Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Lana Del Rey, Lorde, Kendrick Lamar, Doja Cat. The list of stars with whom Jack Antonoff has made award-winning music in recent years is long.
But when TT speaks to the 14-time Grammy winner, it's a time of waiting for other reasons. There are days left until May 22, when Bleachers' fifth album "Everybody for ten minutes" is released.
The 42-year-old New Jersey native Antonoff isn't nervous. However, during the work process, he always feels the same way.
"It's like I'm standing in front of a mountain and trying to climb it," he says.
On November 13, Bleachers will play at Annexet in Stockholm. And Jack Antonoff is looking forward to the band's first concert in Sweden - Swedish music is a source of inspiration.
I have always felt connected to Sweden and have a great love and respect for the country. Being able to take my band there means a lot to me.
He continues:
For me, Swedish music is flamboyant, big and exciting - and it's never afraid to be sad. It manages to be both.
Abba every day
Jack Antonoff listened to a lot of Swedish music growing up. Over the years, he has collaborated with Swedish producer Patrik Berger - both with other artists and with Bleachers - who has a big impact on daily listening.
"Patrik sends me a lot of weird ambient that I think is cool. So I listen to a combination of his playlists and a remarkable amount of Abba. I've listened to Abba every day my whole life," says Antonoff.
Any particular Abba songs?
Everything. I slowly move through the discography every day and then I start over. Much like some people do with the Bible.
He describes the album "Everybody for ten minutes" as "an attempt to kick in the door to the next phase of life."
It's about the anxiety of wanting to do it, and then how to actually do it.
"Extortion"
The experience of living in a changing time has had a profound impact on him. The idea that “we collectively find ourselves at the end of the failed experiment with the internet” appeals to him.
It was sold to us as a way to communicate, but it's not communication - it's blackmail. The internet is just a way for tech companies to make money off of our thoughts, feelings, hopes and dreams.
What can the audience expect at Annexet this fall?
It's going to be the last fucking night on Earth. That's what we're doing. Period.
Facts: Jack Antonoff
Name: Jack Michael Antonoff.
Born: March 31, 1984 (age 42) in Bergenfield, New Jersey, USA.
Partner: Married actress Margaret Qualley (daughter of actress Andie MacDowell) in 2023.
Awards: Including 14 American Grammys, both as an artist and producer.
Collaborations: Has written songs and produced albums for Taylor Swift, The 1975, Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, Lana Del Rey and St. Vincent, among others. Has written and produced songs for Pink, Charli XCX, Carly Rae Jepsen and Diana Ross, among others.
Fun fact: Antonoff often talks about wanting to carry on the "New Jersey sound." From the same city comes a certain Bruce Springsteen - who guested on the song "Chinatown" on the Bleachers album "Take the sadness out of Saturday night" from 2021. "A very unique and special moment," notes Antonoff.
Current: On May 22, "Everybody for ten minutes", the fifth album with the band Bleachers, which Antonoff formed in 2013, will be released. Bleachers has previously released "Strange desire" (2014), "Gone now" (2017), "Take the sadness out of Saturday night" (2021) and "Bleachers" (2024). Playing at Annexet in Stockholm on November 13.
