Big Red Machine is really a community effort: I guess it involves almost 30 musicians. It does come out of our friendship, but it's really something that is deeply collaborative.

Aaron Dessner’s quote highlights the collaborative nature of the Big Red Machine project, emphasizing that it is the result of a community effort rather than the work of a single individual. With nearly 30 musicians involved, the project reflects the combined talents and contributions of many different people. Dessner underscores that while the collaboration comes from a place of friendship, it is a deeply creative and communal effort that extends beyond personal bonds into a shared artistic endeavor.

The mention of friendship in the quote reveals the personal connections between the musicians involved, indicating that the collaborative spirit of the project is rooted in strong, supportive relationships. These friendships foster trust and mutual respect, allowing for creative freedom and innovation. However, Dessner also makes it clear that the project is not only about friendship, but about creating something meaningful through collaboration.

By describing Big Red Machine as "deeply collaborative," Dessner highlights the importance of teamwork and collective input in making the music. Each musician brings their unique voice and perspective to the project, contributing to a richer, more diverse sound. This reinforces the idea that the project is bigger than any one individual’s vision, and that its success relies on the synergy created by the combined efforts of all involved.

Originating from Dessner’s reflections on the creation of Big Red Machine, a musical collaboration between him and Justin Vernon (of Bon Iver), this quote speaks to the essence of their creative process. Dessner’s words reflect his belief in the power of collaboration and the way friendship and mutual respect can fuel artistic innovation. The quote underscores how working together as a community can lead to something greater than the sum of its parts.