How Bon Iver Wrote ‘iMi’: 5 Years, 28 People and a Piece of Cardboard | Diary of a Song

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  • Опубліковано 4 вер 2019
  • In our latest episode of “Diary of a Song,” Justin Vernon, the Grammy-winning Kanye West collaborator, recounts the emotional toll of his yearslong effort to write the song “iMi.”
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 283

  • @Ruby-eq1qg
    @Ruby-eq1qg 3 роки тому +337

    wheezy trying to pronounce bon iver before giving up is so funny and relatable

  • @davidwave4
    @davidwave4 4 роки тому +1658

    Still waiting for the James Blake x Bon Iver x Frank Ocean song I was promised in 2016.

    • @potatogood7871
      @potatogood7871 4 роки тому +11

      God That's long time ago

    • @Infaziation
      @Infaziation 4 роки тому +69

      Still waiting for the James Blake x Bon Iver x Frank Ocean x Francis and the Lights x Kanye West song

    • @nobodyhome3753
      @nobodyhome3753 4 роки тому

      @@Infaziation Getting close ua-cam.com/video/P22Dk6Mjb3E/v-deo.html

    • @millje7
      @millje7 4 роки тому +7

      Jay Friends & Take Me to the Light by Francis are halfway there lol. Both are amazing songs

    • @leokoprowski
      @leokoprowski 4 роки тому +2

      when this was promised? i never heard bout it.

  • @JoannaRevelleCreative
    @JoannaRevelleCreative 4 роки тому +299

    Watching this in headphones alone drunk in a hostel bunk bed and it's the greatest video I've ever watched. I feel lucky to be alive with this beauty.

    • @landsend3417
      @landsend3417 4 роки тому +7

      I’ll die with my headphones on my head

    • @ayounggreek
      @ayounggreek 4 роки тому +7

      What an amazing thing to think about who else has been touched by a certain video or music. And getting the context of where you listened to this is wonderful. I'm also in the bottom bunk, at about midnight listening to this in my headphones.

    • @socialbizzle
      @socialbizzle 3 роки тому +2

      @@ayounggreek I'm so glad you wrote that. Agreed, was such a nice touch to feel where other people were experiencing it.

    • @nathancornwall2208
      @nathancornwall2208 2 роки тому

      Can relate to this. It'd beauty, and it's so much better to know the story. Does bring a tear

  • @hannahhalvorson4386
    @hannahhalvorson4386 4 роки тому +204

    I really do feel bad for all of the people who don't experience this music the way that we do. It is unworldly.

  • @thejesuschrist
    @thejesuschrist 4 роки тому +710

    amazing

  • @l.s.9671
    @l.s.9671 4 роки тому +382

    So I came across this video first (it was in my recommendations). Then I went and listened to the actual song. And my appreciation for the music was unlike anything I'd ever felt before. Then I went on a Bon Iver binge. I'm now a full-fledged fan of their music. Holocene is one of my favorites. Real art right here.

    • @babydoe7504
      @babydoe7504 4 роки тому +18

      Welcome to a whole new world bud. We named our daughter after them we love them so much. Dylan iver. Saw them twice last year. If you ever get the chance, go see them.

    • @edward3320
      @edward3320 4 роки тому +9

      Here's some advice I'm incredibly lucky to have found:
      Search up Bon Iver I can't Make You Love Me, on Google. There's a video video of him playing a piano, play it. Song was removed from all stores.

    • @mllkimllki
      @mllkimllki 4 роки тому +1

      same as me

    • @mSTRMNDi
      @mSTRMNDi 4 роки тому +3

      might wanna get on the sound of tash sultana. Pretty different but the feeling is the same

    • @cincylaw14
      @cincylaw14 4 роки тому +2

      I loved reading this. I just saw them live for the first time! It’s awesome watching someone discover music like this and fall in love with it. BI is just brilliant.

  • @skelanimalsworld
    @skelanimalsworld 4 роки тому +98

    "As soon as he sings, I feel like it makes everything right" that's how my life feels when i listen to any bon iver song

  • @bremki
    @bremki 4 роки тому +492

    Easily the best song on the album. So innovative! Good to know it takes almost 30 people to make such an amazing song, now I can relax about not being able to create a masterpiece by myself! Lol

    • @ohhimark8028
      @ohhimark8028 4 роки тому +1

      bremki it doesn’t take 30 people, but it’s cool
      Nonetheless

    • @bremki
      @bremki 4 роки тому +4

      Oh hi Mark Clearly you’re missing the humor in that statement. :P

    • @ElliottJohnsonXX
      @ElliottJohnsonXX 4 роки тому +3

      Music is RNG

    • @MasDouc
      @MasDouc 4 роки тому +2

      I skip it every time

    • @ptrkwen
      @ptrkwen 4 роки тому +3

      Its my top five and Naeem and Faith are really up there

  • @dawnnicholson9675
    @dawnnicholson9675 4 роки тому +119

    ' As Soon As He Sings.. I Feel Like He Makes Everything Right ' Perfect, Chris Messina

    • @QbiKz
      @QbiKz 4 роки тому +1

      Stop capitalising every word you moron

  • @jcouture3
    @jcouture3 4 роки тому +572

    You’re telling me we were robbed of Bon Iver x Frank?

    • @mj8105
      @mj8105 4 роки тому +30

      If this song is what we got I don't miss a thing

    • @TunnelJumper
      @TunnelJumper 4 роки тому

      😟☹️

    • @banded4645
      @banded4645 4 роки тому +13

      can i get at least 3 modafaking songs out of a bon iver x frank collab

    • @ricomarez7834
      @ricomarez7834 4 роки тому +7

      Justin made it sound like he didn't want to be a part of it

    • @atlantismcdaniel7342
      @atlantismcdaniel7342 4 роки тому +1

      I was thinking the same thing ugh

  • @williamkettle3923
    @williamkettle3923 2 роки тому +9

    The fact that this turned into F33l Lik3 dyin is the most inspiring thing of all time

  • @tajriaaan
    @tajriaaan 3 роки тому +30

    "oh yeah, we call it red."

  • @kylecredo
    @kylecredo 4 роки тому +192

    Just had to put the Frank Ocean tidbit at the end ehh? Perfect for end credits, wouldve never fit anywhere else.

  • @JoeyGuidi
    @JoeyGuidi 4 роки тому +57

    There aren’t enough Vans Old Skools in the world to account for a Bon Iver x Frank Ocean x James Blake collab

  • @lulu10tacles
    @lulu10tacles 4 роки тому +92

    its so awesome to get this story I feel like when you hear iMi it just sticks out as being so expansive it seems almost impossible for one person to create, this is such an awesome process for it. Easily my favorite bon iver track

  • @Jaystrades
    @Jaystrades 4 роки тому +69

    On the first listen you can hear how much was put into this song. This breakdown confirms that.

  • @KRN7792
    @KRN7792 4 роки тому +29

    Justin's talking voice is pleasant.

  • @kenneth3174
    @kenneth3174 2 роки тому +4

    And this blended so well with Carti WLR

  • @felipecostapeuser7791
    @felipecostapeuser7791 4 роки тому +40

    Thank God Trevor was recording

  • @ChINNg28
    @ChINNg28 4 роки тому +16

    I was never into a musician that much before Bon Iver. Music was never something that really makes an impact on my life or whatsoever, but Justin's music just makes me feel deeply, which makes me feel the presence of my soul (sounds dramatic but I don't know how else to describe), which doesn't happen much and it's amazing. This video just makes me admire him more! Thank you for it

  • @lumbum_
    @lumbum_ 4 роки тому +72

    Wheezy is a freakin legend

  • @go2lucy
    @go2lucy 4 роки тому +34

    So cool to hear how the song came from almost nothing and was built into a full-blown winner. The little song that could! Talk about TRUST. FAITH. COMMITMENT. love this.

  • @Renatamartinelli
    @Renatamartinelli 3 роки тому +17

    This series is AMAZING. Shoutout to whoever is bringing the songs to life with images. I’m so glad we get to see the process of this amazing song. Justin Vernon is a gem.

  • @JoseIbarra-uq5xg
    @JoseIbarra-uq5xg 4 роки тому +86

    This was one of the coolest videos I've seen in a while. Great insight but still entertaining.

  • @PlagueRiddenBlightSpawn
    @PlagueRiddenBlightSpawn 3 роки тому +12

    Wild how I never knew the backstory to the song but it always stuck out to me as a culminating moment of a song. Just a crescendo of so many musical elements and styles that is so abstract yet nostalgic. Bon Iver and his collaborators are on a very special musical journey.

  • @atalkinghead3637
    @atalkinghead3637 4 роки тому +30

    Saw them live in Salt Lake City last night. Amazing experience.

    • @PuncualPUMBA
      @PuncualPUMBA 4 роки тому +1

      aTalkingHead I was at that show as well! Truly amazing show.

  • @TheAndroid4life
    @TheAndroid4life 3 роки тому +4

    FUN FACT: Porter Robinson revealed in an interview that the song playing on the radio was Clarity by Zedd (and also Porter Robinson, even though he doesn't get official credit)

  • @chennanigan
    @chennanigan 3 роки тому +4

    Justin Vernon never ceases to amaze me! Such a musical genius, and he deserves so much more recognition.

  • @chilled1792
    @chilled1792 3 роки тому +2

    i can’t decide which is more uplifting
    “i am, i am, i am, i am” or “ON A BRIGHT FALL MORNING”

  • @1356071
    @1356071 4 роки тому +6

    I know exactly where justin was sitting for this interview 😂 I'd do a lot of things just to sit down and have a conversation with him. He is brilliance.

  • @nilerobinson742
    @nilerobinson742 4 роки тому +196

    iMi has to be the greatest Bon Iver song of all time

    • @cicerogsuphoesdown7723
      @cicerogsuphoesdown7723 4 роки тому +16

      Ehhh tough to say

    • @flangelouder
      @flangelouder 4 роки тому +1

      Yeess

    • @mdtell
      @mdtell 4 роки тому +43

      It's up there, but its hard to say that when Holocene is sitting right there.

    • @calebmiears5866
      @calebmiears5866 4 роки тому +6

      I mean it’s so hard to judge his songs cause each one is such an experience!

    • @mj8105
      @mj8105 4 роки тому

      No doubt it's my favorite

  • @djlarrypeace
    @djlarrypeace 3 роки тому +3

    Christ, the song is amazing and it's 'effin' awesome to know how many people were involved and how long it took to land on the version we have. Incredible.

  • @tomkoepke3996
    @tomkoepke3996 3 роки тому +9

    It's funny. I listened to this entire album on Mushrooms a few weeks ago, and I had this overwhelming sense of unity and Chaos. waves of uncontrollable emotion consumed me. the passion shines through his music on a physical and spiritual level.

  • @prod.bblickshit7923
    @prod.bblickshit7923 3 роки тому +27

    I f33l like dying 🤔🤔

  • @spotieotie
    @spotieotie 4 роки тому +15

    I found out about these guys when I was on a plane to DC to attend Obama's inauguration in 2008-2009, the tender age of 21. The song For Emma will forever remind me of that trip/moment in history. Just something very strange about how well what song fit with the happiness of the moment. Millions of people rejoicing at his victory. So much love and happiness in the air it was palpable. I don't think it was meant to be a happy song, which is why it is strange. Thank you so very much Mr. Vernon for writing this song. I will take that memory to my grave.

  • @CannabisUseOnly
    @CannabisUseOnly 4 роки тому +13

    easily one of my most favorite artists of all time

  • @gilbertmubangizi3076
    @gilbertmubangizi3076 4 роки тому +3

    I love the anticlimax at the end of the video regarding Frank Ocean. The conversation jumps from profound insights into the song to brutally frank (pardon the pun) assessments on just how out there the work actually is.

  • @Swagpapii
    @Swagpapii 3 роки тому +3

    I remember listening to this song with headphones for the first time; I looked at my fiancee and told her that listening to iMi was like having a religious experience.

  • @ninabean
    @ninabean 4 роки тому +7

    Justin Vernon is just brilliant

  • @plef5566
    @plef5566 4 роки тому +224

    “Bon Iver is the Grammy award winning Kanye collaborator?” Really? That’s Bon Iver’s claim to fame?

    • @DeathStarDaddy
      @DeathStarDaddy 4 роки тому +2

      fushangbin yes

    • @spotieotie
      @spotieotie 4 роки тому +15

      I mean, kinda? Mainstream breakthrough wise.

    • @abdurrazzaq2314
      @abdurrazzaq2314 4 роки тому

      da fuh you talkin' bout dude?

    • @ariyelfeasey5966
      @ariyelfeasey5966 3 роки тому +5

      Ahahaha thought that as well - like he has such a big influence on his own

    • @alexissalazar8567
      @alexissalazar8567 3 роки тому +2

      Well, didn’t know who or what Bon Iver was until they collabed with Taylor Swift. How ironic.

  • @arieljoy9491
    @arieljoy9491 4 роки тому +5

    Amazing! My favorite song from the album!!!

  • @cityabsurdia6680
    @cityabsurdia6680 4 роки тому

    Loving this album but absolutely obsessed with that song! Great video!

  • @tbrunswick6605
    @tbrunswick6605 4 роки тому +22

    Fantastic video. Its nicer now than ever to hear these insights from everyone involved. Great album and I'm glad they all seem so happy

  • @TJGRecking
    @TJGRecking 4 роки тому +4

    That's incredible on how this song came into fruition. Love the song!

  • @elliotjones8224
    @elliotjones8224 4 роки тому +5

    Love this song so much and how much went into it. Really makes me appreciate it more after watching this. Great vid

  • @anaklusmosgreek3198
    @anaklusmosgreek3198 4 роки тому +4

    Your editing b-roll animations is exactly how i imagined the audio would be visualized

  • @3markers
    @3markers 4 роки тому +2

    Great work on this song. Made me cry on the first listen.

  • @Rcketts
    @Rcketts 4 роки тому

    Thank you for making this !

  • @KordTaylor
    @KordTaylor 3 роки тому

    This is really insightful. Love to learn how people work on art. Please more!

  • @nattyophelia7879
    @nattyophelia7879 4 роки тому +5

    The beard looks great Justin! I’m loving the new music, hope all is well! ❤️ Natasha

  • @kitgrier7031
    @kitgrier7031 4 роки тому +3

    I completely relate to the verses to the point of tears. It pulled me out of a deep personal ditch. It inspired hope in me again. Thank you.

    • @christianbutler9141
      @christianbutler9141 4 роки тому +1

      Honestly this song resonates a ton with me. In a melachony way its beautiful, mysterious and just makes you wonder

  • @janethope
    @janethope 3 роки тому +1

    More of these stories please!

  • @Infaziation
    @Infaziation Рік тому

    Awesome video

  • @erroldtumaque3430
    @erroldtumaque3430 2 роки тому +1

    The sonics of this song is such a unique experience and makes me feel things

  • @saloneeshetty5506
    @saloneeshetty5506 4 роки тому

    There so much of happiness in the video , I was literally gasping for air

  • @landsend3417
    @landsend3417 4 роки тому

    I loved hearing them open with it...

  • @VictorDiaz97
    @VictorDiaz97 4 роки тому +5

    This is awesome insight! Now I need an analysis for the whole album 😅

  • @Odivse
    @Odivse 4 роки тому +1

    beautiful video

  • @barbaraj7859
    @barbaraj7859 4 роки тому +10

    "Are you recording Trevor?"
    "YESS"

  • @fabianafboda
    @fabianafboda 3 роки тому +2

    Ow that is fascinating, I've just discover this song and it felt like a breath of fresh air...

  • @lucasgabrielvilasboas8436
    @lucasgabrielvilasboas8436 3 роки тому +11

    Now I know why carti sampled it. Masterpiece.

  • @EnglishRain
    @EnglishRain 4 роки тому

    Masterfully made video!

  • @MonieMuse
    @MonieMuse 4 роки тому +2

    Love hearing the story of creation ❤️❤️❤️

  • @cam-asherbond5316
    @cam-asherbond5316 4 роки тому

    Man I watched their set open with this and it punched me in the heart.

  • @SeparatedFromSociety
    @SeparatedFromSociety 4 роки тому +1

    awesome video

  • @alexanderjames5689
    @alexanderjames5689 4 роки тому +1

    This speaks to me so much! I just made some art chopping up a random voicemail I found on my work computer 👍

  • @rosiemclane9663
    @rosiemclane9663 4 роки тому +1

    What an epic, inspiring tale. 💚

  • @meyedraven6039
    @meyedraven6039 4 роки тому +1

    songs still on repeat

  • @iammagna
    @iammagna 4 роки тому +5

    Wow, after hearing someone point it out it becomes obvious that the song playing on the radio was Clarity by Zedd, wild.

    • @abidfarhan1163
      @abidfarhan1163 4 роки тому

      Whaatt don't hear it still, is the actual radio recording chopped up or smthn

    • @iammagna
      @iammagna 4 роки тому +1

      @@abidfarhan1163 If you listen closely at 1:23 in this video you can hear the voice say "you" and the first half of the phrase "my remedy" which is part of the chorus to Clarity. Hope that helps!

    • @thiagohvs
      @thiagohvs 3 роки тому

      omfg, I never noticed that

  • @angilas7735
    @angilas7735 4 роки тому +6

    What a great and personal video.

    • @ElishaDavid
      @ElishaDavid 4 роки тому +3

      It was so well made. I love how they have the song playing in the background, having the instruments built with the narrative of what each member adds.

  • @paolokutufa6625
    @paolokutufa6625 4 роки тому +1

    3 am here in Siena (Tuscany, Italy). I just want to thank all of you.

  • @OlufemiFilms
    @OlufemiFilms 4 роки тому +2

    Can’t wait to see him in October

  • @Ttmn0_0
    @Ttmn0_0 4 роки тому

    Thank you🙏

  • @zinzolin14
    @zinzolin14 2 роки тому +1

    I love this song, but no idea this song went through such a big years long journey! It all really came together with the joint efforts of everyone involved 👍

  • @quietfeeling4667
    @quietfeeling4667 4 роки тому +2

    favorite song on the album

  • @rainamullen
    @rainamullen 4 роки тому

    love this!

  • @leandrobarcellos8198
    @leandrobarcellos8198 4 роки тому +1

    Just made me love this song even more

  • @Petra-P
    @Petra-P 4 роки тому +2

    im touched

  • @douglascativo5348
    @douglascativo5348 3 роки тому

    I love this song! One of my faborites

  • @Dampealx7
    @Dampealx7 4 роки тому

    This is amazing. just wow

  • @anechoicsoul
    @anechoicsoul 4 роки тому +1

    Bon Iver is truly magical.

  • @Diego-xg6jt
    @Diego-xg6jt 3 роки тому +3

    thank god trevor was recording

  • @MichaalHell
    @MichaalHell 4 роки тому +6

    This is easily my favorite song on the album. I was kind of godsmacked by the production. As a hobby song writer I kind of got an existential crisis as to I will never ever write anything close to this song.
    It’s nice to see that it took some effort to get there 😄

  • @MayorBrownn
    @MayorBrownn 3 роки тому

    This was beautiful

  • @marthamurillo6978
    @marthamurillo6978 2 роки тому

    Amazing!

  • @prokaleo1233
    @prokaleo1233 4 роки тому

    Love this take on an amazing song. Thanks! Any hints on the song from 3:33-3:54?

  • @taramccarthymusic9291
    @taramccarthymusic9291 4 роки тому +3

    Bon Iver will still be playing in my home when I become a very old lady.

  • @angelikaschwaff8021
    @angelikaschwaff8021 4 роки тому

    Brilliant!

  • @keepitinthefamilyradio5547
    @keepitinthefamilyradio5547 3 роки тому +2

    AND I FEEL LIKE DYYYIINNNNNN

  • @raphaeldavison5105
    @raphaeldavison5105 4 роки тому

    this.was.beautiful.

  • @haleys_hus
    @haleys_hus 4 роки тому +3

    BIG YEEEEEEET
    thanks NYT

  • @rachanalong
    @rachanalong 4 роки тому

    Amazing and unbelieve ....

  • @harryelliott6945
    @harryelliott6945 4 роки тому

    This song is beautiful

  • @jroxas0128
    @jroxas0128 4 роки тому +1

    Genius 👏🏽👏🏽

  • @brotherblaine
    @brotherblaine Рік тому

    i cant believe it. incredible

  • @carltonclemons2337
    @carltonclemons2337 8 місяців тому

    my favorite band, justin vernon is too dope.

  • @spacealienjesus709
    @spacealienjesus709 3 роки тому +1

    Really cool

  • @drivn4895
    @drivn4895 4 роки тому

    I heaarrrrttttt this song so much

  • @TheShadXP
    @TheShadXP 3 роки тому

    This song changed my life

  • @kristennicole218
    @kristennicole218 4 роки тому +16

    Cool video as always, Joe. It would be awesome if there was a "Diary of a Song" for the some of the songs on his self-titled and For Emma, Forever Ago albums but I understand that's a lot and untimely 😂