A new album titled Is This What We Want? features contributions from over 1,000 musicians, including renowned British artists like Kate Bush, Annie Lennox, Cat Stevens, and Damon Albarn. The album was released as a protest against proposed changes to artificial intelligence (AI) laws in the U.K., which artists fear could diminish their creative control.
The British government is considering allowing tech companies to use copyrighted material to train AI models unless the creators explicitly opt out. Critics argue that this could make it harder for artists to maintain control over their work and undermine the country’s creative industries. High-profile figures like Elton John and Paul McCartney have voiced their opposition to the proposal.
The protest album is unique in that it features “almost silence.” Organized by composer and AI developer Ed Newton-Rex, the 12 tracks consist of recordings made in empty studios and performance spaces, meant to represent what might happen if the government’s plan is approved.
Ed Newton-Rex, the composer and AI developer behind the protest album, emphasized that the album features a blend of well-known artists and lesser-known musicians. He explained, “It’s important because this issue will impact all of us,” highlighting that the potential changes to AI laws will affect both famous and emerging artists alike.
The 12 tracks on the album convey a powerful message: “The British government must not legalize music theft to benefit AI companies.” All proceeds from the album will go to the Help Musicians charity.
Ed Newton-Rex criticized the government’s proposal, saying it would allow AI companies to exploit musicians’ work for free, giving them an unfair advantage. He described the plan as not only harmful to musicians but also unnecessary, arguing that the U.K. could lead in AI development without sacrificing its world-renowned creative industries.
The U.K.’s center-left Labour Party government aims to establish Britain as a global leader in artificial intelligence. In December, the government announced a consultation to explore how copyright law can give creators and rights holders control over the use of their works for AI training, while also ensuring AI developers can access a wide range of high-quality creative content. This consultation is set to close on Tuesday.
Various organizations, including publishers, artists’ groups, and media companies, have united under the Creative Rights in AI Coalition to oppose any weakening of copyright protections.
On Tuesday, several British newspapers published wraparound ads on their front pages, criticizing the government’s consultation and calling for the protection of creative industries, emphasizing that it’s the fair approach.
In response, the British government stated that it was working on a new strategy that seeks to balance the interests of both AI developers and rights holders, with the aim of allowing both to thrive. They also clarified that no final decisions have been made yet.