Justin Vernon, the talented musician behind Bon Iver, chats about his latest album, SABLE, fABLE. He humorously dives into the quirks of Wisconsin life, from meat raffles to Culver's orders. The conversation meanders through topics like celebrity culture, Bob Dylan's songwriting magic, and the highs of creative collaboration. They even touch on astrology and the culinary joys of tinned fish, all while reflecting on the balance between artistic expression and personal happiness.
Bon Iver discusses his new album SABLE, fABLE, reflecting on the intersection of artistic expression and brand collaborations in the music industry.
The hosts highlight their experiences with Wisconsin's unique culinary culture, emphasizing the charm and regional specialties like Culver's.
Conversations about aging musicians reveal the challenges of maintaining artistic relevance while balancing audience expectations with personal integrity over time.
Deep dives
Booking a Trip to Hawaii
The hosts share their recent decision to escape the winter by booking a trip to Hawaii, highlighting their positive experiences using Booking.com for travel arrangements. They emphasize the value of finding the perfect hotel that suits their needs, including a laid-back atmosphere and reasonable pricing. The hosts appreciate the convenience Booking.com provides in planning their trips effortlessly. This conversation serves as a light-hearted endorsement of the travel service, showcasing their personal experiences with it.
Reflections on Helicopter Tours
The discussion shifts to the perceived danger and popularity of helicopter tours, particularly for sightseeing. One host recalls an incident involving a helicopter crash, emphasizing the need for caution when engaging in such activities. They ponder whether the thrill of helicopter rides has diminished due to advancements in technology that allow for similar views through drones and digital mapping. Ultimately, they suggest that enjoying scenic views from bars might be a safer and more enjoyable alternative.
Insights on Bon Iver and Music Community
As the episode progresses, the hosts reflect on their experiences interacting with Bon Iver and the music community at large. They touch on how fans of different artists, like Carseat Headrest and Bon Iver, can perceive the hosts differently. The conversation hints at the multifaceted relationship between artists and their audiences, discussing the appeal of authenticity and the nuances of fan interactions. It's acknowledged that while there may be differences in fanbase reactions, the hosts ultimately enjoy engaging with diverse musical communities.
Wisconsin's Unique Cultural Offerings
The hosts share their experiences in Wisconsin, particularly about local food specialties and regional culture, such as cheese and sausage. They discuss their surprise at discovering new dining experiences, especially local fast food spots like Culver's, which offers unique dishes not found elsewhere. This exploration of Wisconsin’s culinary identity highlights the charm and quirks of the Midwest, suggesting that there’s more to discover beyond common tourist destinations. Their reflections underscore the importance of understanding and appreciating regional cultures in the United States.
Thoughts on Aging Artists
The dialogue shifts towards the realities of aging musicians and their performances, with musings about how long-term artists like Bob Dylan adapt their craft over time. The hosts express admiration for Dylan's ability to reinterpret songs and create fresh experiences, even if the delivery differs from earlier performances. They recognize that musicians face constant pressure to maintain their artistic relevance as they age, making it a challenge to balance expectations with personal integrity. This conversation sheds light on the evolving nature of live music and what it means for artists as they navigate their careers.
Exploring Future Directions in Music and Performance
As the episode draws to a close, themes of artistic freedom and the future of live music are discussed. The hosts express a desire to innovate how music is performed and experienced, contemplating concepts like immersive concert spaces outside traditional venues. They suggest that musicians could benefit from exploring new formats that prioritize creativity over the existing commercial models, creating a healthier environment for artists. This exploration of imaginative avenues emphasizes a willingness to embrace change in the music landscape and seek deeper connections with audiences.
Bon Iver is a musician from Wisconsin. His new record, SABLE, fABLE, is out now on Jagjaguar. We spoke with him live from his home studio, and the whole interview can be found in video form on our YouTube page. We chat about Bernie at Coachella, April 1st should be New Years Day, numerology, our Culver's order, loose cheese in the tourvan, meat and gun raffles, sourkraut, his ability to lay low in LA, brand collabs on albums, Normatec recovery, our favorite whiskey, our thoughts on Bob Dylan, what kind of EDM he likes, and a little sync talk.
