Country music star Luke Bryan has publicly addressed accusations that his latest song, "Fish Hunt Golf Drink," was created using artificial intelligence. During an appearance on the "This Past Weekend with Theo Von" podcast, Bryan described the claims as a false narrative amplified on social media.
Bryan explained that the controversy began with a few online users, particularly younger ones with significant social media followings, promoting the idea that the song was AI-generated. He noted how quickly such narratives can spread, leading to him being labeled as an artist who uses AI. "They started a narrative that we AI-ed it," Bryan stated. "And now whether you like the song or not, or whether you like me as an artist... now I'm the guy that somebody said that I AI-ed a song and wrote it."
He expressed frustration with the personal attacks accompanying the accusations, particularly those from teenagers. "I’m not sure I’m happy about a bunch of teenagers telling a 50-year-old man he’s a piece of s--- songwriter," Bryan said, adding that he would confront such individuals if he encountered them in person. "If I see you one day, I’m going to f---ing knock the s--- out of you, dude."
Bryan had previously denied the AI allegations shortly after the song's release in June. He told NBC4 at the Memorial Pro-Am that the claims were "completely false" and that the song was intended solely for enjoyment. "That song was designed for one thing," he said. "To have fun and tell the world what I love to do and what I strive to do."
Songwriters Chase McGill and Matt Dragstrem, who worked on "Fish Hunt Golf Drink" with Bryan, also refuted the AI claims. McGill told Rolling Stone that Bryan is a genuine artist and that the song's concept originated organically. He described how Bryan texted a friend with emojis representing fishing, hunting, golf, and drinking, which then inspired the song's theme. "Luke was texting one of his buddies, and the guy was like, ‘Let’s hang soon,’" McGill recounted. "Luke sent him an emoji of a fish, an emoji of a deer, a golf club emoji and a beer emoji, and said, ‘You pick which one.’ Then he showed it to us. He was like, ‘Dude, this could be a cool song.’" McGill emphasized the collaborative and authentic nature of their songwriting process, stating, "I don’t believe that I would feel any fulfillment from saying, ‘AI, write me a song about whatever.’ That’s not what I signed up for."