Bon Iver – Day One (feat. Dijon & Flock of Dimes)
Bon Iver drops the video for “Day One” featuring Dijon and Flock of Dimes, a track from this year’s SABLE, fABLE album. The clip opens with an announcement that Bon Iver has retired and auditions are being held to find a replacement. What follows is a parade of hopefuls in beards and beanies, including Jacob Elordi, Cristin Milioti, St. Vincent’s Annie Clark, Jenn Wasner, Dijon, and Justin Vernon himself.
The song comes from Vernon’s first album in six years, produced alongside Jim-E Stack and engineered by Ian Gold and Vernon at April Base in Wisconsin. Heba Kadry handled mastering. The record features contributions from BJ Burton, Carter Faith, Cory Henry, Danielle Haim, Greg Leisz, Jacob Collier, Michael Gordon (Mk.gee), Rob Moose, and Tobias Jesso Jr.
Vernon’s been open about wanting to step back from the public side of music. He told The Guardian he wants to be done with promotion and touring, though he’s serious enough about these songs to push through the discomfort. The video plays with that tension, asking if you really need Justin Vernon in the flesh to have Bon Iver.
Vernon and Dijon have got close over the years. Vernon called Dijon his favourite artist in the world and wanted his voice on the record in any way possible. The two bonded over similar struggles with attention and overexposure early in their careers.
Vernon and Jim-E Stack recently broke down the making of “Day One” at LA’s Palace Theatre in a special event with Song Exploder’s Hrishikesh Hirway. SABLE, fABLE marks a shift for Vernon, moving from the sparse reckoning of the album’s SABLE section into a brighter, more direct sound on the fABLE tracks.
