HAVEN.’s “I Run” Climbs Canadian Charts Amid AI Voice Controversy: A Breaking News Update
The music world is buzzing – and the legal system is taking notice. Electro duo HAVEN. is experiencing a meteoric rise on the Canadian charts with their track “I Run,” but the journey hasn’t been straightforward. A viral TikTok sensation, the song has become entangled in a complex web of copyright claims, AI-generated voice concerns, and a rapidly evolving debate about the future of artistic creation. This is a breaking news story with significant implications for artists and the music industry as a whole, and we’re bringing you the latest developments.
From TikTok Viral Sensation to Billboard Charts
Just two months ago, “I Run” was an unreleased track gaining traction on TikTok, amassing over 110 million views. This organic surge of popularity quickly attracted the attention of record labels, with HAVEN. – comprised of London producers Harrison Walker and Jacob Donaghue – ultimately signing with independent label Broke Records. The song initially debuted at No. 59 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 last week, and has since climbed to No. 45 as of December 13th. It’s also currently holding strong at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart.
The Jorja Smith Resemblance and Initial Controversy
The initial excitement surrounding “I Run” was quickly followed by controversy. Many listeners noted a striking similarity between the female vocals on the track and those of British R&B singer Jorja Smith. Smith herself acknowledged the resemblance in a now-deleted TikTok video, prompting HAVEN. to briefly add the hashtag #jorjasmith to a promotional post before removing it. HAVEN.’s spokesperson explained the situation as a “spontaneous phenomenon” stemming from listeners perceiving the similarity.
Legal Battles and Streaming Platform Removal
The situation escalated when Jorja Smith’s label, FAMM, filed takedown requests with streaming platforms, alleging copyright infringement and misrepresentation of Smith’s image. As a result, “I Run” was temporarily removed from charts and digital platforms. Billboard, citing its policy regarding active legal disputes, removed the original version of the song from the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart after just one week. This highlights a growing trend: streaming services are increasingly cautious about hosting content involved in copyright litigation, impacting chart eligibility and artist visibility. This is a crucial point for SEO and understanding how music distribution works in the digital age.
AI’s Role: Vocal Processing and the Suno Tool
At the heart of the controversy lies the use of artificial intelligence. HAVEN. has admitted to using AI-assisted vocal processing, specifically the Suno tool, to transform Walker’s vocals into the feminine tone heard on the original track. They maintain that the song was initially written and produced on Pro Tools, and that the AI was used for processing, not for creating the core vocal performance. However, Suno itself is currently facing legal action from major record labels who claim its model was trained on copyrighted material – potentially including songs by Jorja Smith. This case is a bellwether for the broader legal challenges posed by AI-generated music.
The Kaitlin Aragon Version and Continued Chart Success
In response to the legal challenges, HAVEN. released a new version of “I Run” featuring singer Kaitlin Aragon, discovered through a TikTok cover she posted. It’s this version that is currently charting on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 and maintaining a strong position on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. Billboard considers this a separate entry, distinct from the original version.
A Wider Industry Debate: AI and the Human Element
The “I Run” saga is unfolding against a backdrop of growing concern within the music industry regarding the use of AI. Canadian artists like Mac DeMarco, Leith Ross, and Ian James have all recently voiced their opposition to AI-generated music, emphasizing the importance of the “human element” in art. Leading artists like Billie Eilish, Metro Boomin, and The Arkells have even signed an open letter urging developers to stop using AI to undermine artists’ rights. This isn’t just about copyright; it’s about the very definition of creativity and authorship in the digital age. For readers interested in staying up-to-date on this evolving landscape, bookmarking Google News alerts for “AI music” and “copyright law” is highly recommended.
HAVEN. acknowledges the role AI played in their song’s trajectory, stating, “It’s truly an honor to see the love and support ‘I Run’ has received… It is clear that AI has played an important role in this trajectory.” They emphasize their commitment to creating “good music” and their identity as “very real” artists. Whether this case will set a precedent for how AI-assisted music is legally and ethically handled remains to be seen, but it’s undeniably sparking a crucial conversation.
