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. 

22 May 2025 | Press release

Blue Flowers Celebrates 20 Years - Announces Special Live Show on 9th July

Marking two decades of championing some of the most exciting talent the UK has to offer, Blue Flowers — the West London collective that evolved from a beloved local live night into one of the UK’s most respected independent record...more

22 May 2025 | Press release

Barclays announces new partnerships with two of the UK's most iconic venues: The O2 and Co-op Live

Barclays continues to expand its impressive sponsorship portfolio through multi-year venue partnerships, aligning with some of the UK’s biggest passions    Ahead of a huge summer of events, Barclays today announces its brand-new partnerships with two of the most iconic live venues...more

22 May 2025 | Press release

Independent Venue Community announce a wave of new supporters, including The Last Dinner Party, Radiohead's Philip Selway and Public Service Broadcasting

  The BRIT Award-winning band are announced as Ambassadors during a Parliamentary reception for IVC - the recently-launched sister charity of Independent Venue Week, that aims to promote daytime community activities in music venues 18 patrons have also come onboard to support...more

22 May 2025 | Press release

TikTok and SoundCloud announce new Add to Music App partnership

SoundCloud and TikTok are pleased to announce a new partnership that will see SoundCloud integrated into TikTok's music discovery feature, Add to Music App.    Add to Music App is a feature which gives music fans the ability to save the songs they discover on TikTok to...more

21 May 2025 | Press release

Universal Music Group to relocate New York offices to the Penn District

World leader in music-based entertainment lands new space for Eastern U.S. operations of iconic labels, businesses  New offices will feature state-of-the-art production facilities, retail space and premium digital signage in heart of Manhattan    Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based...more

21 May 2025 | Press release

Department for Business and Trade & Music Technology UK announce inaugural UK MusicTech Mission to Los Angeles

The UK's Department for Business and Trade (DBT), in partnership with Music Technology UK (MTUK), has announced the ten innovative UK music technology companies selected to participate in the inaugural UK MusicTech Mission to Los Angeles, taking place June 9-11,...more

21 May 2025 | Press release

Payday Music Publishing announces agreement for Kenny Young catalogue

New Signings & Big Hits for UK Division    Payday Music Publishing (‘Payday Publishing’), the leading independent publisher of Electronic Dance Music, Pop, Hip-Hop, Jazz and Reggae, has announced a publishing deal with the estate of the late Kenny Young. Kenny Young was...more

21 May 2025 | Press release

The Ivors 2025: Myles Smith and Darren Kiely to release Amazon Original tracks plus exclusive livestream performances

AMAZON MUSIC TO LIVESTREAM PERFORMANCES FROM LOLA YOUNG AND MYLES SMITH FROM THE IVORS BEA AND HER BUSINESS AND DARREN KIELY TO PERFORM BACKSTAGE EXCLUSIVELY FOR AMAZON MUSIC AMAZON ORIGINALS - MYLES SMITH COVERS "BEAUTIFUL DAY" BY U2 AVAILABLE HERE - WITH DARREN KIELY...more

21 May 2025 | Press release

Cleber Augusto releases new album with the assistance of AI

Warner Music Brazil helps artist who lost his voice to throat cancer   The deluxe version of the album Minhas Andanças is out today, capping off a remarkable project that brings the voice of Brazilian samba legend Cleber Augusto back to the spotlight. Blending...more

21 May 2025 | Press release

Creators and industry leaders rally for faithful implementation of AI regulation at European Parliament

Europe's creative sectors call on EU policymakers to uphold transparency, consent, and creators' rights in AI Act implementation  Last night, cultural and creative voices from across Europe came together in the European Parliament with a united message: the EU policymakers must...more

21 May 2025 | Press release

Introducing Fender Studio - Record, jam and create with the authentic sound of Fender amps and effects

In An Industry First, New App Brings One-Tap Recording, Mixing and Jam Tracks to Mobile, Tablet and Desktop Devices    Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) today announces the launch of Fender® Studio, the all-new app for recording, jamming and capturing creativity wherever and whenever...more

21 May 2025 | Press release

European creators led by Bjorn Ulvaeus meet top EU policymakers to ensure Transparency, Consent, and Remuneration for creators in AI market

A high-level delegation of creators led by ABBA co-founder and CISAC President Björn Ulvaeus has visited Brussels to call for action by the EU to safeguard creators’ rights in the AI era.  DOWNLOAD ULVAEUS' FULL SPEECH They met on May 20-21 with...more

20 May 2025 | Press release

National Album Day returns on 18 October with this year celebrating Rock

NATIONAL ALBUM DAY RETURNS ON SATURDAY 18TH OCTOBER 2025, THIS YEAR CELEBRATING ROCK   National Album Day returns on Saturday 18th October 2025 with this year’s theme celebrating Rock, following previous editions that, among other themes, have focused on the albums of the 90s, Women in Music, Debut Albums and, just last year, Great...more

20 May 2025 | Press release

BBC Radio 1 Presenter and DJ Jodie Bryant joins Youth Music as new Ambassador

  Jodie Bryant, known for presenting the BBC Radio 1’s Future Pop show and championing new musical talent, joins Youth Music as an Ambassador Throughout the Ambassadorship, Jodie will amplify a variety of Youth Music initiatives, including the Next Generation Day with BBC...more

20 May 2025 | Press release

Dua Lipa is the most played artist in the UK for the second time in five years

Noah Kahan claims most played track of 2024 with ‘Stick Season’, while country music makes waves in the UKPPL can reveal that Dua Lipa was the most played artist across radio, TV and public places in the UK throughout 2024....more

20 May 2025 | Press release

FastStream Interactive acquires ROXi, prepares to revolutionise US Broadcast TV

  * Management-led buy-out of ROXi technology and business* Revolutionary free Interactive TV Channels to launch imminently* Backed by major US broadcasters including Sinclair and Gray* FSI shareholders also include Adam Clayton, Guy Hands, Jim Mellon   Management at music video streaming service...more

20 May 2025 | Press release

Cherry Red Records announce acquisition of Dome Records

Lulu, Beverley Knight, Incognito & James Taylor Quartet Included in Catalogue Purchase. Cherry Red Records has announced the acquisition of UK label Dome Records from directors Peter and Santosh Robinson.   Founded in 1992 by industry veteran Robinson, the company’s extensive catalogue...more

20 May 2025 | Press release

UK Music responds to EU touring announcement in today's UK-EU summit

Touring is referred to in point 15 of the Common Understanding document below:  15. The European Commission and the United Kingdom recognise the value of travel and cultural and artistic exchanges, including the activities of touring artists. They will continue their efforts to...more

20 May 2025 | Press release

Recognition Music Group establishes senior advisory group

Recognition Music Group, a leading music rights and investment company, today announced the formation of its Senior Advisory Group and appointed Matt Spetzler as Chairman, alongside Lisa Alter and David H Johnson as members. The Senior Advisory Group will provide...more

19 May 2025 | Press release

UK Music Industry Sends a Postcard Plea from Great Escape Festival to Political Leaders to Remove Barriers to EU Touring ahead of Summit

Legendary music industry broadcaster Steve Lamacq and Kaiser Chiefs' Simon Rix were among a raft of musicians, artists, and industry leaders who united at Brighton's Great Escape Festival to urge political leaders to sweep away the barriers to touring the...more

19 May 2025 | Press release

Unchained Music partners with Sonic Wax for vinyl manufacturing and distribution

Partnership will see artists on Web3 platform effortlessly gain a physical presence in record stores   Pioneering distribution and services company Unchained Music has agreed a manufacturing and distribution partnership with respected vinyl pressing plant Sonic Wax. The innovative partnership will see select...more

19 May 2025 | Press release

The Ivors Academy unveils free membership, new brand and website to champion songwriters and composers

  To kick off Ivors Week, The Ivors Academy – the UK's leading organisation for songwriters and composers – has unveiled a new brand and website as part of a major relaunch of its membership offer, reaffirming its commitment to be...more

19 May 2025 | Press release

Brockwell Festivals Battle Marks Dark Day for Culture, Workers, and Community - NTIA Warns

  Comment from Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association: “The legal action brought against Lambeth Council over the Brockwell Park festivals is emblematic of a much deeper crisis facing our cultural and events landscape. If these festivals are unable...more

16 May 2025 | Press release

Popindia announces the acquisition of Musicraft Entertainment catalog in India

PopIndia, Reservoir Media, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: RSVR) newly launched subsidiary based in Mumbai, India, today announced the acquisition of publishing and master rights to the entire Musicraft Entertainment catalog. This marks the Company's first catalog deal in India. Established in 1980, Musicraft...more

16 May 2025 | Press release

IMPALA launches new EU-funded support scheme to boost change-making initiatives in the indie sector

IMPALA, the European association of independent music companies, has launched a new EU-funded support scheme aimed at boosting sector-led initiatives working on equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI), and environmental sustainability. The initiative is part of IMPALA's broader work programme as a recognised EU cultural network and...more

16 May 2025 | Press release

Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Kane Brown's Verse 2 Music Renew Partnership

Deals extends joint venture helmed by country star Kane Brown and Industry Veteran Kent Earls Sony Music Publishing Nashville today announced the renewal of its partnership with Verse 2 Music, led by multi-platinum, award-winning country music superstar Kane Brown and industry...more

16 May 2025 | Press release

New report shows independent promoters as vital champions of local talent - but under threat

First of its kind AIP Report details composition, contribution and struggles of independent promoters in the UK. Most survey respondents showcased local talent in over 51% of their events in 2024. But 55% supplement their income with other work. The Association of Independent...more

16 May 2025 | Press release

ClicknClear selected as a finalist for the world intellectual property organization (WIPO) global awards

CLICKnCLEAR SELECTED AS A FINALIST FOR THE WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ORGANIZATION (WIPO) GLOBAL AWARDS Further strong validation of the company’s innovative music rights tech platform and business momentum with both sports and music.   The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has selected ClicknClear...more

16 May 2025 | Press release

Full Time Hobby signs Dead Pioneers under Bucks sponsorship deal

Band signed to Full Time Hobby sister Hassle Records last year.  Full Time Hobby has signed Dead Pioneers to its publishing roster under its sponsorship agreement with Bucks Music Group. The agreement between Full Time Hobby and Bucks Music Group means that...more

15 May 2025 | Press release

Spandau Ballet's Gary Kemp shares his concerns with the state of touring and how labels 'rely on artist's social media' to sell them

Spandau Ballet's Gary Kemp shares his concerns with the state of touring and how labels 'rely on artist's social media' to sell them, in a new podcast released today   Following on from the successful launch of his new album ‘The Destination’,...more

22 May 2025

  • SoundCloud integrates into TikTok's Add to Music App (see Digital)

21 May 2025

  • Why some artists are rethinking touring (see Analysis)

  • Spotify reveals its Songs Of Summer predictions (see Digital)

20 May 2025

  • Government defeated for third time in Lords over copyright protection against AI (see News)

  • Young people are being excluded from live music (see Comment)

19 May 2025

  • Lambeth council acted ‘irrationally’ over approval of summer festivals, High Court rules (see News)

  • UK Music and Elton John deliver warning about Government’s AI copyright plans (see News)

16 May 2025

  • You can’t put a price on culture—but you can put a price on saving it (see Comment)

15 May 2025

  • SoundCloud backtracks on AI-related terms-of-use updates (see Digital)

14 May 2025

  • Data Bill returns to the Commons today for crucial vote (see News)

13 May 2025

  • Music discovery is not dead, just evolving (see Comment)

12 May 2025

  • The business fundamentals behind DSP's and what this means for music (see Comment)

  • Artists urge Prime Minister to rethink AI copyright plans (see News)

09 May 2025

  • Tariffs, tours, and trade wars: Why music investment won’t slow down (see Comment)

  • Unintended consequences – the year ahead for streaming (see Comment)