More than a thousand artists and musicians, including iconic names like Kate Bush, Damon Albarn, Sam Fender, and Annie Lennox, have joined forces to release a unique and powerful silent album in protest against proposed changes to copyright law that could potentially pave the way for artificial intelligence (AI) to replace human artists. This groundbreaking project, titled Is This What We Want?, not only features renowned artists such as Billy Ocean, Tom Grennan, New Order, Simon Le Bon, Tori Amos, Pet Shop Boys, The Clash, Bashy, Jamiroquai, and Imogen Heap but also includes the support of esteemed composers, conductors, and organizations like Hans Zimmer, the Royal Albert Hall, and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
The heart of the album lies in its recordings of empty studios and performance spaces, serving as a poignant reminder of the stark reality that musicians in the UK could face if the proposed changes to copyright law come to fruition. The track listing itself conveys a powerful message, stating unequivocally, “The British government must not legalize music theft to benefit AI companies.”
Under the government’s proposed plans, a copyright exemption would be established for training AI, effectively allowing tech companies to use copyrighted material without obtaining a license while creators would need to actively opt out to protect their work. This contentious issue has sparked widespread opposition from artists, with notable figures like Sir Elton John, Simon Cowell, and Sir Paul McCartney rallying against the proposed changes.
Ed Newton-Rex, a prominent campaigner who spearheaded the album, expressed deep concerns about the potential ramifications of the government’s proposal. He emphasized that this plan could essentially hand over the life’s work of musicians to AI companies, enabling them to exploit artists’ creations without adequate compensation. Newton-Rex stressed that such a move would not only be detrimental to musicians but also represents a significant threat to the UK’s thriving creative industries.
The silent album, a poignant symbol of artists’ resistance and unity in the face of these proposed changes, has garnered widespread support within the creative community. The album’s proceeds will be donated to the musicians’ charity, Help Musicians, underscoring the collective commitment to preserving the integrity and rights of artists in the digital age.
As the music industry continues to navigate the complex landscape of AI technology and copyright law, concerns about the potential misuse of powerful AI models, such as ChatGPT, have been at the forefront of discussions. These models have the capacity to generate content on demand, raising fears about their impact on various creative fields, including film, television, music, and photography.
In 2023, the UK music industry made a significant contribution of £7.6 billion to the country’s economy, with exports totaling £4.6 billion. While some AI companies have begun to engage in licensing agreements for content, the utilization of existing models that have been trained on public internet data remains a point of contention. Dan Conway, the CEO of the Publishers Association, underscored the overwhelming opposition to the proposed changes, emphasizing that the government must heed the concerns raised by industry leaders, award-winning artists, and literary figures.
As the campaign against the proposed changes gains momentum, there is a resounding call for the government to reconsider its stance and protect the invaluable contributions of artists and creators. The resolute message from the creative community is clear: the integrity of copyright laws must be upheld to safeguard the future of artistic expression and innovation. The fight against the “great copyright heist” is far from over, and artists across the UK are united in their unwavering commitment to defending their rights in the digital age.
