Aaron Dessner, the renowned producer and member of The National, has been making waves in the music industry with his collaborations with Gracie Abrams. Their latest album, Daughter From Hell, has sparked curiosity and speculation, particularly around the song 'Death Wish'. In a recent interview with Billboard, Dessner sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding the track and offers a deeper insight into his creative process with Abrams.
Unraveling the Mystery of 'Death Wish'
Dessner clarifies that the studio version of 'Death Wish' predates the live piano recording that Abrams initially released. He explains, 'We wrote it the week we recorded 'That's So True' and 'I Told You Things', which were part of The Secret of Us deluxe.' This clarification addresses the confusion among listeners who questioned the 'originality' of the song. Dessner emphasizes that the song is not about Taylor Swift, contrary to online speculation. Instead, it was inspired by a friend of Abrams' who was in a challenging relationship, a theme that resonates with Dessner's own experiences.
The Creative Process and Friendship
Dessner and Abrams have a unique working relationship, built on trust and friendship. He reveals, 'Ultimately, you just become friends. Gracie and I have worked together for over six years, and our friendship has grown alongside our creative endeavors.' This close bond allows for a deep understanding of each other's lives and experiences, which influences their songwriting. Dessner notes, 'She’s very aware of my personal life, and I’m of course aware of hers.' This mutual awareness adds a layer of authenticity to their collaborations.
Exploring Real-Life Subjects
When asked about discussing real-life subjects, Dessner explains that it's more about the unspoken connection. He says, 'It’s weird. It’s kind of unsaid. I would say the same thing for other people I’ve worked with.' This approach allows for a more mysterious and nuanced exploration of personal experiences in their music.
Gracie's Evolution as a Songwriter
Dessner acknowledges Abrams' effort to be more mindful of the impact of her songs on their subjects. He mentions, 'Gracie said recently that she tried to be less careless this time.' This evolution in her songwriting reflects a growing awareness of the power of her words, especially in songs about past relationships.
Personal Favorites on Daughter From Hell
Dessner expresses his admiration for several tracks on the album. He raves about 'What If It's Right?' and 'Humming', crediting Justin Vernon of Bon Iver for his contribution to the latter. Additionally, 'Cold Goodbyes' stands out for its improvisational feel, with Dessner playing a synthesizer and Abrams' captivating vocals. Despite the album's departure from pop-centric sounds, Dessner believes it's a reflection of Abrams' artistic purity and motivation.
The Power of Live Performances
Dessner's experience performing with Noah Kahan and Taylor Swift highlights the transformative nature of live music. He shares, 'If you would allow yourself to think for a second that the song you made in the quiet of your home was now in front of 90,000 people with their phones out, it can be pretty scary.' Yet, he embraces the thrill of seeing songs take on new meaning for audiences, making the creative process a rewarding journey.
Overcoming Adversity
The interview also touches on the canceled performance with Noah Kahan due to severe weather. Dessner recalls the constant meetings with meteorologists and the challenging decision to cancel the show. Despite the disappointment, he found a way to stay and perform, showcasing his resilience and adaptability.
