McCartney’s track, titled “(Bonus Track),” his first in five years, is a recording from an “empty studio” featuring a succession of noises and tape clicks, lasting two minutes and 45 seconds. This initiative coincides with the relaunch of the silent album “Is This What We Want,” featuring artists like Hans Zimmer and Kate Bush.
Over a thousand artists, including Annie Lennox, Damon Albarn, Jamiroquai, and Max Richter, collaborated on this silent album, set to be released in February 2025. The album urges the British government not to “legalize the pillaging of music for the benefit of AI companies.”
“The album showcases recordings made in empty studios and concert halls, illustrating the impact we believe the government’s proposals would have on musicians’ livelihoods,” they stated. Only a thousand vinyl copies will be produced, they added.
The 83-year-old former Beatle had previously signed an open letter with over 400 artists, including Elton John, Coldplay, and Dua Lipa, calling on the government to protect the British music industry.
The Labour government is pushing for a bill expected to be introduced in 2026 that would create an exception to copyright law to facilitate the use of creative content in training AI models. This means tech companies would no longer need to obtain permission from creators or pay them, a move that has angered the music industry.
According to a survey of artists and producers conducted by UK Music, published last Wednesday, two out of three respondents believe AI poses a threat to their careers. More than nine out of ten people want their image and voice to be protected and demand compensation from AI companies that use their creations.
