Joe Alwyn’s songwriting pseudonym on Taylor Swift’s Folklore is William Bowery.
Alwyn received credit under the name William Bowery for contributions to Folklore. He co-wrote “exile” with Swift and Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon and also contributed to “betty.” His involvement was initially presented through the pseudonym, which prompted fan speculation about the identity behind the name.
Swift later confirmed that Alwyn was William Bowery. The name combines references associated with New York City, including the Bowery area, and a family connection involving the name William.
Joe Alwyn is also credited as a producer on “august” alongside Swift and Jack Antonoff. That is separate from the writing credits attached to other Folklore songs. A frequent mix-up is confusing William Bowery with William Harkness, the historical figure referenced in “the last great american dynasty.”