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Jack Antonoff sharply criticized the growing use of artificial intelligence in music this week, calling artists who embrace the technology "godless whores" in a social media post that has fueled renewed debate over AI's role in the creative industries.

The 13-time Grammy Award-winning producer and Bleachers frontman shared a journal-style message on Instagram. His band is currently preparing to release its fifth studio album, Everyone for Ten Minutes. 

Antonoff Defends Traditional Music Creation

In the lengthy post, Antonoff defended traditional songwriting, recording, and live performance while condemning the use of AI to create music.

"What we do has become an ancient ritual," Antonoff wrote. "You don't have to write music, you don't have to record it and you don't have to bring out the band and play it."

He continued by saying that attempts to optimize the creative process miss the point of making music.

"We have never been looking for this work to become quicker or easier. We were never frustrated by the randomness and magic it takes," he wrote.

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Antonoff Calls AI Defenders “Godless Whores” 

Antonoff wrote that he and his bandmates remain committed to creating music through conventional methods, arguing that the creative process itself is central to being an artist.

Antonoff later criticized artists enthusiastic about AI-generated music, saying those "gassed up about the new ways you can fake making art" were embracing technology at the expense of authentic artistic expression.

AI Debate Spreads Across Multiple Industries

Antonoff's comments come as artificial intelligence continues reshaping industries far beyond music.

Generative AI tools are increasingly being used in filmmaking, television production, journalism, publishing, advertising, graphic design, software development, customer service and education. Businesses argue the technology can increase productivity, reduce costs and accelerate innovation.

At the same time, workers and labor organizations have expressed concern that AI could replace jobs, diminish creative professions and complicate questions surrounding copyright and intellectual property.

Divisive Issue Results in "Godless Whores" Phrase 

Within the entertainment industry, AI has become one of the most divisive issues in recent years.

During the 2023 Hollywood labor disputes, both writers and actors negotiated contract provisions addressing AI protections, reflecting widespread concern that studios could use the technology to replace or replicate creative work without adequate compensation.

The music industry faces similar challenges as AI systems become capable of generating songs, cloning voices and producing recordings that closely resemble the work of established artists.

Antonoff has become one of the most successful producers of the past decade.

In addition to leading Bleachers, he first gained national attention as a member of the bands Steel Train and fun., whose hit "We Are Young" became one of the defining songs of the early 2010s.

One of Music's Most Influential Producers

As a producer and songwriter, Antonoff has collaborated extensively with Taylor Swift, helping produce several of her Grammy-winning albums. He has also worked with Sabrina Carpenter, Lana Del Rey, Lorde, Florence + the Machine, St. Vincent, The 1975 and numerous other artists.

His work has earned him 13 Grammy Awards and established him as one of the industry's most recognizable creative collaborators, known for emphasizing live instrumentation, emotional songwriting and close partnerships with artists.

Antonoff is married to actress Margaret Qualley. The couple married in August 2023 after becoming engaged the previous year.

Qualley is known for her performances in Maid, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Poor Things and the acclaimed 2024 horror satire The Substance. The couple frequently appears together at film premieres, award shows and music industry events.

Other Entertainment Figures Do Not Agree with the "Godless Whores" Comment

Antonoff did not identify any specific artists in his post, but his remarks arrive amid broader conversations throughout Hollywood about AI adoption.

Actresses Demi Moore and Reese Witherspoon recently discussed artificial intelligence's potential role in entertainment.

Following criticism, Witherspoon later clarified that while AI may become a useful creative tool, she does not believe computers should replace human creativity or the people whose livelihoods depend on it.

The differing viewpoints illustrate the broader uncertainty facing creative industries as AI technology continues to advance.

Bleachers Prepare New Album and Tour

Despite rapid technological change, Antonoff said Bleachers intends to remain focused on traditional musicianship.

The band's upcoming album, Everyone for Ten Minutes, is scheduled for release on May 22. Bleachers will then launch the Bleachers Forever Tour, beginning with a performance in Chicago.

Whether AI ultimately becomes another production tool or fundamentally changes how music is created remains an open question. Antonoff's “Godless Whores” comments underscore the increasingly passionate debate over balancing technological innovation with preserving the human creativity that has long defined music and the arts.

Related Resources

• Bleachers Official Website
• The Recording Academy (Grammys)
• Taylor Swift Official Website
• Sabrina Carpenter Official Website