1,000 Artists Unite in Silent Protest Against UK Copyright Changes

In a bold and creative act, 1,000 musicians have released a silent album to oppose proposed UK copyright law changes that could benefit AI companies at the expense of artists.

The proposed changes would allow AI developers to use artists’ content found online for training their models without needing permission or offering payment. This has stirred significant backlash, notably from musicians who created the album “Is This What We Want?”

This unique project includes tracks contributed by artists like Kate Bush, Imogen Heap, and many others from various genres. The album is a symbolic gesture with recordings of empty studios and spaces, representing what these artists fear—a future devoid of creativity due to unchecked AI use.

Thomas Hewitt Jones, one of the contributors, humorously noted that his track lets listeners “hear my cats moving around,” highlighting the emptiness and personal touch of their message.

The track titles themselves carry a powerful message: “The British government must not legalize music theft to benefit AI companies.” This forms a direct protest aligning with growing global concerns over artists’ rights in the digital age.

Ed Newton-Rex, who orchestrated this protest, is no stranger to the intersection of AI and music. He formerly developed Jukedeck, an AI music platform, yet now champions the protection of artists’ rights. His dual experience in creative arts and technology brings authenticity to his advocacy.

Newton-Rex’s broader campaign includes a petition opposing AI training without licensing, amassing over 47,000 signatures from a diverse range of creative professionals. His efforts underscore the demand for legal frameworks safeguarding creative works from being indiscriminately used.

Amidst these tensions, artists express frustration over a lack of clear opt-out options. Newton-Rex criticized these measures as inadequate, predicting most artists’ work would be utilized by AI firms without consent, turning the creative landscape into a “Wild West” of copyright use.

Musicians are contemplating relocating their work to countries with stronger protections. Thomas Hewitt Jones already considers Switzerland a more viable option, illustrating the extremes artists might resort to in preserving their rights.

The silent album will be available on major music platforms shortly. Proceeds from its distribution will support Help Musicians, a charity aiding creatives in need, further solidifying the artists’ commitment to fighting for their rights even under financial pressure.

As the debate around AI and copyright laws intensifies, this silent protest by 1,000 artists sends a clear message: the creative community is ready to stand up for its rights.

About The Author

Emmanuel Kesse

See author's posts