We haven’t heard much from Bon Iver since the Justin Vernon-led band won best new artist at the 2012 Grammys. Are they still “new”? Were they even new back then? Whatever the case, it certainly looks like the follow-up to 2011’s self-titled album could be here soon.
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On Friday (July 22), Bon Iver posted a mysterious 22-second video on its official Facebook page. Take a listen — that’s definitely music playing. Is it new Bon Iver music?
There’s a good chance the upcoming installation of the Eaux Claires Music Festival (which Vernon runs alongside The National’s Aaron Dessner) lets us know more. The fest runs Aug. 12 and 13 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and Bon Iver is slated for a set. And about that hashtag above: 22 days from now is, conveniently enough, Aug. 13.
Justin Vernon on the Pressure to Create More Bon Iver Music & His Eaux Claires Fest’s Return
Last month, Vernon tweeted that he plans to play “a set made of new music” at the fest. Back in February, he confirmed to Billboard that he’d been working on new music. In that interview, he stressed his willingness to take his time and not just share new music for the sake of new music. Next month in Vernon’s hometown may be the first time we hear it.
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Vernon wound down Bon Iver-related activities following the self-titled album cycle but kept busy with work in other projects like Volcano Choir, Shouting Matches and collaborating on James Blake’s 2016 song “I Need a Forest Fire.” Blake and many of Vernon’s other frequent cohorts will be on hand at Eaux Claires, which figures to be a mass gathering of all things Bon Iver-related.