Singer Benson Boone Denies Copying Harry Styles

Henrik Larsen

4 min read

Post on Apr 26, 2025

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The Alleged Similarities Between Benson Boone and Harry Styles' Music

Comparisons between Benson Boone and Harry Styles' music have primarily focused on similarities in vocal style, song structure, and melodic phrasing. Specific songs have been cited as examples of this alleged copying. For instance, Boone's "In the Stars" has been compared to Styles' "Watermelon Sugar," with commentators pointing out similarities in the upbeat tempo, major key tonality, and the use of layered vocals.

• Melodic Similarities: Both songs utilize a similar melodic contour in their choruses, featuring stepwise melodic motion and a sense of uplifting optimism.
• Vocal Delivery: Boone and Styles both employ a smooth, slightly breathy vocal delivery, characterized by a relaxed and almost conversational tone in certain parts of their songs.
• Production Techniques: The production techniques in both tracks share a common thread of polished, modern pop production, incorporating elements of layered instrumentation and subtle effects. This contributes to the overall impression of sonic similarity.

While these similarities exist, it's crucial to acknowledge the inherent subjectivity involved in evaluating musical style. Many pop songs share similar structural elements, making it challenging to definitively declare plagiarism. The use of audio examples, where permissible, would be beneficial in illustrating these points more directly. However, such direct comparison requires careful consideration of copyright and fair use.

Benson Boone's Response to the Accusations

Benson Boone has yet to issue a formal, detailed statement directly addressing the plagiarism allegations. However, his social media activity and interviews offer some insight into his perspective. His social media posts have largely remained focused on promoting his music and upcoming projects, avoiding direct engagement with the controversy.

• Lack of Direct Response: The absence of a forceful denial or explanation may be interpreted in various ways, adding fuel to the ongoing debate.
• Focus on Artistic Integrity: While not directly addressing the allegations, Boone's emphasis on his creative process and unique musical influences on his social media channels subtly suggests an intention to showcase his originality.
• Indirect Acknowledgement: Further clarity might be gained through future interviews where he might directly address the similarities and clarify his artistic influences.

The Fine Line Between Influence and Plagiarism in Music

The debate surrounding Benson Boone highlights the complex relationship between musical influence and plagiarism. Artists often draw inspiration from their predecessors, and borrowing elements from other works is not inherently wrong. However, there's a significant difference between being inspired by another artist's work and outright copying it.

• Musical Inspiration: The history of music is filled with instances of artists borrowing melodies, chord progressions, or rhythmic patterns, evolving them into something new and unique. This is a crucial aspect of creative development.
• Copyright Infringement: However, when the borrowing crosses the line into substantial similarity, it can constitute copyright infringement. This involves unauthorized copying of a substantial and recognizable portion of a copyrighted work. Legal professionals specializing in copyright law define the parameters.
• Industry Standards: Industry standards dictate that while inspiration is acceptable, direct copying of substantial parts of a song is deemed unacceptable.

The Impact of the Controversy on Benson Boone's Career

The controversy surrounding the alleged similarities between Benson Boone's and Harry Styles' music has undoubtedly impacted Boone's career, albeit in ways that are difficult to quantify precisely at this stage.

• Public Opinion: The online discourse surrounding this issue has generated a mix of opinions, with some defending Boone and emphasizing the subjective nature of musical influence, while others express concerns about potential plagiarism.
• Media Coverage: The media's portrayal of the situation has been varied, with some outlets emphasizing the similarities while others focused on the complexities of judging musical originality.
• Career Trajectory: The long-term effect on Boone's career remains to be seen. While the controversy may generate increased publicity, it could also negatively impact his public image and future prospects. It will depend on how he navigates the situation.

Conclusion

The comparison between Benson Boone's and Harry Styles' music highlights the complexities surrounding musical influence and originality in the pop music industry. While undeniable similarities exist in certain aspects of their musical styles, whether these constitute plagiarism remains a subject of ongoing debate. Benson Boone’s lack of a direct response, coupled with the inherent difficulties in legally defining plagiarism in music, necessitates a nuanced approach to assessing the situation. What are your thoughts on the Benson Boone and Harry Styles comparison? Share your opinions on the controversy in the comments below. Let's discuss the complexities of musical influence and originality in the context of Benson Boone’s music.