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Big Red Machine

Big Red Machine is an indie folk collaboration between Aaron Dessner, best known as a member of the acclaimed indie rock band The National, and Justin Vernon, the mastermind behind indie-folk project Bon Iver. The origins of their partnership can be traced back to 2008, when the two artists met at a music festival. Their collaboration deepened with the founding of the PEOPLE artist collective and the Eaux Claires Music Festival. Big Red Machine's name is derived from an instrumental track Aaron Dessner sent to Vernon titled "big red machine" for the 2009 collaborative project "Dark Was the Night," which was produced by Aaron and his brother Bryce Dessner.

The duo officially solidified their partnership under the Big Red Machine moniker with the release of their eponymous debut album in August 2018, which was preceded by a number of singles that showcased their experimental approach blending elements of folk, indie rock, and electronic music. Their evolving sound continued to garner acclaim with the release of their sophomore album, "How Long Do You Think It's Gonna Last?", in August 2021. The album features a host of guest artists and displays a more refined and expansive take on the group's sound palette. Singles like "Renegade (Pop Version)"—a reimagined edition of a collaboration with Taylor Swift—alongside tracks such as "A Crime" and "No Time For Love Like Now," the latter featuring Michael Stipe of R.E.M., exemplify the group's penchant for emotive storytelling through lush and intricate musical landscapes. Big Red Machine stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in contemporary music, resonating with fans who appreciate the blending of genre boundaries and the raw, introspective lyricism both Dessner and Vernon are known for.

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