British artists release silent album in protest against AI using their work

Music News | 25th Feb, 2025 theBeat.ie

Annie Lennox, Damon Albarn and Kate Bush are amongst 1,000 musicians that have united to release a silent album in protest at the UK government's planned changes to copyright law. The intended law will make it easier for AI companies to train models using copyrighted work without the artist permission.

While AI is still in its early days there has been many issues raised, especially in regards to originality. Youtube already features 100's of uploads using AI to coming artist such as John Lennon singing with Oasis. Artists who write original music are concerned that a music company can request a song in the style of an artist and then pass it off as their own. In the end popular music, which tends to dominate the charts, will become more plastic than it already is.

Under the new law artist will be required to use an opt out, however they believe this is unrealistic. They believe it is impossible for an individual artist to notify thousands of different AI service providers in order to opt out.

In the music of the future, will our voices go unheard? - Kate Bush

The album features recordings of empty studios and performance spaces, demonstrating the potential impact of the proposed law change. Backing the album is an A-List of artist such as Cat Stevens, Billy Ocean, Ed O'Brien of Radiohead and Bastille's Dan Smith, as well as The Clash, Mystery Jets and Jamiroquai.

The 12 tracks are listed with one word each simply spelling out the message: The British government must not legalise music theft to benefit AI companies.

All profits from the silent album will be donated to the musicians' charity, Help Musicians.

- New Music -