SEARCH DATE RANGE

SEARCH TERM OR WORD

 

  • Four in every five music listeners believe that human creativity is essential to music, and that music must not be ingested by AI systems unless authorised, new survey reveals 
  • More than 1,750 music listeners across the UK were surveyed as part of a joint BPI and AudienceNet survey of listening habits
  • This latest data and other key trends in UK recorded music are revealed in All About The Music 2025, the BPI’s definitive UK music industry yearbook, out now

 

A new survey of UK music listeners by the BPI, the representative voice for the UK’s world-leading record companies and label businesses, reveals that music consumers believe strongly that human creativity is fundamental to music, that music made solely by AI should be clearly labelled, and that music should only be ingested by AI systems when authorised.  

More than 1,750 music consumers across the UK were asked about their views around AI and music as part of a nationally representative BPI and AudienceNet survey of listening habits, commissioned for BPI’s latest All About the Music 2025 recorded music yearbook, which is published today.  

The survey reveals attitudes towards a number of topics that have been central to current debates and prompted criticism from across the creator community, including from such renowned artists as Paul McCartney, Elton John and Kate Bush, around generative AI and human creativity in light of the UK Government’s proposed changes to copyright law. These include:  

Permission and transparency: 

  • 81.5% of respondents believe that music generated solely by AI should be clearly labelled. 
  • 78.5% believe an artist's music or vocals should not be ingested or used by AI without permission from the artist or their record label.  
  • 72.7% believe an AI system should clearly list any music that it has ingested or used for training. 

The importance of human creativity in music-making:  

  • 82.7% believe human creativity is essential in the creation of music. 
  • Over 80% value human-made music more than AI-generated music. 
  • 64.3% of respondents were not interested in AI-generated music which sounds like or impersonates their favourite artist. 

A full list of findings is below.  

The UK Government is proposing highly controversial changes to copyright law which would make it legal for global AI firms to train generative AI models using the UK’s music, books, film and more, without the need for authorisation or compensation from the works’ creators or rights-holders. According to what is being proposed, creators and rightsholders would in theory be given the option to ‘opt-out’ of having their work used to train AI models – but other markets have shown that opt-out schemes are unworkable in practice, and ineffective in protecting against misuse and theft.

Intellectual Property rights are the foundation upon which Britain’s world-leading creative industries – which are worth £125 billion per year (GVA) to the UK economy and employ over 2.4 million people - are built. Copyright law specifically protects original works on authorship, such as music, from being copied, distributed, or performed without the copyright holder’s authorisation. 

Many of the public’s views on how generative AI firms use and train on copyrighted work revealed in the survey echo those of the UK’s creative industries, which have spoken out unequivocally against the Government’s proposals on numerous occasions in recent months. Key moments have included the release of Is This What We Want?, a silent protest album supported by over 1,000 musicians, including Annie Lennox OBE, Sam Fender, and BPI Chair YolanDa Brown OBE DL, and the launch of the Make It Fair campaign across news media. The Make It Fair campaign was recently continued at the BRIT Awards 2025 with Mastercard, with BRITs-nominated artists including Lola Young, Myles Smith, Rachel Chinouriri, The Last Dinner Party and many more all lending their support.  

These latest BPI findings also echo extensive global research carried out by the IFPI in 2023 – to date the largest survey of its kind – which found that 79% of 43,000 respondents across 26 countries felt that human creativity remains essential to the creation of music, with 76% agreeing that an artist’s music or vocals should not be used or ingested by AI without authorisation.

Sophie Jones, BPI Chief Strategy Officer, said:  
“Britain’s music fans are adding their voices to the chorus of creators and creative businesses who want to see AI develop legally, respectfully and responsibly.

“This research shows support for several of our key asks, including that transparency should be an integral requirement for all AI models, that copyright must not be weakened to favour big tech as the Government proposes, and that music should not be used for AI training without authorisation from the creator or rights holder.

“AI presents myriad opportunities for everyone in the music industry and consumers. Our music businesses members are innovating - as they always have - with new technology, and are ambitious to play their part in driving the U.K.’s growth agenda. But we can only realise this potential by securing our strong copyright framework, and by developing licensing partnerships that will enable creativity and AI to flourish together.” 

Ed Newton-Rex, Founder Fairly Trained, composer, and campaigner for AI companies to respect creators’ rights, said: 
This survey reinforces what the government must surely already know: the public overwhelmingly supports the fair treatment of artists by AI companies, and rejects the idea that their work should be handed to AI companies without their permission. It's vitally important that the government listens to the public, and to the creative community, and scraps its unfair proposals to weaken copyright law. It should represent the people, not big tech.”

The findings come ahead of this Saturday’s World IP Day (26th April), which this year has as its theme Intellectual property and music: Feel the beat of IP.

 

The full details of BPI and AudienceNet/Audiomonitor survey findings:  

Attitudes towards AI and Creativity (% net agree) 

Human creativity is essential in the creation of music 

82.7%  

Music generated solely by AI should be clearly labelled 

81.5% 

Music created by humans is more valuable to me than music generated by AI 

80.1% 

An artist's music or vocals should not be ingested or used by AI without permission from the artist or their record label  

78.5% 

An AI system should clearly list any music that it has ingested or used for training 

72.7% 

Governments should play a role in setting restrictions on what AI can do 

71.5% 

I am not interested in AI-generated music which sounds like or impersonates my favourite artist 

64.3% 

Music generated by AI without any human creativity should not get copyright protection 

61.4% 

Artists should be able to use AI tools when they create music as long as the artist remains in control 

48.6% 

‘All About The Music’ is a detailed look at the UK recorded music industry in 2024 via a mixture of facts, figures and analysis. Suitable for those looking to get a broad understanding of the market as well as readers looking for a deeper dive into the data, this 46th edition of the BPI’s authorative yearbook comprehensively covers the story of the year in music. With analysis and commentary from the BPI's own Insight team as well as data from respected sources such as the Official Charts Company, AudienceNet, MIDiA, Luminate and IFPI, this is the definitive resource for anyone with an interest in the UK recorded music market.  The 2025 edition presents the data behind the trends and patterns of the year, from a tenth consecutive year of industry income growth to the record showing by women such as Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter on the Official Charts. A special feature examines the statistics behind the year in Independent music, from number one albums for Beabadoobee and IDLES to a 29% share of Album Equivalent Sales, while new consumer survey data uncovers insights about superfans, the cultural power of British music, and the importance of music to people.  

All About The Music 2025 is free to BPI members, but can be purchased by non-members here. 

01 May 2025 | Press release

IMPEL welcomes Musou Music Publishing — the first Greek publisher to join its collective

  Musou Music Publishing is part of Musou Music Group, which was founded in 2006 and also includes Musou Music Production, Musou Studios, and Musou Records.  Musou Music Publishing has been awarded a total of three Grand, eight Golden, three Silver and...more

01 May 2025 | Press release

BPI's new Yearbook reveals Country music's surging popularity, achieving its biggest annual share of the UK recorded music market this century

  BPI’s newly-published All About The Music 2025 discloses Country’s share of the UK singles market increased by over 50% year-on-year in 2024, thanks to artists including Beyoncé, Dasha and Shaboozey. Country music claimed it highest share of artist albums consumption in the UK...more

01 May 2025 | Press release

ABBA co-founder and CISAC President Bjorn Ulvaeus urges UK government not to weaken copyright for AI

CISAC President Björn Ulvaeus has concluded two days of meetings in the UK, urging the government to safeguard human creators in the AI age and avoid weakening creators’ rights. Speaking at an open discussion with Members of Parliament and Lords in...more

01 May 2025 | Press release

KiTbetter Brings Dolby Atmos to KiTalbum

Fans can experience TWS’s New Album ‘TRY WITH US’ in Dolby Atmos Through KiTalbum KiTbetter, the music technology brand pioneering hybrid physical-digital music experiences, today announced Dolby Atmos® is now available through KiTbetter’s flagship product, KiTalbum. The first album to launch as...more

01 May 2025 | Press release

Music Economy Development Initiative Launched at Global Citizen NOW Summit

Landmark Initiative’s Mission is Expanding Music’s Potential to Combat Extreme Poverty Led by the Center for Music Ecosystems and Global Citizen, Backed by the International Finance Corporation and Universal Music Group  Today at the Global Citizen NOW summit in New York, the...more

01 May 2025 | Press release

Latest PPL Momentum Music Fund and PPL Momentum Sbardun | Accelerator grantees announced

Latest round features multi-award winning and critically acclaimed artists 9 exciting Wales-based artists and 3 industry professionals selected for the latest PPL Momentum Sbardun support   PRS Foundation, the UK’s leading charitable funder of new music and talent development, together with PPL, Creative Wales and Arts...more

01 May 2025 | Press release

Earthfest Music Summit 2025

Shaping a Sustainable Future for the Music Industry Sponsored by Ecotricity   The Earthfest Music Summit, a significant feature of the wider Earthfest event, will unite the most progressive sustainability leaders in the music industry for a full-day programme dedicated to tackling the...more

01 May 2025 | Press release

Co-op Live celebrates first year as top arena in UK and Europe

Innovative, music first venue reaches #1 in gross ticket sales aided by UK arena exclusives Co-op Live, the UK’s largest indoor arena, has been named the No.1 venue for gross sales in the UK and Europe since its opening in May...more

30 Apr 2025 | Press release

Casio Sessions returns for 2025 - an inspiring singer-songwriter competition for emerging artists

  Applications to Casio Sessions 2025 are now open to UK-based singer-songwriters Musicians will compete to win a PX-S7000HM digital piano, one of Casio's premium models worth £2,249, plus an exclusive studio mastering session and their winning song pressed to vinyl -...more

30 Apr 2025 | Press release

Key Production Group strengthens European team with new hire

Julia Völkel joins as Account Manager Julia Völkel expands Key Production Group's EU team The former Senior Sales Manager at Optimal Media GmbH will support Key Production as Account Manager for the German and European market Key Production expands its offering for German...more

30 Apr 2025 | Press release

Rock en Seine 2025 unveils its exceptional lineup

Rock en Seine continues to unveil its breathtaking lineup. After confirming its 100% pop female-led opening day a few weeks ago, headlined by Chappell Roan, London Grammar, Suki Waterhouse and Luvcat, it’s time for the festival to share more exciting...more

30 Apr 2025 | Press release

The Battle - John Niven's First Comedy Play

The Battle -  John Niven's First Comedy Play on the Greatest Chart Battle of All Time - BLUR vs OASIS - to Tour Ahead of West End Written by John NivenDirected by Matthew Dunster www.thebattleplay.com   Melting Pot and Birmingham Rep co-present The Battle, a new comedy play based (mostly) on real...more

30 Apr 2025 | Press release

Opting Into Fair AI: CreateBase and Musical AI Partner on Consent-Driven AI Training Practices

Musical AI, the attribution and rights management platform for AI, has joined forces with CreateBase to build one of the first fully transparent, consent-based music training ecosystems,  addressing a persistent challenge in the relationship between AI and the music industry....more

30 Apr 2025 | Press release

Revolutionising Direct-to-Fan Ticketing: Music Glue Launches Enhanced Platform Empowering Artists Worldwide

Music Glue, the London-based global e-commerce platform for the music industry, has unveiled a newly enhanced, direct-to-fan ticketing solution.  Designed specifically with artists in mind, the upgraded platform offers a seamless, powerful, and transparent way for artists to sell tickets directly...more

30 Apr 2025 | Press release

IMPALA announces the launch of new Artist Camp project as part of EU network programme

  IMPALA is proud to announce the launch of its new Artist Camp project, co-funded by the European Union as part of IMPALA’s 2025–2028 network programme.Starting in 2025, IMPALA and its member associations will organise an Artist Camp each year, each based on a unique partnership between...more

30 Apr 2025 | Press release

28 leading A&R professionals confirmed for A&R Sessions at Brighton Music Conference

The award-winning Brighton Music Conference (BMC), the UK’s leading electronic music and networking event, is excited to welcome 28 leading A&R professionals in the electronic music scene to the ‘A&R Sessions’ at BMC25.Taking place from 21st to 23rd May 2025 at some...more

30 Apr 2025 | Press release

How UnitedMasters Used SymphonyOS to Push BigXThaPlug to the Top of the Billboard Hot 100

  BigXThaPlug is having a moment. Building on years of hard luck and hard work, the Texas rapper has broken through with a triumphant Jimmy Kimmel appearance and a chart-storming new single.  “All The Way,”’ BigXThaPlug’s genre-blending collab with rising country star Bailey Zimmerman,...more

30 Apr 2025 | Press release

Sony Corporation and Bandlab Technologies Announce Strategic Partnership to Empower Creators With Cutting-Edge Technology and Opportunities That Make Music Creation More Accessible

Collaboration brings new technology and artist support to millions of creators, starting with spatial sound integration in BandLab  Sony Corporation and BandLab Technologies today announced a strategic partnership set to redefine music creation for independent and emerging artists worldwide. By bringing...more

30 Apr 2025 | Press release

RHEI Data Pro Adds $20M in New Licensing Agreements to its Initial $35M, With Eight Figures in Partner Earnings So Far

RHEI Data Pro emerges as one of the world’s largest audio-visual content databasesRHEI, a leading tech company that builds AI to amplify human creativity, scale its audience, and enhance its impact, today announced the addition of $20 million in new...more

30 Apr 2025 | Press release

BeatStars and Sureel Partner to Strengthen Intellectual Property Protection for Creators

  First-of-its-Kind Collaboration Protects the Work of Creators on BeatStars in the Age of AI   BeatStars, the world's #1 music marketplace, is reinforcing its commitment to ethical AI and creator empowerment by announcing a strategic partnership with Sureel.ai. This collaboration ensures the...more

30 Apr 2025 | Press release

One Media report full year results

One Media iP Group Plc ("One Media", "the Company" or the "Group")   Audited results for the year ended 31 October 2024   One Media iP focused on music rights investment   One Media iP (AIM: OMIP), the digital music rights acquirer, publisher and distributor, announces its...more

29 Apr 2025 | Press release

Payday Music Publishing expands LA operations

New Synch Hires, Coachella Sessions and Studio Expansion Payday Music Publishing (‘Payday Publishing’), the leading independent publishers of Electronic Dance Music, Pop, Hip-Hop, Jazz and Reggae, has announced two senior hires to further bolster its LA based sync department.Jamey Sussman and...more

29 Apr 2025 | Press release

LIVE Trust welcomes first £500k in ticket contribution pledges

“An excellent start, with more to come” – Jon Collins, CEO LIVE LIVE (Live music Industry Venues & Entertainment), which represents 15 live music industry organisations, has announced that the LIVE Trust, a transformative new funding initiative that will offer much...more

29 Apr 2025 | Press release

NTIA Celebrates Milestone as International Nightlife Association Gains Full United Nations NGO Status, Elevating Global Night Time Economy

Only four months after obtaining consultative status, the INA is now recognised as a Full Member of CoNGO, further solidifying nightlife's global relevance. The International Nightlife Association (INA) announces its elevation to Full Member status within the Conference of Non-Governmental Organisations...more

29 Apr 2025 | Press release

Henri Lanz appointed as Senior International A&R & Creative Advisor for Warner Music Nordics

  Warner Music Nordics has made a significant addition to its senior leadership team with the appointment of Henri Lanz, one of the region's most respected music industry experts. The award-winning producer, successful songwriter and experienced music industry executive has taken up...more

29 Apr 2025 | Press release

UniteSync: How a Producer Merged Information Science and Artistic Passion to Find Songwriters and Musicians' Unpaid Royalties

  Carlos Palop should have been living the dream. A producer and electronic artist, Palop was seeing real traction with some of his lofi tracks. Streams were picking up--and yet the more he looked at his royalty statements, the more discrepancies...more

29 Apr 2025 | Press release

David Arnold and Anne Nikitin in conversation at The Ivors Academy Summit 2025

Acclaimed composers David Arnold and Anne Nikitin will be in conversation at The Ivors Academy Summit supported by ICE and PRS for Music on 20 May in London, a major new event designed to empower songwriters and composers with the practical knowledge, tools and connections to make...more

28 Apr 2025 | Press release

Impala welcomes European Commission's scrutiny of acquisition of Downtown by Universal Music Group

IMPALA, the European association of independent music companies, welcomes the European Commission’s decision to investigate the proposed merger between Universal Music Group (UMG) and Downtown Music Holdings, home to companies such as Fuga, CD Baby, Songtrust, Curve, AdRev, as well...more

28 Apr 2025 | Press release

Moby and Little Walnut Productions Relaunch mobygratis: Free Music Access for All Creators

Platform now offers 500 new unreleased tracks, multitrack audio, and upgraded tools to empower independent creatives On Thursday, April 24, 2025, internationally renowned musician and activist Moby announced the relaunch of mobygratis at NeueHouse Hollywood. Powered by Little Walnut Productions, mobygratis...more

28 Apr 2025 | Press release

Music venue SWX Bristol relaunches as Electric Bristol

Electric Group, the UK's fastest growing music venue operator behind iconic spaces like Electric Brixton and NX Newcastle, announces the rebranding of SWX Bristol to Electric Bristol.  This exciting new chapter cements the venue's status as a key player in the UK's live touring music scene...more

01 May 2025

  • BPI's new Yearbook reveals Country music's surging popularity (see News)

30 Apr 2025

  • How Live Nation calls the tune for the live music industry (see Features)

29 Apr 2025

  • How economic volatility will impact US labels’ fandom monetisation push (see Comment)

28 Apr 2025

  • Spotify is said to be raising its subscription prices across Europe and Latin America (see Digital)

  • Culture Secretary to review the Music Export Growth Scheme (see News)

25 Apr 2025

  • The music industry wants solutions. But do listeners see problems? (see Comment)

  • The next generation of independent music tastemakers (see Features)

24 Apr 2025

  • BPI survey confirms music consumers believe human creativity is fundamental to music (see Reports)

23 Apr 2025

  • Eight UK cities join forces for 'Music Fans Voice' survey (see Reports)

22 Apr 2025

  • Did the Spotify 1,000 stream rule cost artists $47m?

  • Meet the editors crafting some of Spotify’s top playlists (see Features)

17 Apr 2025

  • Two Guardian music writers spent a week assessing the limits of living with and without Spotify (see Features)

16 Apr 2025

  • Ruth Barlow of AIM and Beggars Group on UMGDowntown and why she believes ‘regulators must act’ (see Comment)