Aaron Dessner is a New York based songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer, best known as a member of the Grammy Award-nominated rock band The National. Their albums Alligator (2005), Boxer (2007) and High Violet (2010) were named among albums of the decade in publications throughout the world.

Their most recent release, Trouble Will Find Me (2013), debuted at #3 on both the US Billboard Chart and the UK Albums Chart. Dessner has also made a name for himself as an influential producer, working with some of the most talented and respected musicians in the rock world.

Most recently, Dessner produced Local Natives’ second full-length album Hummingbird (2013). Local Natives first met Dessner while on tour with The National. Though they were hesitant to work with a producer at all, Local Natives ultimately felt that Dessner could be a big help in shaping their album, so they decamped to Dessner’s Brooklyn studio. As Local Natives singer/guitarist Taylor Rice tells it, “Aaron helped capture some magical moments on this album. He really pushed us.” The band’s sophomore album has received rave reviews and Dessner’s distinctive touch as a producer has won the attention of many.

Dessner also worked with Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter Sharon Van Etten on her last album, Tramp (2012). Sharon and Dessner spent over fourteen months working in his studio and the end result was Sharon’s most acclaimed release yet. On her experience working with Dessner, Sharon remarked “he really understood my songs and the potential as to where they could go…he helped me feel comfortable taking chances.”

Other production credits include Doveman’s 2009 album The Conformist and the Red Hot Organization’s AIDS charity compilation Dark Was The Night (2009), on which Aaron collaborated with his brother and bandmate Bryce. The record features exclusive recordings and collaborations from a long list of artists including David Byrne, Arcade Fire, Sufjan Stevens, Sharon Jones, Cat Power, Grizzly Bear, My Morning Jacket and Spoon. Dark was the Night has raised over 2 million dollars for AIDS charities as of January 2012. Aaron is currently working on British indie-folk group This Is The Kit’s upcoming album which will be released on Brassland Records, the label co-founded by Aaron and Bryce, along with Alec Bemis. He is also working on the forthcoming album from the Australian band Luluc. Fot. Kim Metso