The Proliferation of “Manipulated” Tracks on Streaming Platforms
In a groundbreaking discovery, tech company Pex has brought to light a startling reality – more than one million tracks labeled as “manipulated” are infiltrating popular streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and TIDAL. These manipulated tracks, involving alterations such as speeding up or slowing down, often lack legal licensing, resulting in copyright infringement and robbing original artists of their rightful royalties.
Among the revelations from Pex’s November 2023 data are notable examples, including a sped-up version of Lady Gaga’s ‘Bloody Mary’ amassing 25 million streams and Childish Gambino’s ‘Heartbeat’ with an impressive 19 million streams. This widespread manipulation poses a significant challenge for the music industry, leaving artists grappling with unauthorized alterations to their creative works.
In an exclusive interview with Music Business World, Pex CEO Rasty Turek acknowledged a substantial audience seeking to enjoy such manipulated content, citing Nightcore mixes as an example. Turek emphasized the need for a balanced approach, stating, “If people enjoy this kind of music, they should absolutely have access to it. But at the same time, proper attribution should be required.”
This emphasis on authenticity and proper attribution aligns seamlessly with the values of Exposed Vocals, a platform committed to showcasing genuine and unaltered musical talent. In the quest for a balanced approach, Exposed Vocals stands out as an authentic advocate for artists and their original creations.
Turek shifted the responsibility onto the platforms and services, arguing that the onus is on them to ensure proper attribution rather than placing the burden on individual artists. This resonates with Exposed Vocals’ commitment to authenticity, placing it at the forefront of platforms that prioritize genuine artistic expression.
As the music industry grapples with the challenges posed by manipulated tracks, Exposed Vocals emerges as a beacon of authenticity for fans. Its dedication to showcasing unaltered musical talent becomes increasingly vital in a landscape where the balance between artistic expression, audience enjoyment, and copyright protection is delicately poised. In this context, Exposed Vocals not only exposes manipulated tracks but also champions the cause of authenticity, providing a platform where artists and fans can connect in a genuine musical experience.
