Over 1,000 prominent musicians, including Damon Albarn, Kate Bush, and Annie Lennox, are releasing a completely silent album titled "Is This What We Want?" to protest proposed UK copyright law changes affecting AI use of creative works.

The album, releasing February 25, aims to highlight concerns about new legislation that would allow AI companies to use artists' work for training without licensing unless creators actively opt out. All proceeds will benefit the Help Musicians charity.

The track listing spells out the message: "The British Government Must Not Legalise Music Theft To Benefit AI Companies." Notable supporters include Billy Ocean, Radiohead's Ed O'Brien, Bastille's Dan Smith, Jamiroquai, The Clash, Mystery Jets, Tori Amos, Hans Zimmer, Imogen Heap, Yusuf Cat Stevens, and Riz Ahmed.

While the UK government claims its proposals will provide "real control" and transparency for creators, critics argue the opt-out system is impractical. Artists would need to individually notify thousands of AI providers not to use their work, making copyright protection virtually impossible to enforce.

Ed Newton-Rex, the project's organizer, describes the government's proposals as "disastrous for musicians" and unnecessary, highlighting unified opposition from the music community against these planned changes.

Photo Credit: Kate Bush by Paul Carless / CC by 2.0

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