More than 1,000 British musicians have released a groundbreaking protest album titled “Is This What We Want?” Featuring notable artists such as Kate Bush, Annie Lennox, and Ben Howard, this album is not your typical collection of chart-topping hits.
Instead, the album contains 12 tracks of complete silence, each representing the empty studios and performance spaces. Artists fear this exactly what could happen if proposed changes to UK copyright law are implemented.
What is the point of a silent album?
At the heart of this protest lies a December 2024 proposal by the UK government that would fundamentally alter how AI developers interact with copyrighted material. For centuries, the UK has operated under strict copyright laws that require companies and individuals to obtain permission before using creative works – like music. Currently, AI companies must follow the same rules.
However, the government has proposed changes that would grant AI companies an exemption, allowing them to use copyrighted material to train their models. These companies would have permission by default to use music and other creative works however they see fit. In future, songwriters and musicians would need to “opt out” of having their work used without consent.
This potential shift has sent shockwaves through the creative community, sparking fears of widespread exploitation of artistic works without fair compensation. Artists hope that the silent album will serve as a powerful metaphor for the silencing of their voices and the potential devastation of their livelihoods.
You might be interested in: The Rise of AI Voice Cloning
The silent protest
There may not be any music or lyrics on “Is This What We Want?”, but the titles speak or themselves, sending the message: “The British government must not legalise music theft to benefit AI companies.” This creative protest highlights the artists’ concerns about the future of their industry and the value of their work.
The album is on sale in all the major streaming platforms, with profits being donated to Help Musicians, a UK-based charity supporting those in the music industry. This generosity further emphasizes the artists’ commitment to protecting their creative community.
Creative industries working together againtst UK Copyright Law
The silent album is just one part of a larger movement against the proposed copyright changes which affects other creative industries such as writing, film and television. The UK News Media Association and publications like The Guardian have joined forces under the “Make It Fair” campaign, advocating for fair compensation and protection of creative works across various industries.
The Times newspaper also published an open letter. It bears the signatures of industry heavyweights such as Paul McCartney, Elton John, Dua Lipa and Ed Sheeran. The letter was clear in its message, stating, “There is no moral or economic argument for stealing our copyright. Taking it away will devastate the industry and steal the future of the next generation”
The bigger picture
This protest highlights the growing tension between technological advancement and artistic integrity. While AI has the potential to revolutionize many aspects of our lives, artists argue that this should not come at the cost of fair compensation and respect for intellectual property. AI generated content doesn’t just happen – everything it produces is based on existing materials created by a human artist.
The creative community fears that without proper safeguards, their works could be used to train AI models that could potentially replace them. They believe this will lead to a future where human creativity is devalued. And even the most successful, talented artists struggle to make a living from their craft.
What happens next with AI Copyright Law?
The UK government’s consultation period on these proposed changes closed on February 25, 2025. The creative community is now waiting to see how their protests and arguments will influence the final decision.
The silent album stands as a powerful reminder of what’s at stake. Not just for the artists themselves, but for the rich cultural tapestry that their work creates. It poses a crucial question to politicians and society at large: In our rush to embrace AI. Are we willing to sacrifice the human creativity that shapes our culture?
Continue reading: How is the world preparing for the future of AI?