Swedish music producer DJ Avicii has hit out at SYCO, after they denied reports that they had willingly ripped off his dance track ‘Fade Into Darkness’.

The instrumental section of the song is used as a backing track on Leona Lewis’ new single ‘Collide,’ but after his record label Ministry Of Sound accused Simon Cowell’s company of using the music without his permission, their spokespeople insisted he had agreed to them sampling his track.

Avicii however denied their claims, saying:

“To answer everyone, the first time I heard Leona Lewis ‘Collide’ was today. I didn’t produce it and neither me or my manager could approve it.

“I’m just upset for someone taking credit of our idea before I had a chance to release it… And for the time and effort that has been put into this by my manager and label.”

His manager Ash Pournouri went on to blast SYCO, saying:: “We never got to hear ['Collide'] before it was promoted on radio, how could we clear anything? We’re not amateurs – we don’t sign papers without knowing what [we're] getting into.”

However Leona is insistent that they did ask for permission before releasing her single, she tweeted:

“When avicii sent his track out to have a song written over it I totally fell in love with this version and i think he’s super talented x

“With regards to my song, avicii was aware & agreeing publishing splits for himself and his manager.”

However Avicii hit back, saying:

“Thanks for accusing me of lying and speaking on my behalf.

“Since we never met or even spoke, please let me and my manager know who told you that and what confirmation they gave you.”

Listen to both tracks and make the comparisons below.