Who produced the original instrumental that became Taylor Swift's “August”?

Jack Antonoff produced the original instrumental that became Taylor Swift's “August.” He sent that instrumental to Swift, who wrote the lyrics and vocal melody in response to it.

The process illustrates how Folklore was assembled from collaboration rather than from a single fixed writing formula. Antonoff's instrumental supplied the song's shimmering, spacious base, while Swift developed the fictional summer-romance story and its emotional point of view.

Swift and Antonoff were both credited as producers of “August,” with Joe Alwyn also receiving co-producer recognition. The distinction matters: Antonoff initiated the instrumental, but the finished recording reflects contributions from all three producers and Swift's songwriting.