Uncovering William Bowery: Joe Alwyn's not-so-secret songwriting alias as Taylor Swift returns on tour

Taylor Swift continues her “Era’s” world tour this weekend, rolling into Tampa, Florida after a flurry of tabloid gossip surrounding her relationship to British actor, Joe Alwyn. For a quick recap for those who have managed (somehow) to avoid the speculation, news broke late last week that the couple had decided to end their six year relationship, citing among many factors that they just felt the relationship had reached its natural conclusion.

Cue Swfities and media commentators alike speculating every intricate movement Swift had undertaken after the news - from spotting her out and about alone to even discussions the pair had actually married. There was then talk that perhaps Joe Alwyn resented how Taylor’s career picked up once again after their cosy lockdown together - one that also presented the opportunity to help pen music with the multi-award winning cultural icon. 

We at Peopleworld have already discussed how we felt that perhaps the resentment theory might be a little far fetched, given she was a big name before the pair started their romance. Then there is also the tired trope of “Taylor breaks up with a partner - must be a new round of songwriting coming up,” which at times has had an element of truthness to it (“Dear John,” for example, was penned about her previous relationship with John Mayer.)

But what cannot be denied is that, for a period of time, Alwyn was more hands on regarding Taylor Swift's musical output. As it stands, Mr. Alwyn also had a certain pedigree when it comes to music composition, with his great-grandfather William Alwyn a composer, conductor, and music teacher, who in his career penned scores for over 70 different films - though Joe was born after his death, perhaps he naturally picked up an ear for music from that side of his family. 

Alwyn has been credited under two names for his work with Taylor Swift; under his real name, he was credited as a producer throughout the release of her 2020 album, Folklore, helming the production of the songs “Exile,” “My Tears Ricochet,” “August,” “This Is Me Trying,” “Illicit Affairs” and “Betty.” But Alwyn took his involvement one step further and was credited as a songwriter for two songs on the album.

That, however, was behind the pseudonym “William Bowery” - a pseudonym that has been used before by Taylor Swift to keep a level of secrecy who has been involved in the songwriting process. Alwyn is credited under the “William Bowery” name for two of the stand out tracks from Folklore - “Betty,” which he produced alongside Swift regulars Aaron Dessner and Jack Antonoff, and “Exile,” a celebrated duet with Bon Iver, who was also given a songwriting credit for the song. 

Alwyn’s songwriting wasn’t just exclusive to Folklore either - the name “William Bowery” appeared once again in her second release in 2020, Evermore, earning a writing credit for “Champagne Problems” and in 2022’s Midnights with the song “Sweet Nothing.”

Though Swfities were probably well aware who “William Bowery” was, the Easter egg hunters that they are, it was only made public knowledge through the documentary film "Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions," Taylor Swift explained that she and Joe Alwyn wrote two songs together for the album, "Exile" and "Betty," but wanted to keep their involvement in the project under wraps - and it looks like that experience led to additional appearances in later works. 

Interestingly, looking at the setlists during the current World Tour, the majority of songs penned between Alwyn and Swift are still included during her performances; so even if there is “Bad Blood” between the two (which we’re still waiting an official announcement regarding their split), it’s quite a mark of respect for Swift to still include those tracks despite they have they/haven’t they nature of said split. 

We now eagerly await Joe Alwyn dropping his break-up album if indeed the rumours are confirmed; we now know he has a knack for penning a ballad with other musicians. Will we eventually see the actor parlaying his perceived heartbreak into a stunning debut? Who knows - maybe Taylor could invite him as an opening act if it gets to that stage?