BRYCE DESSNER

At a time of solitude, the guitarist and composer focused on connecting.

-  Julie Mullins

ROSSING BORDERS AND GENRE BOUNDARIES IS NEVER EASY, BUT FOR BRYCE DESSNER, IT’S BECOME A FAMILIAR EXPERIENCE.

Dessner, 45, a classically trained guitarist, multiinstrumentalist, and composer, has racked up multi-hyphenates over the last couple of decades of his musical career. Arguably best known for his work with indie rock band The National—where he shares lead guitar, piano, songwriting, and other duties with his identical-twin brother Aaron—he’s also an accomplished arranger and producer, and co-founder of two record labels.

He’s also one of those rare musicians who have authentically crossed—and blurred—the lines between classical music and pop/rock. In a recent phone conversation, we discussed his recent projects, his process, and—of course—music.

Dessner has been working remotely on projects predating the pandemic and also on new collaborations. He’s used to traveling as he works and working as he travels. He writes and composes music while touring with The National—or did until COVID-19 put a temporary end to that. He’s pressed on.