Episode Details

Bon Iver’s Sable, Fable might be the most “rootsy” they’ve sounded in a while—but don’t call it a pivot. Justin Vernon tells Kyle Meredith it’s less about reinvention and more about stripping away the layers: less mystery, more clarity, fewer effects, more humanity. “Everything Is Peaceful Love” was the compass, and the rest followed—a sonic arc from Wisconsin cabin solitude to California sunshine. Vernon opens up about the cinematic thread behind the album’s cowboy vibe, the word “change” as a narrative fulcrum, and how music helped him stitch himself back together. He also talks about the influence of Rickie Lee Jones (“The Horses” is one of his favorite songs of all time), the story behind that legendary Outfield cover, and why exile only works with Taylor Swift in the room. Plus: why Danielle Haim is his favorite American musician, period.

Listen to Bon Iver's Justin Vernon chat about all this and more or watch it on YouTube. Please take the time to like, review, and subscribe to KMW wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.