Jack Antonoff Takes Strong Stance Against AI in Music Production

Jack Antonoff isn't holding back when it comes to his views on artificial intelligence in the music industry.

The 42-year-old Bleachers musician and producer posted a letter to Instagram on Wednesday (May 13) detailing his perspective on the current state of music-making, with the caption: "ancient ritual :: only our people can see us sending love! how's everyone been? hi from a plane."

In the message, Antonoff reflected on the upcoming Bleachers album "everyone for ten minutes," set to release May 22, and what he sees as a fundamental shift in how music gets created.

"What we do has become an ancient ritual," he wrote. "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 emphasized that for him and his circle, the appeal has never been about making the process faster or simpler. "We were never frustrated by the randomness and magic it takes. We do it for that exact reason – and without the process itself = nothingness," he explained.

Antonoff drew a clear line between those embracing AI shortcuts and artists committed to genuine creation. "So to everyone who is gassed up about the new ways you can fake making art, by all means dive right off that cliff. We're genuinely happy to see you go," he stated bluntly, adding that future generations will return to "the ancient ritual of writing, recording and performing as it comes to us from god."

He predicted that as AI becomes more prevalent, "bad actors will willingly reveal themselves through slop, and the struggling greats will be further spread thin to make an honest living doing what they were put on earth to do." Despite this landscape, Antonoff said he and those in his circle remain "more dedicated than ever to reveal what comes from within."

The producer concluded his thoughts with direct language, calling such practitioners "godless whores," and noting an interesting irony: "It's mainly the out of touch shouting about following this nightmare. The new artists I know are genuinely uninterested in anything that doesn't come from within."

Antonoff wrapped up the post by sharing updates from his recent travels, mentioning time spent at his best friend's wedding, studio sessions, an acoustic performance, and a collaboration with H Willy. "Back to the studio tomorrow and then getting ready for the shows… cannot fucking wait," he wrote.

His comments add to an ongoing conversation among music industry figures about AI's role in creative work. Producer Diplo previously sparked debate when he suggested that creatives must "adapt or give up" when it comes to artificial intelligence.