Pop legend Paul McCartney is set to release a silent track next month as part of a new album protesting proposed UK copyright changes. The project, called 'Is This What We Want?,' brings together more than 1,000 artists who say the new rules could harm creative workers. McCartney&rsquo;s track, titled &ldquo;Bonus Track,&rdquo; is a two-minute, 45-second recording of an empty studio with only a few clicks heard.
The artists behind the album argue that the government&rsquo;s proposal would allow tech firms to train AI models on copyrighted music without permission or payment. They believe the plan would weaken copyright protection and force artists to &ldquo;opt out&rdquo; to stop their work from being used. Only 1,000 vinyl copies of the silent album have been released.
Major names such as Hans Zimmer, Kate Bush, Annie Lennox, Damon Albarn, and Jamiroquai have joined the protest. Earlier this year, more than 400 writers and musicians&mdash;including Elton John, Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Sting, and authors like Kazuo Ishiguro&mdash;spoke out against the changes, calling them a &ldquo;giveaway&rdquo; to Silicon Valley.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said the government wants to find the right balance for copyright and AI. But artists continue to push back. A recent study by UK Music found that two out of three artists fear AI threatens their careers, and most want stronger protection for their voice, image, and work.