In an effort to raise awareness about a controversial new plan, over 1,000 musicians have come together to release a silent album protesting the UK government’s proposal to let tech companies use their music for free.
Big names like Kate Bush, Annie Lennox, Damon Albarn, and The Clash have joined forces on this striking project, which aims to highlight the potential risks to the country’s music industry.
The album is a creative way to demonstrate what could happen to the British music scene if the government’s radical proposal goes through.
The Silent Album: A Bold Statement
The album, titled Is This What We Want, was launched just as a consultation on the government’s plan draws to a close.
The project, which features ambient sounds from empty studios across the UK, is meant to send a powerful message to the government.
It highlights the fear that the proposal will lead to a situation where the UK’s thriving music scene falls silent.
Under the current law, artists automatically own the copyright to their work, which means tech companies should pay for the right to use music in AI models.
However, the government is backing a proposal that would allow tech firms to use artists’ work freely to train AI unless the artists choose to “opt out.”
The Artist Response and Their Concerns
Artists like Kate Bush have publicly questioned the future of music, with Bush herself asking, “In the music of the future, will our voices go unheard?” Alongside her, famous figures such as Jamiroquai, Imogen Heap, Billy Ocean, and Yusuf Islam (better known as Cat Stevens) have joined lesser-known musicians in supporting the album.
The album’s organizer, Ed Newton-Rex, condemned the proposal, explaining that it would essentially hand over the hard work of musicians to AI companies for free, allowing these companies to use their music to outcompete them.
Newton-Rex also emphasized that this policy is not necessary and that the UK could be leaders in AI without harming its creative industries.
The Silent Tracks and the Message Behind Them
The album consists of 12 tracks, each by a different artist, and is now available on Spotify.
The tracks don’t contain traditional music; instead, they feature sounds from empty studios.
Newton-Rex explained that while the album isn’t entirely silent, the ambient noise from the empty studios symbolizes the emptiness that could come if the proposed legislation goes through.
Although he doesn’t expect the album to top the charts, Newton-Rex hopes it will make an impact and provoke serious discussion about the future of music and AI in the UK.
Max Richter: Musicians Stand Against AI Overreach
Composer and producer Max Richter, one of the artists featured on the album, voiced his concerns about the government’s plan.
He warned that the proposals would undermine creators, placing AI-driven automation above human artists who compose music, write literature, and create visual art.
Economic Impact of AI on the Music Industry
The UK music industry is a major economic contributor, generating a record £7.6 billion in 2023, with £4.6 billion of that coming from exports.
However, AI is expected to reduce profits by 25% over the next two years, even before the government’s proposal takes effect.
This has many in the industry worried about the long-term effects of such a plan on their livelihoods.
Political Reactions and Calls for Change
Stuart Andrew, the Conservative Party’s culture spokesman, expressed his support for AI innovation but argued that it should not come at the cost of the UK’s creative industries.
He called on the Labour Party to reconsider its approach to AI and copyright, suggesting that a balanced solution should be found to support both AI development and the arts.
The Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology has assured the public that the voices of Britain’s cultural industries will be considered in the ongoing consultation, though many remain skeptical about the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of creators.
In an effort to raise awareness about a controversial new plan, over 1,000 musicians have come together to release a silent album protesting the UK government’s proposal to let tech companies use their music for free.
Big names like Kate Bush, Annie Lennox, Damon Albarn, and The Clash have joined forces on this striking project, which aims to highlight the potential risks to the country’s music industry.
The album is a creative way to demonstrate what could happen to the British music scene if the government’s radical proposal goes through.
The Silent Album: A Bold Statement
The album, titled Is This What We Want, was launched just as a consultation on the government’s plan draws to a close.
The project, which features ambient sounds from empty studios across the UK, is meant to send a powerful message to the government.
It highlights the fear that the proposal will lead to a situation where the UK’s thriving music scene falls silent.
Under the current law, artists automatically own the copyright to their work, which means tech companies should pay for the right to use music in AI models.
However, the government is backing a proposal that would allow tech firms to use artists’ work freely to train AI unless the artists choose to “opt out.”
The Artist Response and Their Concerns
Artists like Kate Bush have publicly questioned the future of music, with Bush herself asking, “In the music of the future, will our voices go unheard?” Alongside her, famous figures such as Jamiroquai, Imogen Heap, Billy Ocean, and Yusuf Islam (better known as Cat Stevens) have joined lesser-known musicians in supporting the album.
The album’s organizer, Ed Newton-Rex, condemned the proposal, explaining that it would essentially hand over the hard work of musicians to AI companies for free, allowing these companies to use their music to outcompete them.
Newton-Rex also emphasized that this policy is not necessary and that the UK could be leaders in AI without harming its creative industries.
The Silent Tracks and the Message Behind Them
The album consists of 12 tracks, each by a different artist, and is now available on Spotify.
The tracks don’t contain traditional music; instead, they feature sounds from empty studios.
Newton-Rex explained that while the album isn’t entirely silent, the ambient noise from the empty studios symbolizes the emptiness that could come if the proposed legislation goes through.
Although he doesn’t expect the album to top the charts, Newton-Rex hopes it will make an impact and provoke serious discussion about the future of music and AI in the UK.
Max Richter: Musicians Stand Against AI Overreach
Composer and producer Max Richter, one of the artists featured on the album, voiced his concerns about the government’s plan.
He warned that the proposals would undermine creators, placing AI-driven automation above human artists who compose music, write literature, and create visual art.
Economic Impact of AI on the Music Industry
The UK music industry is a major economic contributor, generating a record £7.6 billion in 2023, with £4.6 billion of that coming from exports.
However, AI is expected to reduce profits by 25% over the next two years, even before the government’s proposal takes effect.
This has many in the industry worried about the long-term effects of such a plan on their livelihoods.
Political Reactions and Calls for Change
Stuart Andrew, the Conservative Party’s culture spokesman, expressed his support for AI innovation but argued that it should not come at the cost of the UK’s creative industries.
He called on the Labour Party to reconsider its approach to AI and copyright, suggesting that a balanced solution should be found to support both AI development and the arts.
The Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology has assured the public that the voices of Britain’s cultural industries will be considered in the ongoing consultation, though many remain skeptical about the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of creators.