Jack Antonoff had a humorous encounter with a fan during a signing event in Berlin on August 31, when the fan asked him to sign a poster referencing Taylor Swift’s ex-boyfriend Joe Alwyn, also known as William Bowery. The fan read the text on the poster, which asked, “Who’s William Bowery anyway?” Antonoff laughed and shrugged in response, and later signed the poster with the word “folklore.” This encounter happened during a Bleachers show, where another fan also held up a William Bowery sign, prompting Antonoff to laugh again.
William Bowery was the alias used by Joe Alwyn when he collaborated with Swift on several tracks from her albums Folklore, Evermore, and Midnights. Swift confirmed Alwyn’s identity as Bowery in November 2020 during the Disney+ documentary “Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions.” Alwyn played a significant role in the creation of the song “Exile” by contributing the entire piano part. He received a Grammy for his contribution to Folklore, as a co-writer with Swift, during the 2021 Grammy Awards.
During her acceptance speech at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards in March 2021, Swift publicly acknowledged Alwyn, praising him for being the first person she shares her songs with and expressing gratitude for writing songs together during quarantine. Despite his successful foray into songwriting, Alwyn mentioned in an interview with Elle magazine in April 2021 that he did not have plans to pursue further music composition in the future. Swift and Alwyn ended their six-year relationship in April 2023, with Swift briefly dating The 1975’s Matty Healy before moving on to Travis Kelce, a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs. Alwyn was rumored to be dating his co-star Emma Laird from the movie “The Brutalist” in March.
The collaboration between Alwyn and Swift on her albums has been well-received by fans and critics alike, with the songs receiving praise for their emotional depth and their unique sound. Alwyn’s involvement as a co-writer on Folklore earned him a Grammy win, showcasing his talent as a songwriter. Despite his success, Alwyn has indicated that he does not plan to pursue a career in music composition, choosing to focus on his acting career instead.
The public acknowledgment of their relationship and creative collaboration by Swift and Alwyn has endeared them to fans, who appreciate the personal connection they share. Swift’s openness about her songwriting process and her relationship with Alwyn has provided insight into her artistry and creative process, adding a layer of authenticity to her music. As both artists continue to pursue their respective careers, fans are eager to see what new projects and collaborations they will undertake in the future.
