Full Breakdown
Jorja Smith's Label Challenges AI-Generated Track 'I Run'
12/2/2025, 8:55:36 AM
Controversy Surrounding 'I Run'
Jorja Smith's record label, FAMM, has raised significant concerns over the song "I Run," created by the British dance act Haven, which allegedly utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to clone Smith's vocal style. The track, featuring uncredited female vocals, gained viral popularity on TikTok in October and was poised to chart in both the UK and the US before being removed from streaming platforms due to copyright infringement claims. FAMM contends that the song was produced using AI trained on Smith's discography, infringing on her rights and those of her collaborators.
Claims of AI Usage
The creators of "I Run," producer Harrison Walker and his collaborator Jacob Donaghue (known as Waypoint), have acknowledged the use of AI in the song's production. They assert that the original vocals were Walker's own, which were modified using the AI software Suno to achieve a feminine tone. Walker emphasized that their intent was to explore new creative technologies, stating, “It shouldn’t be any secret that I used AI-assisted vocal processing to transform only my voice for I Run.” Despite their claims, FAMM insists that both versions of the track exploit Smith's work and mislead listeners by suggesting a connection to her.
Legal and Ethical Implications
FAMM is pursuing compensation and has indicated that if they can establish that AI contributed to the song's lyrics and melody, they will seek royalties for Smith's co-writers based on their contributions to her catalogue. The label has called for clearer regulations regarding AI-generated music, arguing that such material should be distinctly labeled to inform consumers. FAMM's statement on Instagram highlighted the broader implications of this case, asserting, “This isn’t just about Jorja. It’s bigger than one artist or one song.”
Industry Response and Broader Context
The use of AI in music has sparked widespread debate, with numerous artists expressing concerns over its impact on creativity and copyright. In February 2023, prominent figures like Kate Bush and Paul McCartney participated in a silent album protest against AI in music. Recent statistics indicate that approximately 10,000 AI-generated tracks are submitted to streaming platforms daily, raising alarms about the potential financial impact on human artists.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While FAMM claims that AI was used to write the lyrics and melody of "I Run," the producers maintain that their original work was merely enhanced with AI technology. The legality of using AI trained on copyrighted material remains contentious, with Suno asserting that its practices fall under fair use. However, it remains unclear whether Smith's music specifically was included in the training data.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This isn’t just about Jorja. It’s bigger than one artist or one song,” — FAMM
- “To set the record straight, the artists behind Haven. are real and human, and all we want to do is make great music for other humans.” — Harrison Walker
- “We cannot allow this to become the new normal.” — FAMM
As the music industry grapples with the implications of AI technology, the outcome of this case may set a precedent for future interactions between human artists and AI-generated content.
