Kate Bush and Damon Albarn are among over 1,000 artists who have released a silent album in protest of the British government’s proposed changes to AI copyright laws.
Backed by Annie Lennox, The Clash, Jamiroquai and Billy Ocean, among others, the tracklist for the ‘Is This What We Want?’ LP spells out: “The British government must not legalise music theft to benefit AI companies.”
It centres on concerns regarding plans to amend the law that allows artists the chance to opt out of having their work mined by AI algorithms, amid fears it could destroy the creative sector.
Bush said in a statement: “In the music of the future, will our voices go unheard?”
Monies raised from the album will be donated to the non-profit Help Musicians.
A spokesperson for the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) said that the industry is currently “holding back the creative industries, media and AI sector from realising their full potential”, adding changes to the legislation would “protect the interests of both AI developers and right holders [to] deliver a solution which allows both to thrive.”
In January, Paul McCartney and Elton John were among those who called for greater regulation to protect artists from artificial intelligence.
The Beatles legend said during an appearance on ‘Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg’: “You get young guys, girls, coming up, and they write a beautiful song, and they don’t own it, and they don’t have anything to do with it. And anyone who wants can just rip it off …
“We’re the people, you’re the government! You’re supposed to protect us. That’s your job. So you know, if you’re putting through a bill, make sure you protect the creative thinkers, the creative artists, or you’re not going to have them.”
John also told The Sunday Times: “The wheels are in motion to allow AI companies to ride roughshod over the traditional copyright laws that protect artists’ livelihoods.
“This will allow global big tech companies to gain free and easy access to artists’ work in order to train their artificial intelligence and create competing music.
“This will dilute and threaten young artists’ earnings even further. The musician community rejects it wholeheartedly …
“[It is] harder than ever for new and emerging musicians to make the finances of the industry stack up to sustain a fledgling career, due to challenging financial situations, including the increased costs of touring.
“Without thorough and robust copyright protection that allows artists to earn hard-fought earnings from their music, the UK’s future place on the world stage as a leader in arts and popular culture is under serious jeopardy.”
