots, showcasing a synthetic style typical of AI-generated photography. On Tidal, she is also credited with albums of folk and ambient music featuring different human singers on the cover, strengthening the argument that there is no vocalist behind the alias.
Musically, tracks like “Into the Blue” and “Breathe Again” fit smoothly alongside artists such as Norah Jones and Alicia Keys, boasting jazzy guitar riffs and mellifluous vocals. Nevertheless, listeners have reported recognizing “AI artefacts”—abnormalities symptomatic of machine-generated music. Notably, tracks like “Under the Rain” have been identified as possessing a persistent hiss, a result of the unique processing methods employed by certain AI music apps. Gabriel Meseguer-Brocal of Deezer elaborates on how the layering of music can leave behind errors, akin to a fingerprint, which represent the signature style of the software used in its creation.
Casual fans are also alerted by other indicators within Rose’s music: erratic drum patterns, generic lyrics, and a predictable melody structure devoid of emotional risk-taking. This “generic” sound led some listeners to question her authenticity. Users on social media platforms, including TikTok, have drawn comparisons with other artists, hinting at a perceived lack of individuality in Rose’s production.
Despite the skepticism, some well-known figures in the industry have expressed appreciation for her work. Selena Gomez, for instance, featured Rose’s song “Where Your Warmth Begins” in an Instagram post, igniting further intrigue over Sienna Rose’s identity before the track was taken down due to the growing discourse surrounding the singer. Fans have reacted with a sense of disappointment upon learning she might not be a real artist, articulating a desire for her existence to be validated.
There remains a possibility that Sienna Rose is indeed a real performer shunning media attention or perhaps facing industry challenges. However, the trend towards AI-generated music poses a broader dilemma for the music industry—a space where the line between genuine artistry and artificial replication becomes increasingly blurred. With reports indicating that nearly 34% of songs uploaded to Deezer are AI-generated, the landscape of music continues to evolve at an unprecedented rate.
As the industry adapts, it might be increasingly difficult to discern human musicians from their AI counterparts. Notably, a song by the artist Jacub was recently banned from Swedish charts after it was revealed that he did not exist, highlighting the urgent need for clarity concerning artists’ identities. Many in the tech sector and the entertainment realm see the appeal of AI-generated acts like Sienna Rose, as the cost of launching such an artist is minimal compared to the traditional model. With potential financial returns—such as Rose’s of approximately £2,000 in weekly royalties—the allure of AI-generated music continues to grow.
Some songs attributed to Sienna Rose are linked to the indie record label Broke, known for creating viral sensations. Despite an inquiry, Broke has yet to clarify its affiliation with Rose. Other entities, like Nostalgic Records, feature Rose in their roster, presenting her as a “storyteller of the heart.” The growing prevalence of AI in the music ecosystem has ignited discussions about authenticity; prominent artists express a desire for genuine emotional connection in contrasting the increasing robotic nature of AI-generated songs.
While some see a future interwoven with AI and music, the backlash against machine-produced tracks is gaining momentum. Music icons, including Paul McCartney and Kate Bush, have condemned the unauthorized use of AI for training, echoing a shared concern within the industry. Artists like Raye assert that true creativity, born from shared stories and experiences, cannot be replicated by algorithms. This sentiment reflects a broader apprehension among musicians regarding the validity of art contemporaneously escalating amid real human endeavors.
As this debate continues, the question remains: how can fans ensure their newfound favorite artists are indeed authentic? The implications of AI-generated music not only alter the listening experience for fans but redefine the essence of artistry itself.