Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon and Jim-E Stack Unveil Creative Process for SABLE, fABLE
Justin Vernon, the frontman of Bon Iver, and producer Jim-E Stack recently discussed their collaborative efforts in creating the new album SABLE, fABLE. This project features contributions from artists such as Dijon and Flock of Dimes, showcasing a blend of innovative sounds and creative synergy.
The duo revealed that much of the album’s sound stems from a sample provided by Sam. Vernon emphasized that the initial idea was straightforward but took two years to develop fully. “I didn’t write any scores or anything. This just came straight from a sample from Sam, and somewhat unchanged,” he explained. The challenge lay in enhancing the sample to produce a compelling final product.
Vernon noted that once he received the demo, the melody instantly resonated with him. “I just knew the melody, yeah, it was just there,” he added. Stack echoed this sentiment, stating that they felt compelled to include their friends in the creative process, highlighting the communal aspect of music-making.
The creative journey included layering sounds and transcribing chords to bring more depth to their tracks. Vernon mentioned using MIDI keyboards to add weight to the arrangement. “I think some of this stuff was layered, yeah, and I remember we did actually, I think we transcribed the chords a bit,” he said, illustrating their meticulous approach to production.
Reflecting on the process, Stack described one of their standout tracks as a creatively successful endeavor. “Yeah, one of the more successful, creatively successful songs, I think, totally,” he remarked. He praised the captivating drum patterns, which diverged from traditional norms, stating, “It’s just classic Jimmy drums that no two and four yet, it’s just blew my mind.”
The duo’s collaboration took shape during a session in Los Angeles, where they experimented with various drum sounds. Vernon recalled poring over different drum patterns until they found the right fit. “It was like pouring over these, like, really, you know, like, tasteful, whatever f–king drums. It was just like, not it,” he laughed, highlighting the trial-and-error nature of their creative process.
This candid discussion sheds light on the innovative spirit driving SABLE, fABLE. With their unique approach, Justin Vernon and Jim-E Stack continue to push boundaries, proving that collaboration can lead to remarkable musical experiences. Fans can expect a project that is as much about the journey as it is about the finished product.
