Bon Iver ‘Winding It Down,’ Justin Vernon Says
Bon Iver leader Justin Vernon expressed uncertainty about the future of the band in an interview last weekend with The Local Show on Minnesota Public Radio – comments his record label quickly sought to walk back.
When host David Campbell asked Vernon what he’s up to with Bon Iver, Vernon responded that he’s “winding it down. I look at it like a faucet. I have to turn it off and walk away from it because so much of how that music comes together is subconscious or discovering. There’s so much attention on the band, it can be distracting at times. I really feel the need to walk away from it while I still care about it. And then if I come back to it – if at all – I’ll feel better about it and be renewed or something to do that.”
Bon Iver’s label, Jagjaguwar, told Pitchfork that Vernon simply meant he’s winding down promotional efforts for the band’s self-titled 2011 album: “They are just going off cycle after two very busy years on the road.”
Much of the Local Show interview focuses on Vernon’s loving relationship with his hometown, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, with discussion of a stint living in North Carolina, his various musical compatriots, people he would like to work with (Vernon mentions Emmylou Harris and Bonnie Raitt) and “the most odd and unexpected experience” he’s had since Bon Iver hit it big.
“Probably recording Rick Ross’ verse on Kanye’s song in a bathroom,” Vernon says. “That was pretty cool.”