The music industry is grappling with a controversial AI clone dilemma! Jorja Smith's record label is demanding royalties from a viral song, claiming it was created using AI trained on her voice.
Just 16 minutes ago, Mark Savage, a BBC music correspondent, broke the news. The song in question, 'I Run' by Haven, took TikTok by storm in October, thanks to soulful vocals by an uncredited female singer. But here's the twist: the song was banned from streaming services due to copyright infringement claims, alleging it impersonated Jorja Smith.
Haven's team admits to using AI, but insists the original vocals were by producer Harrison Walker, manipulated with Suno software. The second producer, Waypoint (Jacob Donaghue), confirms AI was used to feminize the vocals.
The original 'I Run' was suspended, but a new version with different vocals entered the UK Top 40. Jorja's label, FAMM, sees this as a test case for AI in music, arguing that AI material should be labeled to inform consumers.
FAMM's statement, shared by Jorja, warns of artists becoming collateral damage in the AI race. They plan to share any royalties with Jorja's songwriters if they prove AI's involvement in writing the song.
The rise of AI music is fascinating but contentious. Velvet Sundown and Breaking Rust are AI-assisted artists gaining popularity. Suno faced copyright lawsuits but settled, and Warner Music even partnered with them, allowing artists to opt-in for AI-generated songs.
However, the debate rages on. Musicians like Paul McCartney and Annie Lennox protest AI's impact on copyright. So, the question remains: is AI-generated music a creative evolution or a legal and ethical minefield? Share your thoughts below!
