The reason? I had confirmed that AI was used to make the album. Under their current policy on AI-generated content, they won’t distribute it. And according to them, there was nothing I could change in the submission to fix it.
Let me say this clearly: I did not hide anything. I have never hidden how I make music. I write every lyric and every melody myself, and I am open about using AI tools to produce the sound. When the form asked whether AI was involved, I told the truth. That’s who I am. I was honest, and honesty is what got my release cancelled.
I need to get this off my chest, and I am going to be honest about how angry I am.
On the evening of November 11, I got an email from CD Baby. Out of nowhere. My album, Velvet December, the lo-fi Christmas record I uploaded on November 2, had been cancelled. Not delayed. Cancelled. Eighteen days before its November 30 release date.
When I logged in to set up the new release, nothing on the page told me that AI use had to be marked, or that it could get a release cancelled. I never saw a notice about this before I uploaded the album on November 2. I had no way of knowing this rule existed until the email arrived.
I paid CD Baby $58 to distribute this album. They refunded the money, and I’m told it should show up in 5 to 7 business days. But a refund is not a release. I had a launch planned. I had a blog campaign scheduled. I had people waiting. A credit to my card doesn’t give back those weeks of planning.
I’m FURIOUS, and I’m not going to pretend I’m fine. I put real work into this record. I’m embarrassed to tell people that the album I promised them is not coming out on November 30 through the place I chose for it. And a policy that punishes an artist for telling the truth needs a second look.
I don’t know yet where Velvet December goes from here. I’m going to figure that out, and I’ll tell you when I do.
What I do know is this: it’s still a real album. It’s still eleven songs. It’s still written by me, with Claude, produced in Suno, and I’m still proud of it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Velvet December and CD Baby’s AI Policy
Why was Velvet December cancelled?
CD Baby cancelled the release after I confirmed that AI was used to make the album. Its current policy does not allow AI-generated content, and according to the email, the submission could not be changed to fix it.
Did CD Baby refund the money?
Yes. The email says the $58 has been refunded and should return to the original payment method within 5 to 7 business days.
Is Velvet December still coming out on November 30?
Not through CD Baby. I haven’t decided where it goes next, and I’ll share that when I know.
Does CD Baby accept AI-assisted music?
Based on this email, CD Baby does not distribute releases that include AI-generated content under its current policy. Read their current policy directly before you submit anything.
So here’s my question for you. Have you ever done everything right on something you worked hard on, and still got told no for a reason you never saw coming? What did you do next?
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