Taylor Swift explains how dubstep transformed her 2012 hit at Grammy Museum

At a recent Icon Sessions event at the Grammy Museum, Taylor Swift talked about the creative process behind her 2012 hit, describing its origins as a somber piano composition. She recounted how producers Max Martin and Shellback proposed incorporating dubstep elements, a direction she initially hesitated about but later tried. Swift emphasized that the enthusiastic, "yes, and" mindset of her collaborators helped shape the final version, which became a major pop success.

The discussion was led by Recording Academy President Harvey Mason Jr. and focused on how production choices can alter a song’s mood. Swift noted that the shift toward a pop-oriented sound marked a turning point on her album "Red." The track later reached high positions on the Billboard Hot 100.