Over 1,000 prominent musicians have released a unique protest album featuring nothing but silence and ambient sounds from empty studios. The album, titled "Is This What We Want?", aims to challenge proposed changes to UK copyright laws regarding AI training.
The star-studded lineup includes Kate Bush, Annie Lennox, Damon Albarn, Billy Ocean, and many others who fear the new legislation would allow AI companies to use copyrighted works without proper licensing. Former Beatle Paul McCartney has voiced strong opposition to proposed changes in British copyright law that could allow artificial intelligence companies to use artists' work without permission for AI training purposes. In a BBC interview, McCartney expressed deep concern about the government's plan to let AI developers access copyrighted content unless creators explicitly opt out.
The proposed changes would permit AI developers to mine online content for model training unless creators actively opt out - a system artists say is impractical to monitor and enforce across thousands of AI providers.
The 12-track album strategically spells out the message: "The British government must not legalize music theft to benefit AI companies." It contains recordings of vacant performance spaces, symbolizing what artists believe could become reality if the law passes.
"In the music of the future, will our voices go unheard?" questioned Kate Bush in a statement supporting the protest.
The initiative comes as the UK government aims to position itself as an AI leader while balancing creative industry concerns. In 2023, UK music contributed £7.6 billion to the economy.
Ed Newton-Rex, who organized the silent album, called the proposals "disastrous for musicians" and "totally unnecessary," arguing that the UK can advance AI innovation without compromising its creative sectors. In a powerful show of unity, over 10,500 creative professionals have signed a statement warning artificial intelligence companies against the unlicensed use of their work. Among the signatories are notable figures such as Radiohead's Thom Yorke, actress Julianne Moore, and ABBA's Björn Ulvaeus.
All proceeds from the album, available on streaming platforms, will support Help Musicians, a charity serving both working and retired musicians.
The protest coincides with the closing of the government's public consultation on the proposed copyright changes. It follows recent opposition from other industry heavyweights including Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Ed Sheeran.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology maintains that no final decisions have been made, stating they continue to engage with stakeholders to find solutions that benefit both AI developers and rights holders.