Sony Music UK supports the ‘Make It FAIr’ campaign, calling on policymakers to respect UK copyright law and not let Gen AI companies train on music without permission. pic.twitter.com/7CS9iuIM80

— Sony Music UK (@SonyMusicUK) February 25, 2025

In a recent submission to a UK government consultation on copyright laws, Sony Music expressed concerns that potential changes in legislation could exacerbate the problem. Rob Stringer, Chairman of Sony Music Group, said: “AI is going to change the world, however, there can be no question that creators must be rewarded for being part of this technological revolution. Safeguarding the existing UK copyright model ensures AI developers and content owners can innovate whilst also recognising the value of the works on which their products are based”. Several celebrities have publicly addressed the issue of the proposed copyright law changes, including Elton John, Kate Bush, Paul McCartney, and Jimmy Page. These musicians have actively voiced their concerns regarding the unauthorised use of artists’ works in AI training, advocating for stronger protections within the creative industry.

 

 

 

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Executives at Sony believe that the 75,000 identified deepfake recordings are only a fraction of the total AI-generated content circulating online. Unlike traditional copyright enforcement, identifying and removing AI-generated material is a complex and time-consuming process that relies heavily on manual detection methods. Artificial intelligence has become an increasingly powerful tool in music production, enabling users to create hyper-realistic vocal imitations of popular artists. From AI-generated covers to entirely new songs mimicking famous voices, the technology has raised ethical and legal questions about intellectual property in the digital age. For example, here is an AI-generated Amy Winehouse singing Miley Cyrus’ ‘Flowers‘ in a jazz style:

Sony’s actions reflect broader concerns within the music industry about the implications of AI-generated content. The company has urged policymakers to implement stricter copyright protections, ensuring that artists maintain control over their work and are fairly compensated for their contributions. Several other major record labels have also voiced their concerns, including Universal Music Group (UMG) which is advocating for AI protections in licensing agreements with distributors like TikTok and Meta. The industry is now calling for more advanced content identification tools and clear legal frameworks to protect artists from exploitation.

As the debate over AI deepfakes intensifies, Sony Music’s efforts highlight the urgent need for regulatory action. With technology continuing to evolve rapidly, the music industry faces an ongoing battle to safeguard artistic integrity in an era of artificial intelligence.

Artists like Paloma Faith have spoken out against Artificial Intelligence on red carpet:

@brits @paloma faith flying the flag for true creativity #BRITs #MakeItFair ♬ original sound – BRITs

The Don’t Let AI Steal Our Music campaign, launched by BPI, builds on the earlier Make It Fair initiative, which gained widespread support across the UK’s creative industries when it debuted in the media on February 25. The movement also follows the release of Is This What We Want?, a silent album featuring the backing of over 1,000 musicians as a form of protest against the government’s proposals.

In a collective effort artists including Kate Bush, Damon Albarn, and Cat Stevens, released the silent album which features recordings of empty studios and performance spaces, symbolizing the potential impact on artists’ livelihoods. In addition, a new website, dontletaistealourmusic.com, has been launched to provide more details on the campaign and its objectives.

The UK government is considering changes to copyright law that would allow global AI companies to train generative AI models using the country’s music, books, films, and other creative works—without requiring permission or compensation for creators and rights-holders.

While the proposals suggest that creators could theoretically ‘opt out’ of having their work used for AI training, experiences in other markets have shown that such opt-out systems are ineffective and fail to prevent misuse or unauthorised exploitation. Copyright law exists to protect original works of authorship, ensuring they cannot be copied, distributed, or performed without the explicit permission of the copyright holder.

At the @BRITs on Saturday, students of @TheBRITSchool stood with the Make It Fair campaign and the silent album ‘Is This What We Want?’.

They send a clear message to the UK Government: don’t let AI steal our music.

Find out more here: https://t.co/6q76tnoS8v pic.twitter.com/Unrdg6SLQi

— BPI (@bpi_music) March 4, 2025

Dr Jo Twist OBE, CEO of the BPI, said: “This campaign’s message to the Government is clear: don’t let AI steal our music. Thousands of Britain’s most beloved artists and creators have already spoken out against the proposed weakening of copyright law, which would have a devastating impact on the UK’s world-leading creative industries. We greatly value the artists and students who added their powerful voices to the campaign over the weekend. They represent the incredible human creativity that exists all across the UK and is so vital to protect.”

In response to the backlash, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of the creative industries and assured that no final decision has been made regarding the copyright reforms. He stated that the consultation period has concluded, and the feedback will be reviewed to balance the interests of AI advancement and creator rights

The album features a wide range of artists, spanning various genres. Damon Albarn, Kate Bush, The Clash, Jamiroquai, Hans Zimmer, and The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra are amongst more than 1,000 artists who have released a silent album in protest of the British government’s proposed changes to AI copyright laws. All profits will be given to the charity Help Musicians. The full list is available here.

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The track-listing for the record simply spells out the message: “The British government must not legalise music theft to benefit AI companies.” In 2023, the UK music contributed a record £7.6 billion to the economy. 

The album features recordings of empty studios and performance spaces which showcases what the future could become for musicians in the UK if the changes go ahead.

In a statement released alongside the album, the purpose of the project was made explicit: “In late 2024, the UK government proposed changing copyright law to allow artificial intelligence companies to build their products using other people’s copyrighted work—music, artworks, text, and more—without a licence. The musicians on this album came together to protest this.”

The project was organised and put together by Ed Newton-Rex. Newton-Rex was formerly the lead of the audio team at Stability AI, resigning in November 2023 over the company’s stance that training AI models on copyrighted work fell under ‘fair use’. The following January, he launched Fairly Trained, an initiative that recognises and certifies AI companies that obtain consent to data mine protected works.

A spokesman for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) said in a statement: “The UK’s current regime for copyright and AI is holding back the creative industries, media and AI sector from realising their full potential – and that cannot continue. That’s why we have been consulting on a new approach that protects the interests of both AI developers and right holders and delivers a solution which allows both to thrive… No decisions have been taken, no moves will be made until we are absolutely confident we have a practical plan that delivers each of our objectives.”

The album comes just weeks before the end of the government’s consultation period on the issue. The government’s preferred approach is an ‘opt-out’ system, forcing artists to actively request for the removal of their work. Alternative proposals have been suggested, such as an opt-in, or a model which compensates the artists fairly for access to their work, as well as allowing them to profit from any projects which make use of their work.

The new plans fail to reimburse artists for AI recreating and copying their work, stifle creativity, and the proposed opt-out scheme places an unnecessary burden on artists, critics say. The petition was signed by Bush, Radiohead star Thom Yorke, ABBA’s Bjorn Ulvaeus and The Cure frontman Robert Smith.

Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney were also voices that spoke out against the law. During a recent interview on Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, the former Beatles member said: “You get young guys, girls, coming up, and they write a beautiful song, and they don’t own it, and they don’t have anything to do with it. And anyone who wants can just rip it off … We’re the people, you’re the government! You’re supposed to protect us. That’s your job. So you know, if you’re putting through a bill, make sure you protect the creative thinkers, the creative artists, or you’re not going to have them.”

Response to the album online has been overwhelmingly positive. Yusuf/Cat Stevens shared the project on his X account, seemingly bringing the issue to a new audience. One user commented under the musician’s post, saying, “AI should be banned from harvesting the products of human creativity in the arts, music, writing, or painting. Limit it to diagnostics for science, tech, engineering, medicine, and housework. Free people to think and be paid for their creativity.”

AI should be banned from harvesting the products of human creativity in the arts, music, writing or painting.
Limit it to Diagnostics for Science tech, engineering , medicine, house work.
Free people to think and be paid for their creativity.
Grow the Arts economy don’t kill it.

— Phil (@PhilipBagLowe) February 25, 2025

The debate is raging in other countries too. Two weeks ago, a judge in Delaware ruled in favour of a copyright holder against an AI company who claimed their practices were covered by ‘fair use’.

With only two weeks of the consultation period left, ‘Is This What We Want?’ represents the final push to influence those who can really make a difference. Whether the project will be able to change the minds of a seemingly entrenched government position is yet to be seen, though the UK creative sector isn’t going down without a fight.

This article was co-reported and co-written by Lewis Pinto and Marie Choquet

The production of the show’s final season recently wrapped, after nearly a year of filming, and is now entering its post-production phase.

Reflecting on the emotional farewell, Ross Duffer shared, “It was definitely sad. We’re not going to tell the story with these characters anymore, with that crew or those actors. We were all exhausted, but at the same time, we all had to take some time to mourn the loss of it.”

That’s a wrap on Stranger Things. See you in 2025 pic.twitter.com/29htbnDf7E

— Stranger Things (@Stranger_Things) December 20, 2024

One of the most iconic moments in the latest season was the use of Kate Bush’s 1985 classic, ‘Running Up That Hill’, which played a crucial role in the storyline of Sadie Sink’s character, Max. Trapped in a dark dimension by the villain Vecna, Max’s friends use the song to help her break free from his influence, believing her favourite music would help her escape.

The scene went viral on social media, not only for its emotional intensity but also for the creative use of a pop song to heighten tension, making it a defining moment in the series.

The impact of the scene extended beyond the show, highlighting how younger audiences are embracing the mix of older and contemporary music.

In his interview with Variety, Matt Duffer commented on this moment, stating: “You can’t really manufacture it. If you try to manufacture it, you’re almost guaranteed for it to not hit. The Kate Bush thing, I thought that episode was cool, and I love Kate Bush. But no, I wasn’t expecting it to resonate with Gen Z in a particular way. But that is one of the fun things about putting it out.”

 

 

 

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The scene also underscores the significant connection between visual storytelling and music, as this pivotal moment reignited interest in Bush’s work.

The song surpassed 1 billion streams, 37 years after its original release, prompting a heartfelt response from the English singer-songwriter, who recognised the achievement with a thank you to fans “for sending this song on such an impossibly astonishing journey.”

Matt Duffer added that these moments often emerge organically, “I know the things we’re excited about, but usually, from the Kate Bush aspect of it, those come out of left field. I’m sure that will happen again. That’s part of the cool thing: You put it out into the world, and it does things that you expect and then it does things that you don’t expect.”

Kate Bush shares rare statement in response to Stranger Things’ “Running Up That Hill” boost.https://t.co/CcUTPBopQ2

— The FADER (@thefader) June 6, 2022

With the conclusion of Stranger Things on the horizon, its legacy and impact on pop culture is undeniable. From its gripping storytelling to unexpected musical revivals, the series has left a mark on both television and music history.

Both Matt and Ross are “working as fast as [they] possibly can” to produce and deliver this final season for all its eager fans.

The elusive English singer – who has seen increased public focus since the use of her 1985 hit ‘Running Up That Hill’ from her album ‘Hounds of Love’ was used in season 4 of Stranger Things – doesn’t often make public appearances but instead choses to connect with her fans via the statements she makes on her newsletter. Each year she puts out a Christmas letter. In this year’s edition Bush meditated on topics that ranged from the war torn state of the world to the soft focus seasonality of impressionist painter Monet, dancing over to the future of the world shaped by AI in the process.

She opens on a bittersweet note: “It’s been really exciting to see the wonderfully positive feedback to the Little Shrew animation. Thank you so much to all of you who made a donation to War Child.”

She refers to the animated video she released earlier in the autumn tracing a shrew trying to get across a bombed out city. Planned in 2022 upon the break out of war in Ukraine, Bush was inspired to create an “anti-war animation.” It was finally released at the end of October. On Youtube it has since garnered over 300,000 views.

The caption urges viewers to donate to War Child: a charity that works to ensure a safe future for children in conflict zones. It’s clearly a matter close to her heart as she addresses in the Christmas Eve message: “The wars keep raging. We helplessly stand and watch as those poor people are caught up in the horrors of it all and of course there are the children…”

In a turn to the brighter things of the season, Bush conjures the warmth of childhood Christmas Eves, and draws inspiration from the atmospheric allure of a Monet exhibition in London. The exhibition - which showcases 21 paintings – focusses on Monet’s works of London in the smog.

Bush uses Monet’s blurred impressionist depictions as a metaphor for our current fascination with artificial intelligence. Just as Monet found magic in London’s industrial haze, she wonders if we, too, might be dazzled by the dawning light of AI, particularly as its deeper implications and true effects remain obscured.

As she ponders “Is that us? Standing in awe at the dawn of AI, the symbol of modernity, as smog was for Monet at that time in the newly industrial London?” she insinuates the same scepticism for AI that inspired her to sign a petition for the regulation of AI uses of creative’s works earlier this month.

As she eloquently phrases it: “Do we only see the twinkling light of the new invention, which so often catches the eye of our imagination… and what are those vague, dark sardonic shapes we can see in the background, behind the theatrical gauze?”

These vague questions belie an anxiety that hangs over artists such as Bush that does feel reminiscent of those of a painter caught in the age of industrial revolution. As Bush hints towards the possible release of new music in 2025, the revelation of the “sardonic shapes” as either “freshly painted bridges” leading to a bright new creatively thinking future or as digit coded “human pods, like those from the matrix” leaching off the human imagination, is essential for both her personally and the industry as whole.

Whatever lingers behind the mist of unknown potential it’s true that “All will be revealed when the smog begins to clear.”

She finishes with a simple and heartfelt message.

“Merry Christmas everyone. I hope it’s a really joyful one for you all.
Happy new year.
Kate”

Rooted in nostalgia for the past, compassion for the present, and a cautious curiosity about the future, Bush’s Christmas message feels like a poignant meditation on transition, as we step together from 2024 into an uncertain and hazy tomorrow.

She joins the likes of creative industry heavy-weights such as Paul McCartney, Thom Yorke, Stephen Fry, and Kevin Bacon amongst other actors, musicians, and writers, all of whom are raising alarms over what could be described as an assault on creative integrity.

The campaign, which emerged earlier this year, has gathered momentum with over 37,000 signatures. Its mission is clear: to prevent tech companies from exploiting copyrighted materials without consent. In a sharp rebuke to policymakers, it calls for urgent legislative action to shield creators from the encroachments of AI.

Bush’s endorsement is particularly resonant. Having stepped back from the public eye in recent years, the ‘Wuthering Heights’ singer’s decision to re-engage on this issue underscores its importance. Her involvement follows a rare interview in which she revealed a hunger to return to the recording studio, brimming with ideas for new music. It’s a striking juxtaposition: an artist who has long defined herself by her originality now confronting a technology that threatens to undermine precisely that.

It is not just creatives who are speaking out about the issue and signing the petition. Industry executives such as the composer Edward Newton-Rex - also a former senior executive at Stability AI who resigned over the matter – have warned about the potential for AI to dehumanise art by using it as training information for AI models. Newton-Rex and his non-profit Fairly Trained are working to ensure that creators are being treated fairly in the development of AI.

There have already been several cases where legal action has been brought to an AI company over the non-consensual use of copyrighted work. In early 2023 Getty Images filed a lawsuit against Stability AI in the UK High Court. The court proceedings gained momentum throughout 2023, with significant developments including judicial reviews allowing the case to proceed. The lawsuit is ongoing, and its trial is expected to address key legal questions surrounding copyright and AI training datasets​. The lawsuit encapsulates a larger cultural reckoning: as AI’s appetite for creative material grows, so too does the urgency to reconcile innovation with fair compensation for the human ingenuity it relies upon.

Cases such as these, coupled with events such as the deeply negative reaction to advertisements like Apple’s ‘Crush!’—released earlier this year, depicting a car crusher compacting a towering heap of creative tools, from pianos to paint pots, into an iPad— demonstrate that the delicate goodwill of utility that has existed between the tech and creative industries is being slowly eroded.

Companies like OpenAI, Meta, Stability AI and Apple are at a pivotal junction of trust between their creative consumer base and themselves. The response to this growing dissent at the appropriate or inappropriate use of AI, whether from government policymakers or the tech companies themselves, will likely shape the future dynamics between technology and the creative community for years to come.

This confluence of artistic voices and industry voices coming together in this petition represents a rare moment of solidarity across genres, generations, and mediums as musicians, actors, and writers band together to protect their craft. As Kate Bush herself looks to rekindle her creative spark, her message is clear: the future of music and art should be first and foremost in human hands, not at the mercy of imitative algorithms.

Upon speaking to BBC Radio 4 to discuss Little Shrew, a short film Bush had written and directed, which features her 2011 track ‘Snowflake’ to raise money for the charity War Child, Bush delved into the future and her desire to release new music.

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Bush last released new music over 13 years ago, with 50 Words For Snow - an extraordinarily melancholic release for her comeback in 2011, after her last prior release, Aerial in 2005.

Despite no new music, Bush has released various compilation albums with live renditions of her tracks. Her fanbase has broadened, becoming multi-generational after the resurgence of her 1985 single, ‘Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)’, which originally peaked at number three during its release year, after it appeared in an episode of supernatural series, set in the 1980s, Stranger Things, back in 2022. In June 2022 it re-entered the Official UK Singles Chart soaring to the Number 1 spot and staying there for three weeks.

Bush, who is known for her whimsical and theatrical sensuality within the genre of art rock during the 1980s, revealed to the BBC that she had not started working on new music but has taken some preparation for her comeback by “doing a lot of archive work over the last few years, redesigning our website, putting a lyric book together”.

With her increased popularity with younger generations, it is no wonder Bush is eager to get back in the studio. Bush is renowned for her sonic experimentation often displaying a unique allure that fascinates listeners. She revealed this urge to create new music emerged “particularly in the last year” after feeling “really ready to start doing something new”.

For now, Bush was adamant that she wanted to focus on Little Shrew before heading back into the studio. The ‘Cloudbusting’ singer disclosed: “I’m very keen to start working on a new album when I’ve got this finished. I’ve got lots of ideas and I’m really looking forward to getting back into that creative space, it’s been a long time”.

Little Shrew was released October 25 and is free to watch. It aims to influence viewers to support children affected by conflict and to remain hopeful for peace.

It seems Bush is taking one project at a time, however, with her increased keenness to re-enter the industry with a new album, fans and listeners alike can definitely expect to witness new music within the foreseeable future.

]]> https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/kate-bush-reveals-future-plans-to-release-new-music/feed/ 0 https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/kate-bush-inducted-into-rock-roll-fame-by-big-boi-and-st-vincent/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/kate-bush-inducted-into-rock-roll-fame-by-big-boi-and-st-vincent/#comments Tue, 07 Nov 2023 12:02:56 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=97603 British pop legend Kate Bush was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame last Friday (November 3^rd), at a ceremony in Brooklyn, United States. The icon was inducted by OutKast rapper Big Boi, a self-professed super-fan of the artist who also delivered a speech in her honour. A video package was also played including the likes of Elton John, Lauren Mayberry, and St Vincent.

Kate Bush was not at the ceremony in Brooklyn herself as she released a statement on her website, saying: “I am completely blown away by this huge honour – an award that sits in the big beating heart of the American music industry. Thank you so much to everyone who voted for me. I never imagined I would be given this wonderful accolade. Last year was such a surprisingly successful time for my track Running Up That Hill and I’m sure that a lot of you who’ve voted me in to the RRHOF also drove that track up the charts. Thank you! I’m afraid I won’t be able to attend the ceremony tonight, but for me the real honour is knowing that you felt I deserved it.”

In place of Bush, St Vincent performed ‘Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)’ at the ceremony in her honour. St Vincent later released a post on social media, recalling her admiration for Bush, as she said: “Kate Bush. First heard her song ‘This Woman’s Work” in the pivotal scene in the 1988 film She’s Having A Baby. And though I was 7 or 8 and too young to understand much of anything, I wept. Then around age 16 I went to CD World in Dallas and saw a copy of ‘The Sensual World’ on the racks. And I was so taken with her. Her expression. The flower to her lips. I hadn’t put the pieces together yet that this was the woman who sang THAT song. But I took it home and it was her. That woman who could soar so high into the ether and reach so deep into your soul. The entire album is a masterpiece, but I still cannot listen to ‘This Woman’s Work’ without weeping. I stand in awe of Kate Bush. There is no one who could ever compare.”

St Vincent’s performance of ‘Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)’ can be found below.

Kate Bush had been nominated for the honour three times before in 2018, 2021 and 2022, but did not get an induction until this year. Bush’s song ‘Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)’ was used on the fourth season of Stranger Things, with the track earning fresh recognition with a younger audience, particularly in the United States – No doubt contributing to her induction.

The two artists are set to be joined by five other American acts, including country icon Willie Nelson, rap metal band Rage Against the Machine, rapper Missy Elliott, singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow and rhythm and blues vocal group the Spinners.

Bush has been nominated three times in the past five years (2018, 2021, 2022) but 2023 is the year she finally claims her prestigious place among music’s greats. Having released 25 UK Top 40 singles, including her first, “Wuthering Heights“, released in 1978 when only 19 years old, which reached number one in the UK and stayed there for four weeks, Bush is a late 70s and 80s music icon.

Watch the music video for “Wuthering Heights” below:

She recently came back to the limelight following the resurgent success of hit single “Running Up That Hill“, reaching UK number one a full 38 years since it was first released. The resurgence came after the song featured in the extremely popular Netflix drama Stranger Things. If Bush was to travel to New York to accept her induction and perform, as is customary, it would be her first public appearance since 2014, and as such would greatly excite her many fans.

Michael received his induction by way of a fan vote, receiving 1.04 million votes, just ahead of fellow nominee and singer-songwriter Cyndi Lauper. Michael is one the best-selling musicians of all time, achieving widespread success both in the UK and the US, releasing seven UK number one singles and eight US number ones. His induction also coincides with the 40th anniversary of Wham!’s debut album, Anniversary. 

Watch the music video for “Careless Whisper” below:

Artists who were nominated this year but din’t make the cut include English post-punk band Joy Division (subsequently New Order) and English heavy metal group Iron Maiden. Cyndi Lauper, as previosly mentioned, also didn’t make it, along with American rock band Soundgarden, brother and sister rock duo the White Stripes, singer-songwriter Warren Zevon and legendary New York hip hop group A Tribe Called Quest.

Other winners include DJ Kool Herc and guitarist Link Wray, both receiving the Musical Influence Award, while the Music Excellence Award will be awarded to singer Chaka Khan and songwriters Al Kooper and Bernie Taupin, and television presenter Don Cornelius is set to win the Ahmet Ertegun Award.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony will be held at the Barclays Center in New York in November.

She wrote in her message “I don’t think any of us have ever known a year like this one. Life became incredibly frightening in the pandemic but just as we think it might be over soon, it seems to keep going. It’s a bombardment – the horrific war in Ukraine, the famines, the droughts, the floods… and we lost our Queen. Many of my friends were surprised at how upset they were at her death especially as we aren’t royalists, but I think her passing became a focus of grief, for unexpressed loss that so many people felt during the pandemic.” 

Furthermore in her message, she writes, “I wonder where on earth we’ll all be at the end next year, I hope the war will end. I hope that the nurses will be in a position where they are appreciated – they should be cherished. Let’s all hope that next year will be better than this one.”

One of her best highlights of the year which she described as a “crazy, roller coaster” was the success of her famous 1985 song ‘Running Up That Hill as it topped the charts in both the UK and Australia. Thanks to the iconic scene in Stranger Things featuring Max’s Song as she faces Vecna.

She owes the success of RUTH to her fans in the younger generation, especially the new fans who thought she was a new artist for reviving the song’s popularity and getting all the attention and recognition it deserves.

Kate Bush is currently trending on Twitter as her wonderful message has users blooming with love and support for Kate. One Twitter user said, “Kate Bush has posted a beautiful Christmas message on her website. Accompanied by a picture of a robin, she reflects on Ukraine, the death of the Queen, her hope that nurses are finally cherished (yes, Kate!) and the huge success of Running Up That Hill. Merry Christmas, Kate!”

Another Twitter user said, “Kate Bush gave the best Christmas message and I love her. Merry Christmas Kate!! And we should appreciate the nurses working to fight the ongoing pandemic like she said. Plus Kate is not a royalist confirmed!”