The National have always been open in interviews about the fact that friction between members of the band was an undeniable part of the recording process for both of their past two albums, Boxer and, their latest, High Violet. Speaking to ABC News’ Dan Harris, however, it’s fascinating to watch Aaron and Bryce Dessner describe the process on video, as you can truly see how their intense passion for the music is the impetus for their embracing of frustrating musical negotiations with singer Matt Berninger.
“I’m not afraid to fight with Matt,” says Aaron Dessner, before his brother clarifies: “There’s a ritual that happens. They always have, like, a near-relationship-ending fight… or a couple of them.”
Details like this would be disconcerting if the result wasn’t one of the best albums of the year, of course, not to mention their fond respect for each other is clear throughout the Q&A. Check out the Dessner brothers on ABC’s Amplified (complete with a tour of their studio) below, and watch the boys perform “Terrible Love” in an abandoned castle on Pitchfork.tv here.