Bon Iver's Justin Vernon Discusses Taylor Swift's 'Folklore' Collaborations and Their Origins

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. Emergence of Big Red Machine
4. Taylor Swift's 'Folklore': A Paradigm Shift
5. Iconic Collaborations: 'exile' and Beyond
6. The Wider Cultural Impact
7. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Justin Vernon reveals that Taylor Swift's collaborations during the 'Folklore' era originated from demos created by Big Red Machine, his project with Aaron Dessner.
• The connections formed between these artists showcased an interesting blend of pop and indie-folk, contributing to the cultural tapestry of 2020 music.
• The 'Folklore' album provided a significant shift in Taylor Swift's musical trajectory, marked by a departure from mainstream pop to a more introspective sound.

Introduction

In a surprising reflection on one of music's most iconic collaborations of 2020, Justin Vernon, the frontman of Bon Iver, discussed the roots of Taylor Swift's 'Folklore' album in an interview with Zane Lowe. As the pandemic constrained artists and forced a reevaluation of creativity, Swift’s foray into the realms of indie folk was not merely a stylistic choice but a serendipitous intertwining of musical paths. The existence of previously recorded demos, shared among collaborators, led to the magic that would eventually become some of her most celebrated songs. As we delve into this collaboration, we unearth the influences and creative processes behind some of the most poignant sounds of the contemporary music landscape.

Emergence of Big Red Machine

Background on Big Red Machine

Big Red Machine, a collaborative project founded by Justin Vernon and Aaron Dessner, emerged from the vibrant indie scene and has long been a creative petri dish focused on blending various musical styles. The duo first started working together out of mutual respect and admiration for one another's artistry, culminating in the release of their self-titled debut album in 2020. This album explored themes of vulnerability and the human experience, drawing from both artist's lyrical prowess and instrumental capabilities.

Demos that Changed Everything

As COVID-19 rendered their initial touring plans obsolete, Vernon and Dessner pivoted to online showcases, giving life to unreleased material through social media. Dessner’s Instagram Live sessions featured snippets of unreleased demos—these casual performances served as an invitation for Swift to dip her toes into this new creative pool. What she discovered resonated deeply, forming the bedrock from which 'Folklore' was built.

Vernon explained, “We just needed to share it. And Taylor heard it.” It was in those demos—dimly lit in the context of their development—that she found the emotional timbre that she was yearning to explore in her songwriting.

Taylor Swift's 'Folklore': A Paradigm Shift

Artistic Evolution

Taylor Swift’s pivot away from her country roots to pop stardom has been well documented. With the onset of 'Folklore', she undertook a semiotic transformation that entailed more than just stylistic shifts; it engaged with narrative depth and emotional complexity previously unexplored in her discography. Merging her narratives with the introspective sounds of Vernon and Dessner provided an essential evolution that critics would soon herald.

In a four-star review by NME, it was noted that “‘Folklore’ feels fresh, forward-thinking and, most of all, honest,” demonstrating Swift's willingness to stray from commercial dictates. This album was not merely a juxtaposition of genres; it was an act of artistic liberation.

Iconic Collaborations: 'exile' and Beyond

The Wedding of Voices

Vernon's contribution can most prominently be felt in the hauntingly beautiful duet 'exile', where Swifts’s and Vernon's voices entwine amidst rich instrumentation and poignant lyrics. The track serves as a perfect representation of their collaboration, where Vernon’s distinct vocal stylings blended seamlessly with Swift's narrative-driven lyrics.

Vernon recalled his initial reaction upon being invited to participate: “I was like, ‘Taylor?’ He’s like, ‘Yeah, I haven’t told you yet, but I’m taking some of the songs and she’s writing to them.’” This moment encapsulates the excitement that characterized this creative bouquet—the synergy that can occur when artists come together to push beyond their individual limits.

Highlights of the 'Folklore' Era

During the crafting of 'Folklore,' Vernon’s contribution extended beyond mere vocals. He was intricately involved in shaping the emotive soundscape, offering subtle nuances that reinforced the lyrical content. This collaborative spirit paved the way for a unique musical dialogue, showcasing how diverse artistic backgrounds can harmonize under shared ambitions.

The Wider Cultural Impact

Resonating Messages

Much of the cultural impact of 'Folklore' lies in its themes exploring introspection, loss, and self-discovery. Released during a globally pandemic-stricken year, the album resonated with listeners seeking solace in the poignant storytelling that became emblematic of its sound. Swift navigated her individual narrative alongside wider societal challenges, creating a timeless collection of songs that spoke to countless listeners.

The collaboration harmonized different genres and ideologies, raising important questions about the impact of creativity amidst adversity. As Vernon states, “I’m just sort of watching it happen,” highlighting a sense of humility and community that resonates within their music.

Future Implications for Collaborations

The collaboration has set an intriguing precedent for cross-genre cooperation in the music industry. ‘Folklore’ and its thematic concerns paved the way for continued exploration, bridging the commercial and the indie arenas in unique and meaningful ways.

Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy

The creative crossroads between Vernon and Swift during the uncertain times of the pandemic gave rise to a body of work that will endure beyond its release. Their collaboration illuminated how artists can navigate unforeseen circumstances through ingenuity and creative spirit, crafting narratives that touch lives far and wide.

As trends continue to evolve in the music industry, the collaborations fostered in this turbulent era remind us of the possibilities that exist when diverse talents converge to tell the intricacies of the human experience.

FAQ

1. How did Taylor Swift and Justin Vernon's collaboration come about?

Taylor Swift's collaboration with Justin Vernon emerged after she heard demos from Big Red Machine—Vernon and Aaron Dessner's project. Dessner shared these demos during Instagram Live sessions, sparking Swift's interest in creating songs with them.

2. What songs did Justin Vernon contribute to on Taylor Swift's albums?

Justin Vernon lent his talents to the song 'exile' on the album 'Folklore' and also appeared on the title track of 'Evermore.'

3. How did the COVID-19 pandemic influence the music industry?

The COVID-19 pandemic forced artists to find new ways to connect and collaborate, often using social media platforms to share unreleased material and engage with one another remotely. This led to innovative avenues for collaboration, as evidenced by the partnership between Swift, Vernon, and Dessner.

4. What is Bon Iver's Big Red Machine project about?

Big Red Machine is a collaborative endeavor between Justin Vernon and Aaron Dessner that focuses on blending their musical styles while exploring themes of personal and societal relevance. They initially began the project out of mutual admiration, resulting in a unique fusion of indie and folk sounds.

5. What cultural themes are explored in ‘Folklore’?

'Folklore' delves into themes of introspection, loss, and self-discovery, capturing the emotional landscape of individuals during a globally tumultuous period. The intimate storytelling resonates widely, adding depth and relevance to Swift's narrative.