In brief
Over 1,000 musicians, including icons like Kate Bush and Billy Ocean, have released an unconventional album featuring no lyrics—only silence—to protest the British government’s plans to alter copyright rules surrounding artificial intelligence (A.I.) training. This album serves as an indirect commentary on the profound impact these changes may have on artists' livelihoods.
On February 25, 2025, the timely release of “Is This What We Want?” coincided with widespread media coverage, as newspapers showcased the musicians' message. This innovative project encourages listeners to reflect on the implications of allowing developers to freely utilize artists' works for A.I. training. While unconventional, the album features subtle sounds recorded in empty studios, symbolizing the void that could be left for musicians if the government proposals are implemented. Bush stated the chilling reality: “If these changes go ahead, the life’s work of all the country’s musicians will be handed over to A.I. companies for free.”The proposed revisions would place the onus on artists to “opt-out” or reserve their rights to prevent their work from being used for A.I. purposes. Ed Newton-Rex, the driving force behind the album and CEO of Fairly Trained, emphasizes that this shift in responsibility undermines artists' rights, leaving them vulnerable in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. As the consultation period on this pivotal issue draws to a close, musicians hope that the echoes of their silent protest will be heard loud and clear in discussions about the future of creative work.
