Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon on Culver’s, Minnesota and MacBooks

Justin Vernon recently appeared on the How Long Gone podcast to discuss Bon Iver’s new album, SABLE, fABLE, offering candid reflections about music, life in Wisconsin, and the often unseen realities of the creative process. Speaking openly from his studio at April Base in Eau Claire, Vernon revealed a refreshingly humble approach: "I actually did mix the EP on this MacBook Air and finished it off in a hotel room in Brooklyn last fall. It did give me some trouble—there were some latency issues—but we got there."

The conversation painted a detailed and humorous portrait of Vernon's deep connection to Wisconsin, his home state. He playfully corrected regional pride with a fact-check: "Actually, Wisconsin has 12,000 lakes and Minnesota has 10,000." His reflections didn't stop there—he discussed the unique food culture of the Midwest, remarking affectionately yet critically, "Culver's—they rep Wisconsin well with the ButterBurger, but the cheese curd I think is too bready for what cheese curds should be." These relatable anecdotes highlighted a genuine affection for the quirks and charms of Wisconsin.

"When we play basketball out here, I'll just go inside and I'm forking the kraut in, couldn’t get it fast enough."

One of the most memorable highlights from the podcast was Vernon's amusing explanation of Wisconsin's local bar traditions. With characteristic humor, he shared: "We have gun and meat raffles here, where you're at the bar, put five bucks in, and walk out with steaks or a gun." This colorful depiction not only showcased regional culture but illustrated Vernon's authentic appreciation for the eccentricities of his roots, further informing the warmth and sincerity listeners find in his music.

Throughout the dialogue, Vernon candidly addressed his changing perspective on touring, noting that performing live had grown challenging in recent years. He shared, "Touring shouldn’t be something you actively do not look forward to. It's okay to work hard and get tired, but you shouldn't be breaking down on stage crying from exhaustion." He expressed the tension between passion and practicality, adding humorously yet seriously, "Retirement terrifies me. I don't want to retire because that sounds boring." Ultimately he expressed a sense of ease with this album’s release, “It feels good that I'm not going out on the road—I feel incredibly calm sitting here and enjoying the process of putting out a record."

​Justin Vernon's promotional approach for SABLE, fABLE extends beyond traditional music releases, embracing a series of creative collaborations that reflect the album's themes and his personal aesthetics. One notable partnership is with menswear designer Todd Snyder, resulting in a limited-edition apparel line. This collection features a salmon-colored hoodie and beanie, inspired by Vernon's favorite color and the album's cover art. Vernon shared, "Salmon has been my favorite color since I was a kid, and I had a sweatshirt from Schoolkids’ Records in that color" . These items are available exclusively through Todd Snyder’s official webstore.​

"Bon Iver in general, we make money on records, and we make money on the tours—we've just been incredibly conservative. We just haven't gone overboard."

In addition to fashion, Vernon has explored unique merchandise collaborations that align with the album's motifs. For instance, during a basketball tournament event promoting SABLE, fABLE, attendees received tinned Atlantic salmon from Bon Iver's collaboration with Fishwife, blending the album's themes with local culture . These creative endeavors underscore Vernon's commitment to offering fans immersive experiences that resonate with the album's narrative.

Vernon also discussed his personal philosophies and approach to collaboration, emphasizing a grounded view of creativity. On working with his team, he stated, "We might not have been the best individually, musicians or engineers, but when we came together, I felt like we were doing it the best anybody was doing it." He further elaborated on the industry's complexities, mentioning past collaborations like his Bushmills campaign, saying, "Irish whiskey is my dad's passion, and I just had to do it." When discussing his use of numerology throughout his career, he explained, “The number 22 is always my number—like in basketball or just like I saw it on the clock. I think I was born at 8:22.”

Ultimately, SABLE, fABLE represents a significant artistic and personal evolution for Vernon, deeply infused by his Midwestern identity. Summing up his thoughts on performance and creation, he mused, "If I can't sing the song, I just won't. That's logical, but the ego often won't allow that." His honesty and willingness to share personal insights: "I'm only looking for the patterns that reflect back on me or me understanding myself more or something—or the people around me,” highlight his authenticity, making his music resonate deeply. Vernon's thoughtful and humorous reflections from this interview offer fans a richer appreciation of the depth, sincerity, and humanity at the heart of his art.