The UK government’s late 2024 proposal to permit AI companies to use copyrighted material without licensing

Is This What We Want? gathered contributions from more than 1,000 musicians in response to proposed UK government changes to copyright law. The project issued an LP edition of the album on 16 November, placing the physical release at the centre of the campaign. The vinyl version includes a bonus track by Paul McCartney, recorded in an empty studio following the same method used for the digital project. The record is priced at £28 and is available for pre-order through the official store. All proceeds from the LP support Help Musicians.

Title: Is This What We Want?
Release Date: 2025-02-25
Genres: Alternative Rock, Art Rock, Electronica, Hard Rock, Indie Rock, Pop, Post-punk, Psychedelic Rock
Description: 1,000+ artists (McCartney, Bush, Zimmer) protest UK AI copyright law. Their album, Is This What We Want?, uses silence to fight. LP release Nov 16.

In late 2024, the UK government introduced proposals to amend copyright legislation. The planned revision would allow artificial intelligence companies to use copyrighted material, including music, visual art, and text, to train systems without obtaining a licence.

The artists involved in the project oppose the proposal. The album consists of recordings of silence gathered in unused studios and venues, illustrating the type of output that could result if the proposed changes are adopted. Revenue from all formats is directed to Help Musicians.

Major contributors include Kate Bush, Annie Lennox, Damon Albarn, Billy Ocean, Ed O’Brien, Dan Smith, The Clash, Mystery Jets, Jamiroquai, Imogen Heap, Yusuf / Cat Stevens, Riz Ahmed, Tori Amos, Hans Zimmer, James MacMillan, Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs, Max Richter, John Rutter, The Kanneh-Masons, The King’s Singers, The Sixteen, Roderick Williams, Sarah Connolly, Nicky Spence, and Ian Bostridge.

The digital edition of Is This What We Want? appeared on streaming platforms on 25 February 2025 and entered the UK album chart at number 38.

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