What Happens in Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions?
The complete story of Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions, from the first scene to the last, in 124 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In September 2020, Taylor Swift gathered with her co-producers, Aaron Dessner and Jack Antonoff, at the secluded Long Pond Studio in New York’s Hudson Valley. This gathering marked the first time the trio played the entirety of Swift’s eighth studio album together in one room, as the project had been written and produced in isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The resulting documentary, Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions, features stripped-down, acoustic versions of all 17 tracks. Alongside a guest appearance by Justin Vernon, the artists engage in intimate discussions to reveal the inspirations, creative processes, and personal stories behind the music. The film captures the nostalgic atmosphere of the studio while highlighting the unique challenges and joys of producing a record-setting album remotely.
Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
13 key events in the order they happen, from “Creating Folklore in Isolation” to “Releasing the Documentary on Disney+”. 10 events name a place, across 2 locations.
- 1
Creating Folklore in Isolation
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Taylor Swift wrote, recorded, and produced her eighth studio album, Folklore, in isolation. The unusual circumstances kept her apart from her collaborators throughout the creative process. The resulting collection would go on to become a best-selling and record-setting album.
When:During the COVID-19 pandemic
- 2
Producing the Album Remotely
Swift partnered with co-producers Aaron Dessner of The National and Jack Antonoff of Bleachers to make the album, working with them remotely. The distance forced the trio to navigate the entire production without ever sharing a physical space. This remote process later became a key topic of conversation during the studio session.
When:During the COVID-19 pandemic
- 3
Assembling at Long Pond Studio
In September 2020, Swift, Dessner, and Antonoff assembled at Long Pond Studio, a secluded and rustic cabin located in New York's Hudson Valley. It was the first time the trio had gathered in the same room since the album's creation. The historic setting was selected to evoke the nostalgic, wistful nature of the album.
When:September 2020 Where:Long Pond Studio, Hudson Valley, New York
- 4
Playing the Complete Album Together for the First Time
Having written, recorded, and produced Folklore entirely in isolation, the three musicians played the complete album together in the same room for the first time. This gathering marked the first full listen of the record as a group. The session became the basis for the concert documentary that followed.
When:September 2020 Where:Long Pond Studio, Hudson Valley, New York
- 5
Filming the Intimate Concert Experience
The event was filmed as Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions, a concert documentary built around a truly intimate concert experience. Cameras captured both the live performances and the candid conversations between the collaborators. The film was made for release on the Disney+ streaming platform.
When:September 2020 Where:Long Pond Studio, upstate New York
- 6
Performing Stripped-Down Acoustic Renditions
Swift, Dessner, and Antonoff performed stripped-down, acoustic renditions of the album's songs live in the studio. The minimalist arrangements showcased the songwriting at the heart of Folklore. The intimate setting lent each performance a raw and personal feel.
When:September 2020 Where:Long Pond Studio, Hudson Valley, New York
- 7
Playing All 17 Tracks in Order
The trio performed every song from Folklore in sequence, covering all 17 tracks in their original album order. The complete run-through turned the studio session into a full-album concert. Performing the songs together marked a culmination of the album's isolated creation.
When:September 2020 Where:Long Pond Studio, Hudson Valley, New York
- 8
Justin Vernon's Guest Appearance
Justin Vernon of Bon Iver made a guest appearance during the session. His participation added another celebrated voice to the intimate gathering of Swift and her co-producers. The collaboration underscored the ensemble spirit behind the album.
When:September 2020 Where:Long Pond Studio, Hudson Valley, New York
- 9
Discussing the Creation and Meaning Behind Each Song
In between the live performances, Swift and her collaborators discussed the creation and meaning behind each song. These conversations gave viewers insight into the ideas and emotions embedded in the album. The discussions wove storytelling throughout the concert's track list.
When:September 2020 Where:Long Pond Studio, Hudson Valley, New York
- 10
Revealing Stories and Inspirations Behind the Tracks
Through their conversations, the trio revealed the creative process, stories, and inspirations behind the songs. Audiences gained a behind-the-scenes look at how the acclaimed album was conceived. The revelations connected the music to the personal experiences and ideas that shaped it.
When:September 2020 Where:Long Pond Studio, Hudson Valley, New York
Show the other 3 events of Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions Hide the last 3 events
- 11
Reflecting on the Challenges of Remote Production
During the session, Swift and her collaborators shared the challenges of producing the album remotely during the pandemic. They discussed the obstacles of creating music without being able to work side by side. The conversation shed light on the unique circumstances that shaped Folklore.
When:September 2020 Where:Long Pond Studio, Hudson Valley, New York
- 12
Sharing the Joys of the Collaboration
The trio also reflected on the joys of remotely producing the acclaimed, record-setting collection. They celebrated the success of Folklore as a best-selling album. The conversation balanced the difficulties of the process with pride in what they had accomplished together.
When:September 2020 Where:Long Pond Studio, Hudson Valley, New York
- 13
Releasing the Documentary on Disney+
The result of the session was the concert documentary Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions, released on Disney+. The film's premise promises every song from the best-selling album performed in a truly intimate concert experience. It captures both the performances and the stories behind Swift's acclaimed, record-setting collection.
Quiz
How well do you remember Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions? Test yourself on the story.
