Bon Iver

Bon Iver is an American indie folk band founded by Justin Vernon in 2006. The band's name is derived from the French language phrase "bon hiver," meaning "good winter," which Justin Vernon learned from a French language television show Northern Exposure. Bon Iver's music is known for its experimental and emotional sound, often incorporating elements of indie rock, electronic music, and folk music. The band has released music through Jagjaguwar and 4AD, and has collaborated with artists such as Kanye West, James Blake, and Vampire Weekend.

History and formation

The formation of Bon Iver began when Justin Vernon retreated to a remote cabin in Dunn County, Wisconsin, after the breakup of his band DeYarmond Edison and a bout of mononucleosis. During this time, Justin Vernon wrote and recorded the songs that would become Bon Iver's debut album, For Emma, Forever Ago, which was released in 2007 through Jagjaguwar. The album received critical acclaim and attention from Pitchfork Media, The New York Times, and NPR. Bon Iver's early success led to collaborations with artists such as S. Carey, Mike Noyce, and Sean Carey, who would later become members of the band. The band has also performed at various music festivals, including Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Lollapalooza, and Glastonbury Festival.

Musical style and influences

Bon Iver's musical style is characterized by its use of falsetto vocals, acoustic guitar, and electronic elements. The band's sound is often compared to that of Sufjan Stevens, Fleet Foxes, and Iron & Wine. Justin Vernon has cited influences such as Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Neil Young, as well as jazz and classical music composers like Miles Davis and Steve Reich. The band's music often incorporates elements of folk music, indie rock, and electronic music, and has been praised for its experimental and emotional sound. Bon Iver has also been influenced by the music of Sigur Rós, Radiohead, and Bjork, and has collaborated with artists such as Kanye West and James Blake.

Discography

Bon Iver has released four full-length albums: For Emma, Forever Ago (2007), Bon Iver (2011), 22, A Million (2016), and i,i (2019). The band has also released several EPs, including Blood Bank (2009) and Towers (2012). Bon Iver's music has been released through Jagjaguwar and 4AD, and has been distributed by Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music Group. The band's albums have received critical acclaim and have been praised by music critics such as Robert Christgau and Nitsuh Abebe. Bon Iver's discography has also been influenced by the music of The National, The Antlers, and Fleet Foxes.

Awards and recognition

Bon Iver has received numerous awards and nominations for their music, including two Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Alternative Music Album for their self-titled album. The band has also been nominated for several Brit Awards and MTV Video Music Awards. Bon Iver's music has been featured in various television shows and films, including The Twilight Saga: New Moon, The Walking Dead, and Friday Night Lights. The band has also performed at various music festivals, including Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Lollapalooza, and Glastonbury Festival, and has collaborated with artists such as Kanye West, James Blake, and Vampire Weekend.

Band members and collaborators

Bon Iver's current members include Justin Vernon, Sean Carey, Matthew McCaughan, and Michael Lewis. The band has also collaborated with several other musicians, including S. Carey, Mike Noyce, and Rob Moose. Bon Iver has also worked with producers such as Chris Messina and BJ Burton, and has been influenced by the music of The National, The Antlers, and Fleet Foxes. The band's live performances often feature a large ensemble of musicians, including horns, strings, and percussion sections. Bon Iver has also collaborated with artists such as Kanye West, James Blake, and Vampire Weekend, and has performed at various music festivals, including Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Lollapalooza, and Glastonbury Festival. Category:American indie rock bands