More than 1,000 musicians, including Annie Lennox, Damon Albarn, and Kate Bush, are protesting against new UK copyright law changes by releasing a silent album. The album, titled This What We Want?, aims to highlight the risks AI poses to the music industry. The UK government is considering allowing AI companies to use copyrighted content for training unless creators actively opt out. Many artists argue this system is unfair and difficult to manage.
The album, backed by big names like Billy Ocean, Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien, and Bastille’s Dan Smith, features recordings of empty studios and performance spaces. The tracklist delivers a clear message: “The British government must not legalise music theft to benefit AI companies.”
Critics believe the proposed law will harm musicians and other creatives, making it harder to protect their work. They argue that artists cannot track how AI companies use their content across the internet. Supporters of the protest include Imogen Heap, Yusuf (Cat Stevens), Riz Ahmed, Tori Amos, and Hans Zimmer.
The government claims it aims to protect artists while ensuring legal clarity for AI development. However, many musicians feel this approach favors big tech over creative professionals. In 2023, the UK music industry contributed a record £7.6 billion to the economy, making it a crucial sector that deserves stronger protection.
The silent album, organized by Ed Newton-Rex, sends a strong message about the potential impact of these laws. He believes the UK can lead in AI without sacrificing its world-class creative industries. Singer Naomi Kimpenu warns that the proposed changes could destroy opportunities for new artists, while Sir Paul McCartney has previously expressed concerns about “rip-off” technology harming musicians’ ability to earn a living.
The debate continues, but one thing is clear: musicians are standing united against AI policies that could undermine their future.
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