Jack Antonoff criticized creators of AI-generated music in a fiery statement, calling them “godless whores” and saying, “We’re genuinely happy to see you go.”
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Jack Antonoff, best known as a member of Bleachers, posted an extensive message on Instagram in which he claimed that “bad actors will willingly reveal themselves.”
Jack Antonoff is making his stance on AI-generated music crystal clear.
On Wednesday, May 13, the Bleachers frontman posted a lengthy Instagram message criticizing artists who rely on artificial intelligence in music creation.
“What we do has become an ancient ritual,” Antonoff, 42, wrote. “You don’t have to write music, record it or even gather a band to perform it anymore. But for us, trying to optimize the process completely misses the point of why we create in the first place. None of us ever wanted this work to be faster or easier. The unpredictability and magic are exactly why we do it — without that process, there’s nothing left.”
He went on to criticize those embracing AI-generated art and music.
“To everyone excited about new ways to fake making art, go ahead and drive straight off that cliff,” Antonoff wrote. “We’re honestly glad to watch you leave. Future generations will still take part in the timeless tradition of writing, recording and performing music as it’s been passed down to us.”
Antonoff added that the current rise of AI is exposing “bad actors” through what he described as “slop,” while talented musicians continue struggling to earn a living through genuine artistry. He said he and those around him remain committed to creating music that comes from within rather than through artificial shortcuts.
He also called the idea of “optimizing” the creative process embarrassing, referring to musicians who use AI in their work as “godless whores.”
The debate over AI in music has divided artists in recent months. In March, Boy George spoke positively about using AI to support songwriting during an appearance on Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place podcast.
“I’ve already written around five albums with AI,” he said. “AI is brilliant. There’s nothing to fear. I tell people if a robot can replace you, maybe you weren’t pushing yourself hard enough. Of course I care about jobs disappearing, but there are also amazing possibilities.”
Meanwhile, Liza Minnelli defended her use of AI earlier this year after releasing the EDM track “Kids Wait Till You Hear This” through a collaborative project led by ElevenLabs.
“We used AI-generated arrangements, not AI vocals,” Minnelli explained on Facebook in January. “Some critics didn’t bother to read the facts or check with me and my collaborators. The vocal shout-outs are completely mine.”
Not every artist shares that enthusiasm. Earlier this year, SZA told i-D Magazine she feels like she is “at war because of AI,” adding that the issue appears to disproportionately affect Black musicians and Black music.