Big Red Machine: “Renegade” and Working With Taylor Swift | Apple Music

Aaron Dessner of Big Red Machine connects with Zane Lowe to chat about the band’s new album, ‘How Long Do You Think It’s Gonna Last,’ and how working on ‘folklore’ and ‘evermore’ gave him a newfound drive. The album includes two collaborations with Taylor Swift (‘Birch’ and ‘Renegade’), and features Ben Howard, Fleet Foxes’ Robin Pecknold, Anaïs Mitchell, and more. For Aaron, the appeal of Big Red Machine is having an excuse to work with Justin Vernon and experimenting with a variety of sounds and instruments. Listen to Big Red Machine now on Apple Music: apple.co/_BigRedMachine
Music moves fast. To keep up with hungry fans and tireless creators, Apple Music launched New Music Daily, the latest and greatest must-hear songs from pop, hip-hop, Latin and beyond. Hosted by Zane Lowe, watch exclusive interviews with today’s most important artists.
Subscribe to Apple Music: apple.co/AppleMusicYT
Follow Apple Music:
Instagram: / applemusic
Facebook: / applemusic
Twitter: / applemusic
Watch more Apple Music:
What’s New: apple.co/2VFatTU
Apple Music Up Next: apple.co/2MLktXE
Interviews: apple.co/32WnrPV
What’s Trending: apple.co/2Meq89t
Apple Music lets you listen to millions of songs, online or off, totally ad-free. Create and share your own playlists, get exclusive content and personalized recommendations, and listen to radio hosted by artists streaming live or on demand. apple.co/SUBSCRIBE
#BigRedMachine #TaylorSwift #AppleMusic

[@anniesings2373]

Taylor, Aaron, Justin, Jack and Joe can really make their own band. I can't explain how much I love their work. Renegade is so beautifully heartbreaking.

[@sydeshaneely9157]

No we’re okay…yes they are great together but Taylor needs to stay solo❤️❤️❤️.

[@Unlimitedthoughts1]

And jack

[@zoriahmendoza8942]

@@sydeshaneely9157 taylor needs to do whatevers best for her creatively

[@mariamst2096]

Forget the band , IMAGINE if they make their own RECORD LABEL

[@zoriahmendoza8942]

@@mariamst2096 i could be mistaken but i think they may have one already (not taylor ofc)

[@SarthakNath]

Taylor introduced her huge following to this hidden gem.

[@rajnandini5968]

I completely agree They are such consummate and outstanding musicians man

[@hitch4645]

This is a very sweet sentiment, but the National and Bon Iver are both massively successful, critically acclaimed bands. Both have won Grammys, headlined festivals and tours, and have made legit classic albums on par with anything Taylor has ever made. Top 40 radio isn't everything. Aaron and Justin are bonafide legends in the music industry and are far from "hidden gems."

[@theeKPOPlover]

@Antariksa The national and Bon Iver especially are such icons and staples in the music industry. They've been around for so long, I am shocked that some people did not know them. I am glad Taylor is now a collaborator! Icons coming together!!!

[@scarrillo232]

I love that she’s done this! Every one of these people deserves to have there music be heard by millions of people

[@hitch4645]

@@scarrillo232 Both of these guys already have their music heard by millions of people…

[@sanketsharma2190]

This interview is a proof that we don't talk about Aaron enough without Taylor. Aaron is so so talented.

[@kmac8055]

I love that Aaron, even though this is his body of work, still enjoys talking about Taylor in this interview and sings her praises. We’re so used to men having huge egos. Seeing him praise her excitedly and enjoying talking about her is really incredibly refreshing.

[@donnaeasty1816]

Instead of people like Kanye West proclaiming to be responsible for Taylor's career.

[@katiesays]

I love the way he speaks and how he speaks of others. His whole demeanor. He’s just wonderful.

[@katieyu9374]

yess love him

[@gabrielamenesesgarcia2073]

Yess

[@pamrogers5979]

like a green forest dragon somehow. Quirky and rare.

[@frankieflow13]

I'm glad he said "still don't" about not wanting to stop working with her.

[@basketball726]

I was like 👀😍 when I heard that

[@MariaClara-sw2nr]

Yesss me too🙌✨

[@ishahakeem]

Please tell me someone else just can't wrap their head around the fact Taylor went from country gal novice to America's Sweetheart to pop princess to this wise indie folk woman (I know she's always been smart) I don't want to say it because I miss the 1989 era but she's really found her sound and home ❤

[@blowjinawilson5630]

Every genre is her home. That's her skill. She makes each one hers. If I had to say where she "shines" best it would be pop because she's always had a flair for catchy hooks. Even before, in country.

[@angles4307]

You forgot the Bad b during rep 👀 that was one of my favourites!

[@Lucky13_537]

I miss her country pop era but love her recent sound too and her and Dessner do make some amazing music

[@JohnCarloPalileo]

It's when you combine two brilliant, genius minds and you make an art, this is what you get. Taylor and Aaron are perfect combination in creating perfect music, storytelling and songwriting.

[@Sir6ALotB]

*Aaron* - She's a savant *Zane* - Taylor's a unique combination of someone who is gifted with God-given talent and works as hard as somebody who isn't *Truer words have never been spoken about Taylor Swift*

[@calimmoore]

as much as i love 1989 and pop taylor, i really think that she’s found one of the genres that really suits her. her, aaron, justin, and jack make such beautiful music and i’m literally in love with it

[@justcutiecats2733]

As much as I want Taylor's next album sound like Folklore or Evermore to complete the Trinity indie folk album, I want her to explore new sound like more rock alternative or full rock and I don't want her back making pop album, cz her last two pop albums Rep & Lover are not cohesive or even great as 1989.

[@Blueeut]

@@justcutiecats2733 I think rep is very much cohesive

[@jefersonmedeiros9545]

@@Blueeut Completely. Very cohesive, and though I love her albums. rep was more cohesive than red I think, and that's why I can't stand the fact that grammy did not see it. Reputation is tied in every category, concept, sound, story, aesthetic. Amazing

[@candelajordi7703]

@@justcutiecats2733 i would die if she makes a rock album her fans have been asking for it for years now

[@Shan72393]

I mean pop punk is kinda on its way back to being mainstream so maybe ???

[@blackmilk1000]

Aaron is that friend that everybody wants to have in their lives. What a gorgeous soul 💚💚

[@dinksteriznangel]

Perfect combination of artists joining together making a incredible track … Taylor Swift is an amazing artist

[@shalakaj523]

aaron speaking about taylor is the absolute comfort spot of making music that generally is pop or competition driven. even more than her squad- which is one part of her life or existed at a time in her life, this oversized coat, comfy clothes, wine in hand taylor with her boys who she enjoys jamming with/ aaron justin jack joe/ seems like a happy place! loved the national's music before and aaron talking about music is like deconstructing what happens in the head of a genius mind!

[@FirstBran]

Taylor is the x on the formula to something great. She worked with Jack Antonoff and created such brilliant masterpieces. Now with them is just something so different and deep. I can’t imagine what other possibilities we could have in the future.

[@eduardovasquez8071]

Imagine. Taylor teaming up with metalartist like 🔥 and she has amazing voice too !

[@FirstBran]

@@eduardovasquez8071 that would be crazy

[@ameliaisobel2499]

Taylor such a versatile artist she went from country to pop to indie. LOVE THESE PPL SO MUCH IM SO GLAD SHE FOUND HER MATES IN WRITING

[@tekken4granted913]

Zane Lowe is always a fan of the artists he interview.

[@nao676]

I'm really glad Aaron and Taylor found each other ♡ I hope they keep making music together

[@summerwine85]

I love how humble and mature Aaron is

[@CC-uy3wn]

Aaron Dessner is brilliant. Taylor introduced me to him and I've become such a fan of his work in his own right.

[@stepintothedaylight6016]

When he says that he feels he’s been invited to the best club 🥲

[@nikkyja6153]

I don't know why I get a peaceful state of mind when I see and listen to Aaron. He's so humble and sweet. 🥰

[@vidsorama2]

I enjoyed every second of this interview. Thank you both. "Renegade" is beautiful.

[@ameliaisobel2499]

NOT AARON LOOKING FOR THE EASTER EGGS AS WELL AHAHAHAH LOVE HIM SO MUCH

[@isabellamendez9446]

Aaron, Taylor, and Justin are absolutely musical geniuses.

[@ichokedonadoritoonce7670]

Such a heartwarming video Aaron is so humble and talented Af ❤️

[@brucebrown3837]

"some how I ended up on the team with the best player, so you just want to keep passing the ball to her"... seriously dude, don't sell yourself short.

[@sumitsharma3561]

???

[@anisanurraudah8383]

What do you mean by that? Taylor isn't good enough for you standards? 🙄

[@brucebrown3837]

@@anisanurraudah8383 that's not what I said at all. I said that Aaron is pretty good on his own.

[@PrincessToyTime]

@@anisanurraudah8383 he isn't saying that at all. hes putting himself down more than anything.

[@Here_For_Humanity]

"If the shoe fits, walk in it"...🎶💞 PLZ keep trying on ALL of the shoes & keep walking in them as long as you can, I'm here for it so hard!! Well done Aaron, Justin & Taylor, I'm so excited about your upcoming Big Red Machine record!

[@pamelatimmins4422]

Aaron is an amazing talent as is Taylor. Adding Taylor to your music Aaron is fantastic; her many fans will follow where Taylor goes. So you will have many more fans seeking your album come August 27. I will buy it for my love of all of Taylor's music💕

[@nafnuly]

I love the way he speaks so thoughtfully and with heart. ❤️

[@alenovoa5338]

i love him and every word he said speaks tons ab him, such a humble, hardworking and talented person.

[@tatertott98]

they’re like musical soulmates

[@detectivetaylorswift]

Now everyone say it with me now- *”Thank you Taylor for introducing us to Aaron Dessner and Justin Vernon.”*

[@lindsayvenable]

Aaron Dessner and Justin Vernon, thank you for introducing me to Taylor.

[@davideamon8248]

So excited for the upcoming album. It’ll be like a goodie bag of musical geniuses :)

[@zhipetr279]

he's just brilliant. I'm so excited for the album!

[@asyongaksaya]

When I heard that theyll be releasing a song featuring Queen T, i told myself to be careful because these people are when they are together are so dangerous (in the most complex but good way). They can send you to paradise but also in the dark. I am a fan of this is me trying and peace....and listening to Renegade is like me crossing the street being wary and careful because a truck might hit me.. but an airplane hit me instead 😅

[@pyarosz]

I just love this man and the way his mind works. This is artistry.

[@Val-pk4bq]

loved this interview soooo much

[@martalison1401]

Thank you Taylor for introducing me to their music 😍

[@lkcullen1918]

It's been a year and I'm still obsessed with Renegade, Phoenix, and Birch 😍

[@sarahgee8910]

I know someone that knows Taylor from school and talks about her not having friends and like relatable she is just too good for this world I love all the work with Aaron ugh renegade hits diff

[@summerpolster2975]

Renegade is my new fav song I can’t stop listening to it

[@tanyawatkins3405]

Awesome together ❤

[@jimmy11550]

I’m so happy they kept writing songs, this is one of my favorites ever I know it’ll have a place in my heart forever 💘

[@mrpddnos]

Well, if the shoes fit, walk in it, ‘till your high heels break. I love what they have created together. Not just folklore and evermore, renegade as well. I really hope this won’t be the end of their collaboration. ❤️ Has anyone noticed how Taylor starts singing at exactly 13 seconds into renegade? Not 12,5 seconds. Not 13,5 seconds. 13 seconds…. Exactly!

[@ishahakeem]

Same with wildest dreams

[@anniesings4039]

You have 13 likes

[@mrpddnos]

@@ishahakeem it’s almost like 13 has some special meaning to her. Interesting… what’s even more interesting is how 13 has gotten a special meaning for so, so many people, because of Taylor. “13th time” is the new “millionth time”, Friday the 13th is a lucky day now, December 13th is celebrated all over the world. Sitting in seat 13 in a show are the best seats. She had changed the meaning of 13 for so many of us❤️

[@ishahakeem]

@@mrpddnos um do you not know the significance of 13?

[@mrpddnos]

@@ishahakeem I though my comment made it very clear I know how important 13 is 🙄. Everything good in Taylor’s life is connected to that number. She’s born on the 13th. Any time she sits in seat 13 or row 13 at a award show, she wins. I know it all.

[@angles4307]

I love Renegade, but I'm so glad it wasn't on Evermore. The lyrics fit well in the story, but the melody really didn't scream Evermore. So excited for more Big Red Machine!

[@jessaii.xoxo143]

it did sounded like Long Story Short with Peace vibes lyrically

[@condoguy710]

Renegade should have 100 million views by now.

[@lindsayvenable]

Aaron is not only a musical genius, but so humble and kind as well!

[@zimbahanwa2996]

taylor swift is a generous person. a real life angel❤💖

[@davidmedina9853]

I love this man, he’s so kind and talented🥺💛

[@ryanbaeimnida6972]

i love them

[@mirellyalmeida3653]

Aaron you are such a baby!!! I love you man ❤️

[@mariaclaramacedo9236]

i love aaron. he´s awesome

[@Santiino]

Light of days

[@ameliaisobel2499]

I love them sm

[@akarihdash9238]

I've heard some songs from the Album and they're all sick

[@clarisvirgo]

I love you Aaron ❤

[@berenicehurtado9534]

i love aaron dessner

[@swizzle9143]

awww plssss dont stop writing songs together with Taylor! ❤️

[@lfemaleragious]

awww aaron

[@LAVISHING]

So glad that I could help you guys out.

[@gabrielamenesesgarcia2073]

I love him

[@artland6741]

I love aron since the national band and Matt berninger

[@prathibareddy4736]

Sweet Aaron ♥️

[@kokomanation]

I love Aaron Dessner he is my favorite artist

[@therealyou5824]

Aaron is amazing.

[@b.o4788]

Amazing song and band

[@cinthiaveras9638]

Aaron seems to be such a Nice Guy!

[@LikeAngels]

So interesting!! 😇👏🏻

[@simplymatt13]

YES

[@heyitscinds]

Aaron 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

[@tylrswft2833]

This is insane

[@the.annethology]

At this point I'm not going to be surprised if Taylor, BRM , Jack and Mumfords created their own indie band. That will break the internet. 😝

[@LAVISHING]

I love that I was able to get BRM and TS together!

[@aidanbernales8346]

Aaron is so cute. I hope he has a good day.

[@LAVISHING]

Hey I’m happy that I could give you some GarageBand track for Renegade Aaron and the demo AUATC for Justin!

[@jackiehankin3859]

Do a couple of albums with Taylor please!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@lexilex9317]

🙌🙌

[@vanshikathakur]

❤️

[@jechtsanmateo7470]

To be described as a savant in the most positive way, Taylor really is just one of the best lyricists of our time.

[@6arbiegirl]

he's so down to earth tho.

[@brunoalexandre3051]

I love him stopping himself of saying he worked with Taylor for Midnights

[@yaningginglo2058]

♥

[@AliAzimiofficial]

Wait, so "Big Red Machine" is a kind of diss for "Big Machine", isn't it?. Or is there any relation between both entities? Lemme know guys...

[@AliAzimiofficial]

@CYNTHIA TAFOYA-STONE I see. Thanks for telling me

[@nothanks2199]

I thought the same thing. I think it’s a diss.

[@maddytaylor23]

big red machine has been a thing since 2008, although they didn’t release their first album until 2018. definitely not related to taylor’s old record label in the slightest.

[@AliAzimiofficial]

@@maddytaylor23 ah I see. I got it now. Thanks for the explanation Maddy

[@shalakaj523]

they arent related in the slightest- but the shade it throws is so baller, haha taylor found the perfect partners

[@LAVISHING]

Just got a new black acoustic guitar. Would love to zoom call with you sometime and learn how to play some songs that I helped write with you guys. Just call me on Zoom in about a week because I’ll be back home in Minnesota. Also what is the best microphone for a solo acoustic guitar?

[@kholofelomorodi4738]

Where is Justin ?

[@michellefoxbower3300]

🇺🇸🤟🏻💞

[@lizzybeers9640]

Did Joe help on this song?

[@rebecabarbosadaluz7596]

nop

[@naomigrace8261]

This sounds like Long Story Short... Almost same tempo, pronunciation and intro

[@TVampire]

Aaron sounds like a muppet! (I’m not saying this in a bad way; I love anything to do with Henson)

[@terjerendalsvik5461]

And sorry but i havent heard a good song from her yet.

[@upscaleavenue]

Have you actually listened to any of her albums?

[@terjerendalsvik5461]

Its a strange connection Justin and Taylor? Justin , in my ears , the best composer , the best musician in the world, for me anyway, with Taylor Swift, very commercial, 3 chords musician. How is this possible?

[@Lotte188]

listen to her albums and listen to her lyrics (!!!!!) and there is your answer: it’s possible because they all are talented creative people.