In a bold response to the growing concerns surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on the music industry, a new album titled “Is This What We Want?” features contributions from notable artists including Paul McCartney, Sam Fender, and Kate Bush. Instead of traditional songs, the album consists of silent tracks, designed as a protest against the UK government’s plans to potentially legalize music theft to benefit AI companies.
The album’s track listing sends a clear message: “the British government must not legalise music theft to benefit AI companies.” This innovative project aims to highlight the dangers of using artists’ intellectual property without consent for training AI models. The fear is that if left unchecked, AI exploitation could diminish the pool of artists capable of creating new music entirely.
McCartney’s contribution, intriguingly titled “(Bonus Track)”, runs for two minutes and 45 seconds and features only ambient sounds such as tape hissing and vague clattering in the background. Other artists contributing to the album include notable names like Pet Shop Boys and Hans Zimmer, amplifying the urgency of the message.
The Motivation Behind the Project
The brainchild of composer and campaigner Ed Newton-Rex, the project reflects a broader concern that the UK government is prioritizing the interests of American tech firms over those of British creatives. In an interview with The Guardian, Newton-Rex stated, “I am very concerned the government is paying more attention to US tech companies’ interests rather than British creatives’ interests.”
McCartney has been a vocal critic of AI’s intrusion into songwriting and the music sector. Earlier this year, he criticized proposed copyright law changes that would permit AI developers to utilize artists’ content for model training. “We’re the people, you’re the government! You’re supposed to protect us. That’s your job,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for protections for “creative thinkers” and artists.
His sentiments were echoed by fellow artist Sir Elton John, who warned that such policies could dilute young artists’ earnings further, leading to a widespread rejection of these measures by the music community.
Notably, in May, McCartney and John, along with other high-profile musicians including Coldplay and Dua Lipa, signed a letter urging Keir Starmer to support proposals aimed at safeguarding copyrighted artistic works from AI infringement. The push for protective measures has gained momentum, especially with looming discussions in Parliament regarding a new legal framework for AI expected to take place in 2026.
The Impact of AI on the Music Industry
As the influence of AI continues to expand, its repercussions on the music industry are already apparent. A study warned that by the end of 2024, music professionals could lose approximately 25% of their income to AI advancements over the next four years. The annual market for generative AI is currently valued at €3 billion, with projections soaring to €64 billion by 2028.
In 2025, streaming platform Deezer reported that around 10,000 AI-generated tracks are submitted daily, accounting for about 10% of all uploads. Alarmingly, recent data indicates that 97% of listeners are unable to distinguish between genuine and AI-generated music. In response to this surge, Spotify announced measures to remove 75 million “spammy tracks” and take action against impersonators.
The release of “Is This What We Want?” serves as a poignant reminder of the need for vigilance as the music industry navigates the complexities introduced by AI. With profits from the album directed toward charity Help Musicians, this collaborative effort underscores the importance of supporting artists amid these evolving challenges.
For those interested in exploring this unique album, further information and pre-order options can be found on the album’s dedicated website.
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