Aaron Dessner

Early Life

Aaron Brooking Dessner was born on April 23, 1976, in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he grew up alongside his twin brother, Bryce Dessner. Raised in a Jewish household with Polish and Russian ancestry, Aaron's cultural background has significantly influenced his musical style. He has expressed a particular fascination with liturgical melodies, stating, "I don't like major chords. I like the meditative patterns in certain prayers, and I like music that repeats itself." After graduating from Cincinnati Country Day School in 1994, he pursued a degree in Modern European History at Columbia University.

Career

Dessner is best known as a founding member of the acclaimed rock band The National, which he formed with his brother and childhood friend Bryan Devendorf in 1998. The band released their self-titled debut album in 2001, followed by several critically acclaimed albums, including "Boxer" in 2007, which garnered widespread acclaim and featured the notable track "Fake Empire." Dessner's collaborations extend beyond The National; he co-founded the indie rock duo Big Red Machine with Justin Vernon of Bon Iver and has worked closely with Taylor Swift on her albums "Folklore" and "Evermore," both of which received Grammy nominations.

Personal Life

In his personal life, Dessner married Stine Wengler around 2016, and they have three children, one of whom is speculated to be the inspiration behind Taylor Swift's song "Robin." An avid soccer fan, Dessner is a dedicated supporter of Liverpool F.C. His diverse musical contributions and collaborations continue to shape the contemporary music landscape, making him a significant figure in the industry.