Jorja Smith’s Label Seeks Royalties Over Haven AI-Cloned Song I Run

A legal and creative clash is unfolding as the label behind Jorja Smith alleges Haven's viral track I Run relies on an AI clone of the singer's voice. The dispute highlights how AI tools are transforming music-making and royalties, attracting attention from artists and fans alike.

The case in brief

I Run rose to prominence on social media in October, propelled by a soulful vocal performance from an uncredited female singer. Streaming platforms temporarily removed the track after rights holders claimed it infringed copyright by mimicking a real artist. The song was later re-released with new vocals.

The players and claims

• FAMM’s position: The label argues that both the original and revised versions violate Jorja Smith’s rights and should entitle the songwriters involved to a share of any royalties if AI contributed in part.
• Haven’s stance: The duo says they wrote and produced I Run and used AI to modify the vocal, sharing project files with media outlets during the process. They contend that human creators remain at the core of the song.
• AI tools and training: The producers used Suno, an advanced music-generation tool described as an “AI assistant for music.” Haven says the system helped add a female tone to the vocal, while insisting the writing credits stay with human collaborators.

The Suno team has acknowledged training its software on copyrighted material and defended this under fair use, though it remains unclear whether Jorja Smith’s recordings were part of that data. Haven maintains that the tool prompted soulful vocal samples rather than directly copying Smith’s voice.

Industry impact and responses

The situation follows a wave of AI-related music developments, including other artists experimenting with AI to shape sound. Earlier cases have seen AI-generated content surface on charts and streaming platforms, prompting debates about licensing and attribution. Some major labels are exploring partnerships with AI firms to enable user-generated songs from licensed artists, while others press for clearer rules around fair use and royalties. A notable protest in the industry saw respected artists release a vinyl project consisting of silent tracks to draw attention to potential copyright changes affecting AI use in music.

Expert comment

Expert comment: As AI tools become more capable in shaping songs, this case could set important precedents for who earns from AI-assisted work. Industry players stress the need for transparent labeling and fair compensation for human contributors.

Short summary

Short summary: The Jorja Smith–Haven dispute centers on whether AI aided in creating I Run and who should receive royalties if true. Haven acknowledges AI involvement but emphasizes human authorship, while FAMM seeks to protect artists’ rights and potential earnings. The case reflects broader tensions as music rights, technology, and compensation intersect in a fast-changing industry.

The key takeaway is that AI-generated music challenges traditional authorship and demands new rules for royalties, labeling, and accountability.

Source: BBC News