In a bold move against the U.K. government’s proposed copyright changes, which would allow AI developers to use artists’ online content without permission, 1,000 musicians have released a “silent album” titled “Is This What We Want?” This album, featuring contributions from renowned artists like Kate Bush, Imogen Heap, and Hans Zimmer, is not a traditional music collection. Instead, it consists of recordings from empty studios and performance spaces, symbolizing the potential void in creativity if the new copyright laws are enacted. The album’s twelve track titles convey a clear message: “The British government must not legalize music theft to benefit AI companies.”
This protest reflects a growing concern among artists regarding how copyright law interacts with AI training. Ed Newton-Rex, the project’s organizer, has been leading a broader campaign against the unlicensed use of artists’ work in AI development. His petition has garnered over 47,000 signatures from creatives across various fields, indicating widespread discontent with the proposed changes. Newton-Rex, who has a background in both music composition and technology, previously founded an AI music platform but has since shifted his focus to advocating for artists’ rights.
The upcoming changes to copyright law would require artists to actively opt out if they do not want their work used for AI training. Newton-Rex warns that this creates a challenging situation for many artists, as most will not take the necessary steps to protect their work, effectively giving AI companies free access to their creations.
As artists contemplate the future of their work, some are considering relocating to markets with stronger protections. The silent album will be available on music platforms soon, with proceeds benefiting the charity Help Musicians, emphasizing the artists’ commitment to supporting their community despite the challenges they face.
