Taylor Swift recently shared insights into the creation of her acclaimed album Folklore on its fourth anniversary.
Speaking during her Eras Tour stop in Germany on July 24, the singer delved into the unique and challenging process behind the Grammy-winning pandemic project, as reported by USA Today.
“Making an album is usually such a collaborative situation,” Swift explained to the audience. “You usually get lots of people together.
You get to play all these new songs for your friends or your band, and you get to be in the same room with the people that you’re either writing with or producing with.” The 34-year-old artist reminisced about the traditional recording process that had to be reimagined due to pandemic restrictions.
Swift highlighted the unconventional methods she and her collaborators, Aaron Dessner and Jack Antonoff, had to adopt. “I would sit in my guest bedroom and record the vocals while [Dessner and Antonoff] would be on the phone,” she shared. “It was such a challenge for us as creators, but it was so fulfilling.”
The pop sensation also recounted the innovative approach to the album’s visuals. “When it came time to take some pictures for the album, you couldn’t have hair or makeup. You couldn’t have wardrobe. You had to just do it yourself,” she said.
Swift turned to her friend, photographer Beth Garrabrant, to capture the album’s aesthetic. “I called my friend who has some woods behind her house and asked, ‘Can I take some pictures in your forest?’ and she said, ‘Yes.’”
Swift’s resourcefulness extended to her wardrobe as well. “I ordered all these nightgowns online and did my own hair and makeup,” she revealed, emphasizing the do-it-yourself spirit that characterized the album’s creation.
Reflecting on the overall experience, Swift expressed a deep sense of satisfaction. “It just makes me happy to look back on that period of time because we never made anything in that way before, and it was cool to know that we could,” she remarked. She also acknowledged the profound impact the album had on her fans. “The storytelling on this album has just warmed my heart, and I’m just so appreciative of it.”
Folklore, released in July 2020, continues to resonate with listeners, showcasing Swift’s adaptability and creative resilience during unprecedented times.