One ofTaylor Swift’s producers has become known for writing with her, but he actually co-wrote a popular song for another artist before working with Swift.The singer has written with an array of people, from her early career collaborator, Liz Rose, to more well-known artists like Lana Del Rey. However, she has a few favorite co-writers.
Since thefolkloreandevermoreeras, Taylor Swift has often worked with The National’s Aaron Dessner. The writer and producer brought his unique sound to Swift’s folk albums, making them what they are. However,when it comes to pop music, Swift has another choice songwriter, and while he’s become her right-hand man, he wrote another popular song before the two met.
Jack Antonoff Co-Wrote Brave With Sara Bareilles
The Two Worked Together Years Before Swift
BeforeSwift and Jack Antonoffwrote their first song, “Sweeter Than Fiction,” together, he was known for being in the band Fun. However, the musician was also doing behind-the-scenes work as a songwriter, withhis first big hit being Sara Bareilles' 2013 single “Brave.“Antonoff and Bareilles wrote the song together in 2011, and it was produced by Mark Endert.
At the time, Antonoff was not yet the big pop music producer he is today, and Bareilles wanted Endert to produce to ensure the song would be a radio hit. The singer got her wish as “Brave” took over the airwaves when it was released.
The song became Bareilles' third top 40 hit in the United States when itpeaked at #23 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, its impact long exceeded the Billboard charts. The singer confessed she wrote the song for her friend who was struggling to come out as gay.
Not only did the song encourage Bareilles' friend to be brave and be their true self, butit also inspired listeners all over the world too. Antonoff was vocal about its important message, explaining he felt it was a civil rights anthem at a time when that kind of song was very necessary.
The Song Hinted At Where His Career Would Take Him
Sara Bareilles' pop song was just the beginning for Jack Antonoff, who was on the road to establishing himself as a big name in pop music. On October 21st, 2013, Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff released their first song together. The track was called “Sweeter Than Fiction,” and Swift wrote it after being inspired by the British filmOne Chance.
The two wouldgo on to collaborate on Swift’s album1989,and they continue to work together today. Hits and fan-favorite Swift tracks like “Cruel Summer” and “Getaway Car” were co-written and produced by Jack Antonoff. Aside from his success with Swift, the writer and producer has alsoworked with Lana Del Rey, Lorde, and most recently, Sabrina Carpenter.
In May 2025,Jack Antonoff was named ASCAP’s Songwriter of the Year at the 2025 Pop Awards.The former Fun guitarist has also taken home Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical at the Grammys three years in a row. However, Antonoff’s success was first mapped out after his major hit with Sara Bareilles, which proved his pop music writing capabilities.
