Albarn, New Order & 1,000 UK musicians protest AI copyright with silent album

The project protests UK copyright law changes that would allow AI companies to use copyrighted works without compensation.

Photo credit: Damon Albarn – Facebook

In a powerful statement against proposed copyright law changes, a collective of 1,000 musicians has released a silent album titled ‘Is This What We Want?’. The 12-track LP features recordings of empty studios and concert halls, symbolizing the potential future of the music industry if the proposed legislation passes.

According to campaign organizers, the silent album represents the devastating impact these proposals could have on musicians’ careers and livelihoods. Notable participants include New Order, Kate Bush, Max Richter, Damon Albarn, Mr Scruff, Yusuf, Jamiroquai, Pet Shop Boys, and composer Hans Zimmer.

The protest targets the UK government’s December 2024 proposal that would permit AI companies to use copyrighted creative works without licensing or compensation. The album’s track titles, when read in sequence, form a clear message: “The British government must not legalise music theft to benefit AI companies.”

All proceeds from the album will benefit Help Musicians, an independent charity providing crisis support and resources to UK musicians across all genres.

Beyond the album, Max Richter testified to parliamentary committees that these AI proposals would harm human creators. Many artists, including Thom Yorke, Joe Goddard, and Jonny Greenwood, have signed a petition against the plans.

Listen to ‘Is This What We Want?’ below and learn more about the campaign here.