On Being with Krista Tippett cover image

On Being with Krista Tippett

Justin Vernon — Being Bon Iver

Apr 16, 2025
Justin Vernon, the frontman of Bon Iver, shares his journey from heartbreak to healing through music. He reflects on navigating fame and the pressures of the industry while emphasizing self-care and reevaluating priorities. Vernon discusses his spiritual evolution and the mystique of the number 22, exploring how it shapes his understanding of life. He also delves into the duality of time and emotion, illustrating how past experiences influence creativity. With a new album, SABLE/fABLE, he captures the essence of personal growth and artistic expression.
54:41

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Justin Vernon emphasizes the transformative power of music in navigating profound emotions like love, despair, and healing throughout his journey.
  • He discusses the complexities of fame and self-identity, highlighting the discomfort of public recognition and its impact on his authenticity.

Deep dives

The Deep Journey of Emotions

Justin Vernon reflects on the profound emotional landscape he navigates through his music, exploring themes of love, despair, and healing. He discusses how his creative process is deeply intertwined with personal experiences, illustrating the complexity of emotions that arise from both joy and heartache. This intimate connection with feelings has allowed him to transform personal struggles into rich artistic expression, highlighting the transformative power of music. For example, he acknowledges the dark phase of being a 'sad boy' while also seeking the light, demonstrating his journey from sorrow to self-discovery.

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