Bartees Strange on Collaborator Jack Antonoff: “He Approaches Records Like a Plumber”

Bartees Strange shares insights on working with producer Jack Antonoff and how his unique approach shapes music production.

The Magic Behind Bartees Strange and Jack Antonoff’s Musical Bond

If you’ve ever wondered how some albums just click in a way that feels both polished and authentic, the secret sometimes lies in the chemistry between artist and producer. Bartees Strange, the Baltimore-based genre-bending musician, recently lifted the curtain on his creative partnership with none other than Jack Antonoff, the superstar producer behind countless hits. Chatting backstage at Reading Festival 2025 after his electrifying set, Bartees opened up about how Antonoff’s down-to-earth, hands-on style helped elevate his latest album, Horror.

“I think it’s because he kind of approaches records like a plumber. He’s not a precious guy. He’ll pull up there early; he’s working hard. Everything’s set up. Every idea, we can throw it at the wall. No idea is bad.” – Bartees Strange

Building Trust: The Heart of Collaboration

Bartees described the producer-artist dynamic as a journey where trust is everything. “You become who you’re working with and you help them take a few extra steps they wouldn’t normally take,” he said. Initially, artists might hold back, but true collaboration blossoms when they fully trust their producer’s instincts—and according to Bartees, Antonoff is unmatched in nurturing that trust.

What makes Jack Antonoff stand out is his humble, hardworking attitude. He’s "not a tremendously talented player," Bartees jokes, but that’s exactly why he disarms any tension in the studio. Antonoff’s modest musicianship invites dialogue rather than domination, encouraging artists like Bartees to step up and elevate the music themselves.

Transforming Horror: From 80% to 100%

When Antonoff joined Horror, Bartees had already laid down a solid foundation. But Jack’s involvement was the secret sauce that turned the album from great to extraordinary. “He helped me take it from 80 to 100 per cent, for sure,” Bartees enthused.

Antonoff’s touch is especially evident in standout tracks like “Too Much,” where he layered in “weird ship noises” and synth swells that made the song feel like it came from another dimension. On “Wants Needs,” Antonoff simplified and powered up the track, even salvaging a tricky bridge by sampling other parts of the album. Bartees calls him “freaky” in the best way — a producer who knows exactly how to bring ideas to life.

“He’s really good, man. I really like him. That guy’s great.” – Bartees Strange

A "Blue-Collar Pop Guy"

Bartees perfectly sums up Antonoff’s style: “He’s like a blue-collar pop guy.” There’s no flashy ego or overblown theatrics. Instead, Antonoff shows up early, puts in the work, and approaches music creation with a practical, no-nonsense mindset. It’s a refreshing take on producing in today’s pop landscape — grounded, humble, and effective.

Roots and Influences: From Ipswich to Baltimore

Though now rooted in Baltimore’s vibrant music scene, Bartees was born in Ipswich, UK, and grew up in Oklahoma. His early exposure to music was peppered with curiosity about sounds beyond his immediate environment. This wide lens led him to discover artists like Burial, Jai Paul, and British bands such as Klaxons and Enter Shikari — tracks that still resonate with him today.

Celebrating Influences: Bloc Party and TV On The Radio

Bartees also credits Bloc Party’s Kele Okereke and TV On The Radio’s Tunde Adebimpe as major artistic influences. He recalls the thrill of hearing Bloc Party’s “Helicopter” on FIFA, instantly falling in love with their sound and discovering the power of representation through Okereke’s presence.

He also shares a personal connection with Tunde Adebimpe, describing their friendship and how TV On The Radio’s eclectic, genre-defying style opened doors for him musically.

“I remember just being like, ‘I wanna be like him. That guy is the coolest guy I’ve ever seen in my life.’” – Bartees Strange

Looking Ahead: New Music on the Horizon

Bartees is already thinking ahead, teasing plans for a new record that will embrace simplicity. After mastering elaborate production, he wants to strip things back and focus on the essentials.

He expects to start recording in January and hinted that, despite going solo initially, he’ll still lean on his friend Jack Antonoff’s input. “If Antonoff had notes, my response would be: ‘Oh, cool – let’s play with it,’” Bartees said with a grin.

Wrapping Up

Bartees Strange’s reflections offer a rare, candid glimpse into the artist-producer relationship, reminding us that behind every great album is a story of trust, teamwork, and a little bit of magic. Antonoff’s plumber-like approach to production might just be the blueprint for how to make music that’s both genuine and groundbreaking.

FAQ

• How does Jack Antonoff approach music production?
  Jack Antonoff approaches production like a plumber—practical, hands-on, and unpretentious, focusing on building trust and encouraging collaboration.
• What role did Antonoff play in Bartees Strange’s album Horror?
  He helped elevate the album from 80% to 100%, adding unique sound elements and refining song structures without changing the core lyrics or production.
• Which artists influenced Bartees Strange?
  Bartees cites Bloc Party’s Kele Okereke, TV On The Radio’s Tunde Adebimpe, Burial, Jai Paul, and Klaxons as key influences.
• Where is Bartees Strange originally from?
  He was born in Ipswich, UK, and grew up in Oklahoma before settling in Baltimore.
• What is next for Bartees Strange in terms of music?
  He plans to record a simpler new album in January, starting mostly solo but likely collaborating again with Jack Antonoff.

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