Nashville, Tennessee: Pop sensation Taylor Swift made headlines with her collaboration with ex-boyfriend Joe Alwyn on the track “Exile” from her 2020 album Folklore. The song, a duet with Bon Iver, marked Alwyn’s first public music credit, unbeknownst to fans who only knew him by his pseudonym William Bowery. However, Swift later revealed the true identity of William Bowery during her Disney+ concert film, Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions.
According to Swift, Alwyn not only contributed vocals but also played a crucial role in creating the piano part for “Exile.” The couple’s professional collaboration was born out of the COVID-19 shutdown, with Swift recalling the unique circumstances that led to their joint effort. Despite initial hesitation, their attempt at collaborating resulted in the Grammy-winning Album of the Year in 2021 for Folklore.
“We’re so proud of ‘Exile,'” Swift expressed, emphasizing her appreciation for the creative process of writing with Alwyn. Their musical partnership yielded a poignant and powerful track that resonated with fans and critics alike. The success of “Exile” further solidified Alwyn’s musical contribution and showcased the impressive synergy between the former couple.
Swift’s revelation about her collaboration with Alwyn has provided an intimate look at their shared creative process. Despite the complexities of their past relationship, their joint effort on “Exile” has stood out as a testament to their artistic chemistry. The song not only achieved critical acclaim but also served as a unique and significant milestone in both of their careers.