Bon Iver songwriter Justin Vernon, a Wisconsin native — is releasing his new album “Blood Bank” on January 20, 2009. Last February, he became one of the most discussed musicians of 2008. See The New Yorker video interview here.
Bon Iver in collaboration with director Matt Amato for The Masses filmed “The Wolves (Act I & II)” on location in Fall Creek, Wisconsin, in January 2008. Rushing to get to Wisconsin for fresh snows and still frozen air, director Matt Amato arrived in Eau Claire, hometown of Justin Vernon of Bon Iver. Matt received a phone call, one of his best friends had suddenly and tragically passed away. Between a flurry of phone calls and attempting to contact some of Matt’s family to accompany him home, night fell. Almost by default, Matt remained in Eau Claire in the company of his newest acquaintance. The next morning, Matt read the lyrics to “The Wolves” and felt as if those were the exact words he needed to hear from his departed friend. They built a bonfire and just let it burn all day and into the night, and Matt filmed. The weight of the circumstances propelled the collaboration to a place these sort of projects don’t often go. The cathartic spirit of Bon Iver’s music had found its kindred spirit in imagery.
That story is so sad & beautiful at the same time.