Bon Iver is embarking on a new journey, introducing an extensive archival project named "Volumes." This initiative will kick off with its inaugural release, "Volumes: One “Selections From Music Concerts 2019–2023 Bon Iver 6 Piece Band," a curated collection of live performances. This first installment is slated for an April 3 debut, available in both digital and physical formats, under the Jagjaguwar label. This ambitious series aims to offer fans a deeper insight into the band's evolution and live artistry over the past few years, mirroring the meticulousness seen in legendary archival efforts from artists like Bob Dylan. It promises to be a definitive showcase of Bon Iver's musical prowess and stage presence, encapsulating their peak performances for both long-time devotees and new listeners alike.
Justin Vernon, the creative force behind Bon Iver, meticulously compiled these recordings since 2020, drawing inspiration from iconic archival projects. He regards this collection as a quintessential representation of the band, describing it as an ideal entry point for newcomers and a fresh perspective for those familiar with their work. Vernon emphasizes that these selections capture the essence of what Bon Iver has become, showcasing their most refined and authentic live sound. Furthermore, the band's six-piece lineup, featuring Andrew Fitzpatrick, Jenn Wasner, Matthew McCaughan, Michael Lewis, and Sean Carey, played a pivotal role in these performances, with live engineer Xandy Whitesel ensuring pristine audio quality. The announcement of this series coincides with the return of the Eaux Claires festival, signaling a vibrant period for Bon Iver and its community.
The Genesis of Bon Iver's Archival "Volumes" Series
Bon Iver is set to release an extensive archival series titled "Volumes," launching with "Volumes: One “Selections From Music Concerts 2019–2023 Bon Iver 6 Piece Band.” This inaugural collection of live recordings will be available digitally and physically on April 3, through Jagjaguwar. The concept for this series emerged from Justin Vernon's deep dive into the band's live archives, initiated in 2020. His vision for "Volumes" was significantly shaped by the acclaimed archival projects of musical legends such as Bob Dylan's Bootleg Series and the Neil Young Archives. Vernon expressed that this particular set of ten songs serves as an exceptional introduction to Bon Iver's music, particularly for those who might not be familiar with their catalog or who are seeking a comprehensive representation of the band's artistic development. He views this collection as a definitive statement on the band's journey, highlighting what they have evolved into and presenting their finest work.
The meticulous curation of "Volumes: One" involved an extensive review of live performances from 2019 to 2023, aiming to capture the essence of Bon Iver's live experience. Justin Vernon's intent was to create a body of work that not only reflects the band's evolution but also showcases their peak artistic achievements during this period. The selected recordings feature the core six-piece band, including integral members like Andrew Fitzpatrick, Jenn Wasner, Matthew McCaughan, Michael Lewis, and Sean Carey, all of whom contribute significantly to Bon Iver's distinctive sound. The exceptional audio quality across the album is a testament to the expertise of live engineer Xandy Whitesel. This archival project signifies a significant moment for Bon Iver, offering fans an intimate glimpse into the band's dynamic live performances and artistic growth, while also extending an invitation to new listeners to discover the depth and breadth of their music through a carefully assembled collection that Vernon himself champions as their best.
Showcasing Bon Iver's Live Artistry and Festival Return
The upcoming release of "Volumes: One “Selections From Music Concerts 2019–2023 Bon Iver 6 Piece Band" offers a profound look into Bon Iver's exceptional live artistry. The album features a carefully chosen tracklist that includes performances from various iconic venues worldwide, such as "Intro" and "Man Like U" from The Forum in Los Angeles, "We [ft. Bizhiki]" from the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, and "Heavenly Father" recorded at Milan's Mediolanum. These selections, among others, paint a vivid picture of the band's versatility and emotional depth in a live setting. Justin Vernon proudly states that these recordings represent the band at its absolute best, demonstrating the powerful synergy and refined sound achieved by the six-piece lineup. This collection is not merely an album but a celebration of Bon Iver's journey and their sustained impact on the music landscape, meticulously crafted to resonate deeply with their audience.
Beyond the highly anticipated archival release, Bon Iver has also made headlines with the announcement of the return of the Eaux Claires festival this summer, after an eight-year hiatus. This festival, a brainchild of Justin Vernon, is renowned for its unique artistic collaborations and immersive experiences. The lineup for its comeback edition boasts an impressive array of talent, including Dijon and Aimee Mann, alongside a playfully billed act known as "Bon Dylan," which has sparked considerable intrigue regarding the nature of their performance. Vernon's recent debut on NTS Radio further highlighted the significance of the "Volumes" series and the festival's revival, emphasizing the ongoing creative vitality within the Bon Iver camp. The simultaneous launch of the archival series and the return of Eaux Claires underscore a period of renewed energy and extensive engagement for Bon Iver, promising fans both a retrospective appreciation of their live legacy and exciting new experiences on the horizon, further cementing their status as innovators in contemporary music.