A First in U.S. Music: Country’s No. 1 Hit Comes From AI

The U.S. music industry reached a milestone this month when “Walk My Walk,” a song created entirely by artificial intelligence under the artist name Breaking Rust, climbed to No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales chart.

The AI act, which launched earlier this year, now has more than two million monthly Spotify listeners and has gained attention for its digitally generated cowboy persona and consistent synthetic vocals.

Music-technology researchers say the track combines stomp-clap rhythms with heavily processed vocal layers, making its AI origin noticeable to trained ears but convincing enough for mass audiences.

Breaking Rust’s rise comes as concerns around generative AI continue across creative sectors, from film and advertising to songwriting. Several musicians, including high-profile artists, have called for clearer rules governing AI’s role in music production and distribution.

Industry analysts say this moment indicates how easily AI-generated tracks can now enter mainstream listening spaces, especially on streaming platforms.

Billboard has confirmed that Breaking Rust is one of several AI acts appearing on charts in recent months.