Aaron Dessner, Producer for Taylor Swift and Member of the National, on Navigating Both Sides of the Mixing Board
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Aaron Dessner\\u2019s Grammy-winning band the National has been one of the mainstays of rock \\u2019n roll for a quarter-century now. But when most musicians were taking a time-out early in the pandemic, Dessner got called in by Taylor Swift to help create her perception-changing \\u201cFolklore\\u201d album, soon followed up that same year by \\u201cEvermore.\\u201d Ever since, he\\u2019s been one of the most sought-after producer/co-writers in the business \\u2014 even as the National has gotten busier with the resumption of touring, and two albums of their own in 2023. His 2023 production efforts have included two new albums with superstar Ed Sheeran, and a breakthrough album with up-and-comer Gracie Abrams that led to her getting a best new artist Grammy nomination.
How does Dessner juggle these demanding roles? Partly by working with artists in his own home-adjacent studio (the name of which, Long Pond, has become famous in its own right, due to being the setting for a Swift special). For stars, or would-be stars, who want to establish themselves with a more homegrown-sounding approach \\u2014 either as first-timers, like Abrams, or veterans making a left turn, like Swift and Sheeran \\u2014 Dessner is the man. At least for as long as he can keep his band\'s tour bus at bay.
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