AI-Generated Versions of Stick Figure's 'Angels Above Me' Top Charts in Multiple Countries
Unauthorized AI versions of the 2019 reggae track are charting across Europe, Britain, America and Canada while the original artists receive no credit or payment. Stick Figure leader Scott Woodruff and label executives call for immediate legislative reform as the original song sees five times its normal streaming plays.
ForbesUnauthorized AI-generated remixes of Stick Figure's "Angels Above Me" are topping Apple Music charts in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Switzerland and Ireland. The tracks have also become major streaming hits in Britain, America and Canada. The original Stick Figure artists and songwriters receive no credit or payment from the AI-generated versions.
The French streaming platform Deezer receives about 75,000 AI-generated songs uploaded daily. Deezer claimed that AI-generated content accounts for about 44 percent of its daily uploads. Forbes reported that the fraudulent versions of the 2019 track are part of a broader surge in AI music piracy.
J. O’Neill. J. O’Neill came up with the original concept for the song during personal struggles. The track first appeared on the album World On Fire.
Woodruff stated that the song seemed to come out of thin air, fell into place naturally, and that they had always loved it. He added that many people connect to "Angels Above Me" on a spiritual level, especially those who have lost people. According to Woodruff’s recent Instagram post, the original Stick Figure version is receiving five times more plays than normal across all streaming platforms.
Woodruff stated he would never have imagined that "Angels Above Me" would experience a viral resurgence in this fashion. He also stated that pirate third parties can generate a version with one click that goes ten times bigger than any song Stick Figure has ever had. The Ineffable Music Group provides label services to Scott Woodruff’s Ruffwood Records and manages Stick Figure.
Thomas Cussins is CEO and founder of Ineffable Music Group. Adam Gross is president of Ineffable Music Group. Thomas Cussins described the "Angels Above Me" situation as a watershed moment that should usher in protections for rights holders.
Cussins stated that major labels struck deals with AI music vendors but independent music companies had no seat at the table. He stated that independent music companies represent 40% of artists by consumption. Adam Gross stated that the AI versions are fully AI-generated tracks with AI-generated vocals and melodies, and although melodies are not exactly the same, they are not covers.
People who posted popular AI versions of the song have claimed they are owed fifty percent of all generated income. Gross described continual takedowns of infringing versions as a whack-a-mole approach. He stated that the industry wants to push for legislation to pressure AI companies.
Cussins stated that immediate, comprehensive reform is needed to credit original writers and artists and revert the bulk of publishing and master recording revenue to the creators. Gross stated that things have to end with licensing agreements in place and with a model that benefits everybody. Stick Figure’s next album contains fifteen new tracks.
The album is planned for release in either late 2026 or early 2027.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- 2019
Stick Figure releases “Angels Above Me” on the album World On Fire
1 sourceForbes - 2026-05-08
Forbes reports unauthorized AI remixes topping charts in multiple countries while original artists remain uncredited
1 sourceForbes - Recent
Scott Woodruff posts on Instagram that original version receives five times more plays than normal
1 sourceForbes - Late 2026 or early 2027
Stick Figure plans to release next album containing fifteen new tracks
1 sourceForbes
Potential Impact
- 01
Original Stick Figure song experiences unexpected streaming surge from AI-driven attention
- 02
Major label AI deals leave independent sector without representation at negotiation table
- 03
Independent labels face revenue loss from AI piracy without established licensing frameworks
- 04
Pressure increases on legislators to create protections crediting original writers and artists
Transparency Panel
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