The Blur and Gorillaz frontman claimed that Swift's approach to music is very different from his "traditionalist" views on songwriting. In the same interview, Albarn also stated that there are "big" differences between musicians who write their own songs like Billie Eilish, and those who seek help from others.
When it was mentioned to him that somebody like Taylor Swift is an "excellent songwriter". Albarn refuted these claims.
“That doesn’t count. I know what co-writing is. Co-writing is very different to writing", he said. “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".
Following this, Taylor Swift took to Twitter to respond to these Albarn claims.
Referring to his interview, Swift wrote, “@DamonAlbarn I was such a big fan of yours until I saw this".
“I write ALL my own songs", the 22 singer continued. "Your hot take is completely false and SO damaging. You don’t have to like my songs but it’s really fucked up to try and discredit my writing. WOW".
A long time collaborator of Swift's, Jack Atonoff also took to Twitter to jump to her defence.
He said, “I’ve never met Damon Albarn and he’s never been to my studio but apparently he knows more than the rest of us about all those songs Taylor writes…”.
“If you were there…cool…go off. If not…maybe…shut the f**k up?”.
Damien Albarn subsequently apologised for his comments, claiming that the article had rendered his words to "clickbait".
“I totally agree with you. I had a conversation about songwriting and sadly it was reduced to clickbait", he insisted. “I apologise unreservedly and unconditionally. The last thing I would want to do is discreet your songwriting. I hope you understand".
