Bon Iver is the name of Justin Vernon’s indie singer-songwriter alter-ego on Jagjaguwar Records. In February, he released For Emma, Forever Ago to much critical acclaim after secluding himself in a cabin for three months. Now he’s back with a new EP entitled Blood Bank, and he’s a man of few words… or my questions are stupid.

Bon Iver – Skinny Love
Bon Iver – The Wolves (Acts I & II) Live

Where do you plan on recording your next album?
February.

I read an interview with you where you used to wash dishes at a restaurant in Raleigh, N.C., and it wasn’t the best environment. But it kind of became a catalyst for your successes today. Can you tell us about that time in your life?
It was a negative catalyst. It showed me how medium I had become and how unexcited my life had begun to make me. I learned how to make food though.

You’ve produced an album for Merge artist The Rosebuds. Do you see yourself doing more of that in the future?
Yes. As more perfect situations like that come along.

There’s a really cool Youtube video circulating of an autistic class in Milwaukee covering your song Flume. Can you tell people about that?
I’m not sure what you mean, but I’ve found I don’t need to. People tell me about it. Those kinds of things are very touching to witness.

Tell us about your new EP.
It’s a collection of songs from the four quadrants of my mind that were a part of the same spanning interwoven circles of for emma, forever ago. But four new ones.

What’s the meaning of life?
Green Bay Packers. Learn about us.

What’s next for Bon Iver?
Hopefully, a cover album of John Denver and the Muppets, A Christmas Together. In its entirety. I am NOT being funny. Its truly my desert island album.

4 Responses to “Interview: Bon Iver”

1. 

   On 11/25/08 1:16 PM, Josh Mock said:

   Vernon is usually a bit more positive in interviews I’ve seen and read. Maybe he was just distracted or busy, but this doesn’t sound like the same person.

3. 

   On 11/25/08 4:55 PM, Daily Dose - Tuesday Linkage | Radio Exile said:

   [...] Read this brief interview with Bon Iver [Buzzgrinder] [...]

5. 

   On 11/25/08 10:18 PM, Ryan @ Milkweed Records said:

   “For Emma…” is one of my favorites. I’m sure he gets tired of the same old questions. Didn’t come across that harshly though… seems like a cool guy.

7. 

   On 11/30/08 11:45 PM, Brian said:

   Very interesting interview, yet somewhat brief answers:) Thanks for posting!

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