For the first time in American music history, an AI-generated country song has taken the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales chart. The track “Walk My Walk”, credited to the virtual artist Breaking Rust, leads the chart for a second consecutive week, surpassing industry heavyweights and sparking nationwide debate about the future of AI in country music.
Who: AI-generated artist Breaking Rust (created by Aubierre Rivaldo Taylor)
What: Reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales chart
When: November 2025, holding the position for two straight weeks
Where: Across major digital platforms including iTunes, AmazonMP3, and Spotify
Why: The song “Walk My Walk” gained viral attention on social media for its rugged vocals and “outlaw country” energy
How: Through strong digital sales and streaming traction despite no human performer behind the voice
The Rise of AI Country Music
Breaking Rust’s “Walk My Walk” features raw, gritty vocals and lyrics about defiance and authenticity — ironic given that the artist doesn’t exist. The project’s creator, known only as Aubierre Rivaldo Taylor, operates several AI music ventures, including Defbeatsai, which distributes computer-generated tracks across multiple platforms.
On Spotify, Breaking Rust boasts over 2 million monthly listeners, with eight available singles. The artist’s Instagram account features AI-rendered cowboy imagery and has drawn nearly 40,000 followers, while its YouTube channel sits at 22,000 subscribers.
Despite controversy, the song’s sales remain impressive. According to Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales, “Walk My Walk” sold an estimated 3,000 copies — enough to secure first place above Morgan Wallen and Cody Johnson.
Audience and Industry Reactions
Listeners have shown divided opinions.
“I don’t care who made it — I like the song,” one fan commented on YouTube, while another wrote, “AI or not, it’s country through and through.”
However, critics question whether this trend threatens authentic artistry. “It’s a landmark, but it also blurs creative ownership,” said a Billboard analyst. Others worry about copyright protection and transparency in music creation.
Even so, some audiences remain unaware that Breaking Rust isn’t human — several fans have posted requests for live concerts and tours.
What This Means for Country Music
The success of “Walk My Walk” signals a paradigm shift in digital music creation. If AI-generated songs can compete with traditional artists on sales charts, the country genre may face a redefinition of authenticity and performance.
Prominent musicians, including Dua Lipa and Elton John, have called for new industry regulations to safeguard human creativity against AI-driven production. The discussion mirrors similar debates in Hollywood, where AI-generated actors have caused controversy.
The Future of AI Artists
Billboard reports that other virtual musicians, such as Cain Walker, are also climbing the country charts, with multiple entries in the top ten. As AI integration deepens in music production, labels may explore hybrid projects blending machine learning with human songwriting.
Meanwhile, fans continue to stream Breaking Rust’s music, suggesting that audience engagement — not origin — may ultimately determine success in the digital era.
Sources
Billboard Country Update
San Francisco Chronicle
The Independent
BBC Music News
Spotify Charts
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