Who first created the instrumental that became Taylor Swift’s “august”?

Jack Antonoff first created the instrumental that became Taylor Swift’s “august.”

Antonoff produced the instrumental before sending it to Swift. She then wrote the lyrics quickly, describing the process as happening “on the spot” and as an intuitive response to the music.

Swift and Antonoff had already collaborated on songs for 1989, Reputation, and Lover. Their continuing partnership carried into Folklore, where Antonoff helped shape the sound of several tracks, including “august.”

Joe Alwyn was also credited as a producer of the finished song, and Aaron Dessner was another important Folklore collaborator, but neither is the answer to this specific production-origin question. The distinction is between creating the initial instrumental and contributing to the completed recording.