Jack Antonoff tells people who are making AI art to 'drive right off that cliff'

Jack Antonoff, a 42-year-old songwriter behind hits for Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar, published an open letter Thursday dismissing AI-generated music as a method to 'fake making art.' In an Instagram post, he defended traditional songwriting as an 'ancient ritual,' warning against AI tools that automate tasks like writing songs or mastering tracks. Antonoff argued that AI undermines the creative process, stating, 'You don’t have to write music anymore, you don’t have to record it, and you don’t have to bring the band out and play it.' He criticized 'bad actors' exploiting AI to produce low-quality work, urging them to 'drive right off that cliff' instead of relying on artificial shortcuts. The letter reflects growing tensions in the music industry, where companies like Universal Music Group have already clashed with AI-generated content mimicking artists. Jason Derulo has also criticized AI music for lacking 'soul,' aligning with Antonoff’s stance. Antonoff claimed younger musicians he knows reject AI-generated music, emphasizing its inability to replicate genuine creativity. He condemned the trend as producing 'slop' and labeled those behind it as 'Godless whores,' reinforcing his rejection of AI’s role in music creation. His remarks come as AI tools expand into music production, with startups developing assistants for songwriting and even AI-generated pop stars releasing singles. Antonoff’s letter positions him as a vocal opponent to technological disruption in an industry he sees as sacred.