Kate Bush has joined a growing list of prominent figures advocating for stricter regulations on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the creative industry. The campaign, which began earlier this year, calls for an end to the unlicensed use of artistic works for training generative AI systems—a practice that many argue threatens the livelihoods of creators.
The initiative has garnered significant attention, with over 36,000 individuals signing a petition urging government intervention. The petition highlights the risks posed by AI companies exploiting copyrighted material without permission, leading to economic and creative challenges for artists. Paul McCartney and other high-profile names, including Thom Yorke of Radiohead, ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus, and authors like Kazuo Ishiguro, have also lent their support.
Kate Bush’s involvement comes amid her plans to create new music. The celebrated artist, known for her groundbreaking 1978 hit “Wuthering Heights,” revealed in a recent interview her eagerness to return to the studio after more than a decade. She expressed enthusiasm about exploring fresh ideas and reigniting her creative journey.
The debate around AI’s role in music and other creative fields has intensified in recent months. Advocates of stronger protections argue that unchecked AI development could devalue original works and jeopardize fair compensation for creators. Organizations such as the Artist Rights Alliance have emphasized the need for ethical AI practices, urging tech companies and platforms to refrain from deploying tools that undermine human artistry.
Industry representatives, including Gee Davy of the Association of Independent Music, have voiced support for the campaign, stressing the importance of fair collaboration between artists and businesses. Meanwhile, composer and former AI executive Ed Newton-Rex has highlighted the concerns of creators facing competition from AI systems trained on their work without consent.
The broader implications of AI’s rapid development are also becoming apparent. Reports estimate that those in the music industry could lose up to a quarter of their income to AI advancements within the next four years, while developers in the sector stand to gain billions. These figures underscore the urgency of addressing the ethical and economic challenges posed by generative AI technologies.
As the conversation continues, artists, industry leaders, and policymakers are calling for robust measures to safeguard creativity and ensure fair practices in the evolving digital landscape.