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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Robert Booth UK technology editor

Paul McCartney joins music industry protest against AI with silent track

Paul McCartney on stage in Manchester in 2024
There are no catchy melodies in McCartney’s first release in five years, only quiet hiss and the odd clatter. Photograph: Danny Lawson/PA

At two minutes 45 seconds it’s about the same length as With a Little Help From My Friends. But Paul McCartney’s first new recording in five years lacks the sing-along tune and jaunty guitar chops because there’s barely anything there.

The former Beatle, arguably Britain’s greatest living songwriter, is releasing a track of an almost completely silent recording studio as part of a music industry protest against copyright theft by artificial intelligence companies.

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