When folklore was released in 2020 most took note that it was a huge shift in music style and genre for her, but what many people didn’t take the time to discover was the accompanying brilliance of Taylor’s new friend and collaborator, Aaron Dessner.
There are three main reasons why Dessner is so absolutely incredible.
1). He is so musically, lyrically, and emotionally talented that it gives me chills.
2). He is so grateful, and he is probably one of the sweetest and nicest people on the planet.
3). He doesn’t brag. He doesn’t show off… and he has every right to do so.
While Dessner is probably most known for his collaboration with Taylor, he has also been in and a part of three different incredibly talented musical groups.
The National: In 1999 Matt Beringer (vocals) founded The National in Brooklyn, New York City. The band also consists of Dessner (guitar, piano, keyboards) and his twin brother Bryce (guitar, piano, keyboards) alongside Scott Devendorf (bass) and his brother Bryan Devendorf (drums). Matt’s wife, Carin, is not a band member per se, BUT she has helped with writing lyrics for most of the band’s career.
The band released their debut, self-titled album in 2001: The National. Since then they have built their discography up to 10 studio albums, two eps, 13 singles, and nine music videos.
Their 2023 album, First Two Pages of Frankenstein, is one of my personal favorites. Each song represents a heartbroken person trying to move on with their life after a very difficult loss, while simultaneously representing the desire to remember and hold onto someone and also wishing you could forget them. The album expresses the regret, the remorse, and the subtle unawareness of a broken relationship so breath-takingly.
With the song “This isn’t helping” The National delivers a strangely haunting melody with even more haunting lyrics.
“Once Upon a Poolside” is the reason I own “Tangerine perfume.”
“The Alcott” (feat. Taylor Swift) is so fun and mysterious. Matt Beringer and Taylor Swift were made to sing together.
Big Red Machine: Aaron Dessner and well-known musician Justin Vernon, the face behind Bon Iver are the
two members of the band Big Red Machine. The band is named after Dessner… technically. It’s named in honor of his birth year…aka the year the Cincinnati Reds won the World Series, the team the band is named after.
Two years ago they released their second album, How Long Do You Think It’s Gonna Last?
This album is so beautiful and it shows just how wonderful Dessner and Vernon work together. “Latter Days” (feat. AnaÏs Mitchell) has such a beautiful melody and really details Vernon’s vocals. My favorite song from the album is “Renegade” (feat. Taylor Swift)… and it’s absolutely not because my sister has a Jeep Renegade and I think the song was written especially for us.
Dessner has already had a very successful career, and I am absolutely positive he will continue to grow and impress for many years to come!
