"In the music of the future, will our voices go unheard?" asked Kate Bush in a statement.
More than 1,000 musicians—including Annie Lennox, Damon Albarn, and Kate Bush—have come together to release a silent album, protesting proposed UK copyright law changes that could allow AI companies to train their models using copyrighted material without permission.
The album, titled Is This What We Want?, was released on Tuesday to highlight concerns over the potential impact on artists' livelihoods and the broader UK music industry. Under the proposed legislation, AI developers could freely use creative works found online unless rights holders take action to "opt out."
Proceeds from the album will be donated to the charity Help Musicians.
A protest in silence
The album, supported by artists such as Billy Ocean, Ed O'Brien (Radiohead), Dan Smith (Bastille), The Clash, Mystery Jets, and Jamiroquai, features recordings of empty studios and vacant performance spaces—symbolizing what musicians fear could be the outcome of the proposed law changes.
The tracklist delivers a clear message, spelling out: "The British government must not legalise music theft to benefit AI companies."
A public consultation on the proposed changes is set to close later on Tuesday.
The debate over AI and copyright
The UK government is considering allowing AI developers to mine publicly available content—including text, images, and music—without copyright restrictions when used for training generative AI. While the plan includes a “rights reservation” system, allowing artists to opt out, critics argue that it would be unrealistic for individual creators to monitor and enforce their rights across countless AI service providers.
A spokesperson for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) defended the proposed changes, stating that the UK’s current copyright framework is limiting both the creative and AI sectors. "We need a solution that allows both to thrive," they said, emphasizing that no final decisions have been made.
Artists speak out
High-profile artists such as Imogen Heap, Yusuf (Cat Stevens), Riz Ahmed, Tori Amos, and Hans Zimmer have also voiced their opposition to the changes. Composer Max Richter warned that the impact of these policies would extend beyond musicians, affecting writers, visual artists, and other creatives.
In 2023, the UK music industry contributed a record £7.6 billion to the economy. Ed Newton-Rex, the organizer behind the silent album, criticized the government’s approach, calling it “disastrous for musicians” and “totally unnecessary.” He argued that the UK could lead in AI innovation without sacrificing its world-renowned creative industries.
Singer-songwriter Naomi Kimpenu echoed this sentiment, warning that the proposal could “shatter the prospects of so many emerging artists in the UK.”
Industry giants weigh in
In January, Sir Paul McCartney told the BBC that the proposed copyright changes could enable "rip-off" technology, making it increasingly difficult for musicians to sustain their careers.
A letter published in The Times on Monday—signed by figures including McCartney, Lord Lloyd Webber, and Sir Stephen Fry—condemned the plans, stating they would allow big tech firms to exploit the creative sector. Other signatories included Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Sting, and Kate Bush, all urging the government to reconsider.
As the consultation period nears its end, the music industry awaits the government’s next move. Will their voices be heard, or will silence be the only option left? Photo by mikemacmarketing, Wikimedia commons.