Aaron Dessner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Aaron Dessner
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Dessner at Way Out West in Gothenburg, Sweden, 2014
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| Birth name | Aaron Brooking Dessner |
| Born | April 23, 1976 Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. |
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| Years active | 1998–present |
Aaron Brooking Dessner (born April 23, 1976) is an American musician, songwriter, and record producer. He is famous for being a founding member of the rock band The National. He is also one half of the duo Big Red Machine, along with Justin Vernon from the band Bon Iver.
Many people know Dessner for his work with superstar Taylor Swift. He co-wrote and produced much of her award-winning albums Folklore and Evermore. Folklore even won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 2021. He continued to work with Swift on her later albums, including The Tortured Poets Department.
Dessner is a popular producer who has worked with many other famous artists, such as Ed Sheeran, Gracie Abrams, and Girl in Red. He also helps organize music festivals, like Eaux Claires in Wisconsin and Boston Calling. In 2023, Rolling Stone magazine named him and his twin brother, Bryce, among the greatest guitarists of all time.
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Early Life and Background
Aaron Dessner grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, with his identical twin brother, Bryce Dessner. The brothers are very close and have worked on music together their whole lives. Dessner's family has a Jewish background, and he has said that the beautiful melodies from Jewish prayers have inspired his music.
He went to high school at Cincinnati Country Day School. After graduating in 1994, he moved to New York City to study history at Columbia University.
Music Career
The National
In 1998, Aaron and his brother Bryce joined their childhood friend Bryan Devendorf to form the band The National. The band also includes Bryan's brother, Scott, and singer Matt Berninger. The band released its first album in 2001.
Their third album, Alligator (2005), earned them praise from critics and a larger audience. But it was their fourth album, Boxer (2007), that made them even more famous. In 2008, Barack Obama used one of their songs in his presidential campaign video.
The band continued to release successful albums. High Violet (2010) was a huge hit, selling over 850,000 copies around the world. Their 2017 album, Sleep Well Beast, won a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Album. Dessner produces most of the band's music, often recording in his own home studio.
Big Red Machine
Big Red Machine is a band Dessner started with Justin Vernon of Bon Iver. The two had been friends for a long time. In 2018, they released their first album, also called Big Red Machine.
Their second album, How Long Do You Think It's Gonna Last?, came out in 2021. It featured many guest artists, including Taylor Swift, Sharon Van Etten, and Ben Howard.
Working with Taylor Swift
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Taylor Swift asked Dessner to work with her on some new music. This collaboration led to her surprise album, Folklore. Dessner co-wrote 11 of the songs and produced them from his home studio. The album was a massive success and won the Grammy for Album of the Year.
Their partnership didn't stop there. They quickly released another surprise album, Evermore, just a few months later. Dessner also worked with Swift on her albums Midnights, The Tortured Poets Department, and her re-recorded "Taylor's Version" albums. Their work together made Dessner one of the most sought-after producers in music.
Other Projects and Productions
Besides his bands and his work with Taylor Swift, Dessner has produced albums for many other artists. He is known for helping singers create deep and emotional music.
Some of the artists he has worked with include:
- Ed Sheeran: Dessner produced Sheeran's albums - (Subtract) and Autumn Variations.
- Gracie Abrams: He produced her popular albums Good Riddance and The Secret of Us.
- Sharon Van Etten: He produced her 2012 album Tramp.
- Frightened Rabbit: He produced the Scottish band's 2016 album Painting of a Panic Attack.
Dessner has also written music for movies with his brother Bryce. They composed the scores for films like Big Sur and C'mon C'mon.
Personal Life
Aaron Dessner is married to Stine Wengler, and they have three children. He is a big fan of soccer and supports the English team Liverpool F.C.
Awards and Nominations
Dessner has won several Grammy Awards for his work, both with The National and as a producer.
- 2018: Best Alternative Music Album for Sleep Well Beast (with The National)
- 2021: Album of the Year for Folklore (as producer for Taylor Swift)
He has also been nominated for many other Grammys, including for his work on Taylor Swift's Evermore and Ed Sheeran's -.
Discography
With The National
- The National (2001)
- Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers (2003)
- Alligator (2005)
- Boxer (2007)
- High Violet (2010)
- Trouble Will Find Me (2013)
- Sleep Well Beast (2017)
- I Am Easy to Find (2019)
- First Two Pages of Frankenstein (2023)
- Laugh Track (2023)
With Big Red Machine
- Big Red Machine (2018)
- How Long Do You Think It's Gonna Last? (2021)
Images for kids
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Aaron Dessner performing with The National at Byron Bay Bluesfest, Easter 2016
See also
In Spanish: Aaron Dessner para niños
