Damon Albarn lost a fan Monday (Jan. 24th). The Blur and Gorillaz frontman angered Taylor Swift when he told the Los Angeles Times that she doesn’t write her own songs.
He said of Swift, “I know what co-writing is. Co-writing is very different to writing. I’m not hating on anybody, I’m just saying there’s a big difference between a songwriter and a songwriter who co-writes. Doesn’t mean that the outcome can’t be really great. And some of the greatest singers — I mean, Ella Fitzgerald never wrote a song in her life. When I sing, I have to close my eyes and just be in there. I suppose I’m a traditionalist in that sense. A really interesting songwriter is Billie Eilish and her brother. I’m more attracted to that than to Taylor Swift. It’s just darker — less endlessly upbeat. Way more minor and odd. I think she’s exceptional.”
The “Cardigan” singer clapped back on social media, writing, “I was such a big fan of yours until I saw this. I write ALL of my own songs. Your hot take is completely false and SO damaging. You don’t have to like my songs but it’s really f***ed up to try and discredit my writing. WOW.”
Other artists quickly came to her defense, including her collaborators Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner. The Big Red Machine co-founder tweeted, “Not sure why you @Damonalbarn would try to discredit Taylor's brilliant songwriting but as someone who has gotten to press record around her…your statements couldn't be further from the truth…you're obviously completely clueless as to her actual writing and work process.”
Albarn apologized to Swift on Twitter, agreeing with her response, and adding, “i had a conversation about songwriting and sadly it was reduced to clickbait. I apologise unreservedly and unconditionally. The last thing I would want to do is discredit your songwriting. I hope you understand.”
