Artificial intelligence has permeated many industries, and one hit songwriter has strong opinions about its place in the arts.
Jack Antonoff, a 42-year-old singer-songwriter who has worked with the likes of Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar, released a letter Thursday defending the “ancient rituals” of music production. In an Instagram post, Antonoff criticized people who are looking for ways to make songwriting easier or faster.
“I don’t have to write music anymore, I don’t have to record music, I don’t have to bring in a band to play,” Antonoff said.
AI-generated content is making its way into fields ranging from academia to illustration to music. Some companies are developing AI tools to automate tasks in the music industry, such as mastering tracks. There are also AI assistants specifically designed to write songs and AI pop stars who drop singles on streaming platforms.
Antonov is having none of that. He denounced the idea of using technology to optimize the “sacred process” of writing, recording and performing music. He spoke on behalf of himself, his band and “everyone I know” to condemn “bad actors”, saying they would eventually be exposed by the slop they produce.
“To all of you who are excited about new ways to disguise works of art, please drive off that cliff,” Antonoff said in the letter. “We’re really happy to see you go.”
He’s not the first to use AI-generated music in the music industry. Label Universal Music Group has gone head-to-head with AI multiple times to create music that looks and sounds like artists who have been removed from streaming platforms. Artist Jason Derulo also said that AI’s music lacks soul.
Antonoff said that new musicians he knows aren’t interested in AI-generated music. He candidly shared his thoughts on the people creating the “slop” that’s been impacting streaming services lately.
“Godless prostitutes,” he wrote.