1,000+ Musicians Release Silent Album to Challenge UK's AI Copyright Plans

1,000+ Musicians Release Silent Album to Challenge UK's AI Copyright Plans

By Marcus Hartley

February 25, 2025 at 06:57 AM

Over 1,000 prominent musicians, including Damon Albarn, Kate Bush, and Annie Lennox, are releasing a silent album titled "Is This What We Want?" to protest proposed UK copyright law changes regarding AI. The album launches February 25th, with all profits going to Help Musicians charity.

The protest targets government proposals that would allow AI companies to use copyrighted material for training without licenses unless creators explicitly opt out. The track listing spells out: "The British Government Must Not Legalise Music Theft To Benefit AI Companies."

Female vocalist with microphone performing

Female vocalist with microphone performing

Notable participating artists include:

  • Billy Ocean
  • Radiohead's Ed O'Brien
  • Bastille's Dan Smith
  • Jamiroquai
  • The Clash
  • Tori Amos
  • Hans Zimmer
  • Imogen Heap
  • Yusuf Cat Stevens
  • Riz Ahmed

While the UK government claims the new copyright regime will provide creators with "real control" and transparency, critics argue it's impractical for individual artists to notify thousands of AI providers not to use their work. Project organizer Ed Newton-Rex called the proposals "disastrous for musicians" and "completely unnecessary."

Kate Bush expressed her concern, stating: "In the music of the future, will our voices go unheard?"

Round Hill Music standard logo

Round Hill Music standard logo

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