Aaron Dessner Quotes, born April 23, 1976, in Cincinnati, Ohio, is an American musician, songwriter, and producer best known as a founding member of the indie rock band The National and co-founder of Big Red Machine with Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon. A Columbia University graduate with a degree in Modern European History, Dessner co-produced Taylor Swift’s Folklore and Evermore, earning a Grammy for Album of the Year (2021). His work spans film scores, charity albums like Day of the Dead, and collaborations with artists like Sharon Van Etten and Gracie Abrams.
These 15 quotes—sourced from interviews, social media, and public statements—reflect his insights on music, collaboration, creativity, and social good, capturing his thoughtful, connective spirit.
15 Aaron Dessner Quotes
- “For whatever reason, you gravitate to certain subjects, and I read a lot of history.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “I think sometimes people ask me questions about working with pop stars like it’s not an honor, but it’s a total honor.” (Live 95.5, 2023)
- “I learned way more from her than she’s learned with us.” (Live 95.5, 2023)
- “Not sure why you would try to discredit Taylor’s brilliant songwriting but as someone who has gotten to press record around her …your statements couldn’t be further from the truth.” (Post on X, @aaron_dessner, 2022-01-24)
- “I’ve made heaps more music than I had ever made before.” (The New York Times, 2021)
- “I never expected that to happen. I was sitting at dinner one night in upstate NY… then I got a text from Taylor saying ‘would you ever consider collaborating remotely?’” (Reddit, 2021)
- “Always have to remember things aren’t necessarily how they seem!” (Post on X, @aaron_dessner, 2022-10-19)
- “The songs are vulnerable and direct… with experimental moments and raw moments.” (NME, 2022)
- “Just because you listen to The National, Spotify might tell you that you want to listen to The Lumineers’ music. Well, maybe you don’t.” (Quote-Collection, n.d.)
- “I’ve never seen so many people in my life. Peaceful and diverse supporting women’s rights and human rights in general. Incredibly inspiring.” (Post on X, @aaron_dessner, 2017-01-22)
- “I would never support violence of any kind.” (Billboard, 2020)
- “The quality that really confounded me about Aaron’s instrumental tracks is that to me, they were immediately, intensely visual.” (The New York Times, 2021, quoting Taylor Swift on Dessner)
- “I’m so incredibly excited to share that Gracie Abrams’ second album… is out today.” (Post on X, @aaron_dessner, 2024-06-21, referencing The Secret of Us)
- “We wrote, and wrote and wrote, and suddenly we finished Folklore and then Evermore.” (Reddit, 2021)
- “I picked up a focus in my songwriting and production since working with Taylor Swift.” (NME, 2022)
Aaron Dessner’s quotes radiate creative passion, collaborative humility, and a commitment to music’s emotional depth, inspiring us to forge connections and pursue art with authenticity. Which quote strikes a chord with your creative spirit? Drop it in the comments and keep Dessner’s musical legacy thriving!
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