Spike Polite & Sewage’s latest track “Your Robot Took My Job” is a scathing critique of the exploitation faced by creative minds everywhere, especially when their work is used to train neural networks and artificial intelligence systems. The song captures the angst and anger of artists whose music and art are appropriated to fuel machines that mimic their creativity. The band takes a pointed shot at platforms like SoundCloud, highlighting the hidden cost of “free” music uploads. Buried within the user agreements is a consent that allows these platforms to use artists’ work to train AI. This isn’t just music—it’s a battle cry against the commodification of creativity, a theme that feels like a rallying call back to punk’s roots. This is real punk, raw and unfiltered, not the polished “pop punk” that surfaces now and again. Spike Polite & Sewage aren’t afraid to dive into political and social commentary, delivering it with a fierce energy that is quintessentially punk.
Emerging from the gritty heart of New York City’s underground punk scene, Spike Polite & Sewage embody the raw, rebellious spirit of true punk rock. Led by Spike Polite, whose notable history with bands like Reagan Youth and Cheetah Chrome is legendary, the band stands out for their unapologetic sound and socially aware lyrics. Their relentless energy has electrified audiences across cities like Pittsburgh, Nashville, and Austin. The current lineup features Michelle Shocked on bass, Beast pounding the drums, and Tony Romero shredding the guitar, each member adding to the band’s authentic, streetwise sound. Their latest release, “Punk Not Dead,” dropped on vinyl on January 15 and is produced by Ted Sabety for Solid Bass Records. It’s a powerful fusion of punk, rock, and industrial noise, encapsulating the band’s mission to challenge the status quo and give a voice to the marginalized. Following its initial success, the album hit all digital streaming platforms in April 2024, continuing to make waves in the punk community and beyond. Check out the song below: