Sabrina Carpenter has recently come to the defense of her collaborator Jack Antonoff, addressing critics who have questioned his influence on the music industry. In a candid interview with Rolling Stone, Carpenter didn’t hold back her feelings about the backlash Antonoff has faced.
“Fuck them all,” Carpenter declared when asked about the critics. “I think he’s one of the most talented people I’ve ever met. When he’s in a room, he’s able to literally touch every instrument in the room and make it sound magical. He also works very fast, which I really appreciate because I work very fast.”
Jack Antonoff, known for his work with major artists like Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, and Lorde, has been a significant figure in the music industry for years. Despite his success, he has faced criticism for his pervasive influence on modern pop music. Some argue that his production style has become too dominant, leading to a lack of diversity in the sound of contemporary pop.
Carpenter, who collaborated with Antonoff on her new single “Please Please Please,” strongly disagrees with these critiques. She praised Antonoff’s ability to bring out the best in the artists he works with, emphasizing his unique talent and work ethic.
In the same Rolling Stone interview, Antonoff reciprocated the admiration, speaking highly of Carpenter’s talent and authenticity. “The way she puts things, I’m immediately right there with her,” he said. “And [for] anyone who’s got to see her live, let alone record her, she’s an unbelievable singer. When you’re in the presence of that kind of voice, all you want to do is capture it.”
Antonoff also highlighted Carpenter’s genuine nature, contrasting it with what he sees as a trend of artists pretending to be authentic. “I think that the aesthetic of not giving a fuck or the aesthetic of telling it like it is has become so popular that there’s a lot of people who pander to that concept rather than are that concept. Sabrina actually is,” he added.
Carpenter’s defense of Antonoff comes at a time when she is experiencing a significant rise in her career. Her recent singles, “Espresso” and “Please Please Please,” have been well-received, and her upcoming album “Short N’ Sweet,” set to release on August 23, is highly anticipated. Antonoff’s involvement in the album has only added to the excitement.
Reflecting on her collaboration with Antonoff, Carpenter shared how their partnership came to be. “I was peeing my pants because I wanted to work with him for my whole life. After that, we, luckily enough, became friends; personalities meshed, and it was only a matter of time. He heard some of the stuff that I was working on for this album, and we just started to make magic.”
Carpenter also opened up about how her recent success has changed her life. “I cried every day then. I don’t cry every day now,” she said, referring to the period before her previous album, “Emails I Can’t Send,” which was released during a challenging time for her.
In addition to her professional achievements, Carpenter has also been in the spotlight for her personal life. When asked about her rumored relationship with actor Barry Keoghan, she playfully dodged the question. “How do I skirt around this question?” she laughed. “The [dating] pool is the pool, and when you meet people that feel authentic and are so brilliant and amazing in every way, that’s what you do.”
Carpenter’s admiration for Taylor Swift, another frequent collaborator of Antonoff, was also evident in the interview. “I hold her to such a different echelon. I could never compare my life, my career, my trajectory to anything close to what she’s done,” she said. Carpenter expressed her gratitude for Swift’s support and the mutual respect they share.
As Carpenter prepares for the release of “Short N’ Sweet,” she remains focused on her music and the journey ahead. “I never had the plan B, and it wasn’t even a thought in my mind that it wouldn’t work out. I just always knew it was about not if it would happen but when it would happen,” she said.
With her unwavering confidence and the support of collaborators like Jack Antonoff, Sabrina Carpenter is poised to continue making waves in the music industry. Her defense of Antonoff is a testament to the strong bond they share and the mutual respect they have for each other’s talents.
