Aaron Dessner is an American songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer best known as a founding member of The National and a co-writer and producer on Taylor Swift’s 2020 albums folklore and evermore. Those were Swift’s back-to-back releases that year—not her two newest albums today. Dessner was already an established musician before their collaboration brought his work to a much wider pop audience. Apple Music’s artist profile identifies his work on both records.
Who is Aaron Dessner?
Dessner is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer whose career crosses indie rock, collaborative projects, and studio work. He is a founding member of The National, the band he formed with his twin brother Bryce and other musicians. His work with Swift was a prominent chapter in a career that was already well established.
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folklore[Beige 2 LP] | $34.83 | Buy on Amazon |
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Folklore - Exclusive Limited Edition Red Colored 2x Vinyl LP | $34.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Taylor Swift - Folklore "Betty's Garden" Edition Deluxe 2LP Album | $649.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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evermore [Transparent Green 2 LP] | $22.97 | Buy on Amazon |
In 2020, Swift’s folklore and evermore introduced Dessner’s songwriting and production to many listeners beyond The National’s audience. TIME’s 2025 collaborator guide describes folklore as a stripped-down indie-folk turn in Swift’s sound; that is a useful characterization of the shift, rather than a definitive genre label. TIME’s guide to Swift’s collaborators also places Dessner’s contributions in a longer chronology.
How did Aaron Dessner meet Taylor Swift?
The collaboration took shape through remote exchanges of musical ideas during the pandemic. Dessner sent Swift instrumental material, and she sent songs back. Rather than beginning as a conventional producer-for-hire arrangement, it developed through an exchange in which each artist responded to the other’s work. Both the Recording Academy’s account of its Up Close & Personal event and a Pitchfork interview discuss how the partnership came together.
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- Swift's album, folklore, now on Beige 2 LP coming July 23rd! "Most of the things I had planned this summer didn't end up happening, but there is something I hadn't planned on that DID happen
“Sometimes, I would send Taylor an instrumental, go for a run down to the Hudson River, run back, and there’d be a song.”
Dessner described that process in the Recording Academy’s recap. The anecdote captures how quickly an instrumental idea could prompt Swift to write a song, while the albums themselves emerged from a broader group of collaborators.
Rank #2
- Exclusive Limited Edition Red Colored 2x Vinyl LP
What did Aaron Dessner do on folklore and evermore?
Dessner co-wrote and produced songs on both albums. His work was substantial, but he was not their sole writer or producer: Swift, Jack Antonoff, Justin Vernon, and other collaborators also contributed. Apple Music summarizes Dessner’s role on the records, while the Recording Academy and Pitchfork provide context for how he and Swift worked together.
The albums’ credits reflect a collaborative process, not a simple division in which one person “made” the records. Dessner’s instrumental ideas and production work were part of the sound and creation of both releases, alongside Swift’s songwriting and the work of the other contributors. The sources cited here establish that broad role; they do not provide a complete track-by-track comparison of every collaborator’s contribution.
Is Aaron Dessner in The National?
Yes. Dessner is a founding member of The National, the American indie rock band associated with him and his twin brother Bryce. His career with the group predates the Swift albums and is central to understanding why he arrived at the collaboration as an experienced songwriter and musician, rather than as a new producer discovered in 2020.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is Big Red Machine?
Big Red Machine is a musical duo co-founded by Dessner and Justin Vernon of Bon Iver. Their partnership developed over years and includes songwriting, recording, and live and community projects. Vernon was also part of the creative orbit around Swift’s 2020 records, connecting the wider network of collaborators. Swift later contributed to Big Red Machine’s work, as covered by NME’s feature on Dessner and Vernon.
Rank #4
- Taylor Swift has announced her ninth studio album, evermore; folklore's sister record
Where can you find folklore and evermore on vinyl?
Taylor Swift’s official store lists vinyl editions of both albums, including a deluxe vinyl listing for evermore. Store listings and inventory can change, so check the official Taylor Swift store for current editions and availability.
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