Aaron Dessner Discusses Collaborations and Career on Billboard Podcast
In a Billboard On The Record episode, Aaron Dessner talks about his songwriting partnerships with Taylor Swift, Noah Kahan, and Gracie Abrams, as well as his work with The National. He also reflects on founding record labels and music festivals, and his goals for the new Long Pond Music imprint.
Dessner's collaborative identity stems partly from being a twin, which he says shaped his instinct for partnership. His career spans performing with The National, producing for major pop artists, and entrepreneurial ventures including the independent label Brassland and the newer Long Pond Music imprint under Interscope, designed to nurture projects requiring extended development time.
Beyond studio work, Dessner co-founded several festivals, including Boston Calling and Eaux Claires, alongside The National's Homecoming Festival. His podcast conversation with Billboard's Kristin Robinson covers his creative process with collaborators like Swift, Kahan, and Abrams, plus how his label and festival experiments have fueled his artistic momentum throughout a multi-decade industry presence.
This profile could reinforce Dessner's reputation as a versatile creative force, potentially influencing how emerging producers view career longevity—balancing artistic integrity with commercial partnerships. His label model may inspire other artists to seek patient, development-focused homes for experimental work. The podcast format also gives fans deeper insight into collaboration dynamics, possibly strengthening appreciation for the behind-the-scenes craftsmanship shaping popular music.