Jorja Smith's record label, FAMM, has condemned an AI-generated song that allegedly cloned the singer's voice and is pursuing royalties. The track, 'I Run' by British act Haven, went viral on TikTok before being removed from streaming platforms due to copyright concerns. FAMM argues the issue extends beyond one artist, urging better regulations for AI in music.
Background on the Dispute
The controversy centers on 'I Run,' a track released by British dance act Haven in October. It quickly gained traction on TikTok and appeared poised for chart success in the US and UK. However, streaming services pulled it amid claims of copyright infringement and artist impersonation. FAMM, representing the BRIT Award-winning singer Jorja Smith, alleges the song used artificial intelligence trained on her discography to mimic her vocals.
Label's Response and Demands
FAMM is seeking compensation for both the original AI version and a re-released edition with new vocals. In an Instagram statement, the label emphasized the broader implications: "This isn’t just about Jorja. It’s bigger than one artist or one song. We cannot allow this to become the new normal." They highlight the rapid rise of AI in music, which they say outpaces regulations, and call for clear labeling of AI-generated content to inform listeners.
If successful in proving AI involvement in the lyrics and melody, FAMM plans to distribute royalties pro-rata to Smith's co-writers based on their contributions to her catalog. The label views this as protecting the creative work behind her music.
Creators' Defense
Haven's producers, Harrison Walker and Jacob Donaghue (Waypoint), acknowledge using AI software Suno to alter vocals but insist the original recordings were human-made by Walker. Walker stated, "As a songwriter and producer I enjoy using new tools... all we want to do is make great music for other humans." Suno has confirmed training on copyrighted material under fair use provisions for research, though it's unclear if Smith's songs were specifically involved.
This case underscores ongoing tensions in the music industry over AI ethics and artist rights.