Bon Iver Share Two New Songs, Announce Additional Fall Tour Dates
Justin Vernon collaborates with Bruce Hornsby, Moses Sumney, Jenn Wasner and others on the new songs
Photo by Graham Tolbert & Crystal Quinn
Two new tracks from Bon Iver were released Monday morning via Jagjaguwar, “Hey, Ma,” and “U (Man Like).” The group also expanded their 2019 North American tour with additional stops in September and October. Tour information can be found down below.
The former track was debuted during the band’s 2018 Bonnaroo set, while the latter made its debut Sunday night after Bon Iver’s set at London’s All Points East music festival. Both were heard over the PA system following their headlining performance.
“This project began with a single person, but throughout the last 11 years, the identity of Bon Iver has bloomed and can only be defined by the faces in the ever growing family we are,” says “JV22” (presumably frontman Justin Vernon) in a statement.
Vernon is joined by several noteworthy musicians on “U (Man Like).” On the track, Vernon sings with Moses Sumney and Bruce Hornsby, who also plays piano, among other collaborators. A featured arrangement was composed by The National’s Bryce Dessner and performed by Brooklyn Youth Chorus.
Its lyric video features original artwork by Aaron Anderson and Eric Timothy Carlson, who also directed videos from the 22, A Million era.
“Hey, Ma” is a poignant recording that puts Vernon’s signature electronic indie-folk on full display. Its emotive lyric video features home videos provided by Vernon’s family, as well as artwork from Anderson and Carlson.
Jenn Wasner of Wye Oak and Flock of Dimes—who’s featured on both of today’s new tracks—will join Bon Iver’s live band, which comprises Vernon, Sean Carey, Matthew McCaughan, Michael Lewis and Andrew Fitzpatrick. Sharon Van Etten, Yo La Tengo, Feist and Indigo Girls will support Bon Iver on select dates.
Tickets will be available to the public on Bon Iver’s website on Friday, June 7, at 10 a.m. local time. There will also be an artist presale from June 5-6.
Listen to “U (Man Like)” and “Hey, Ma” below, watch a 2008 Bon Iver performance from the Paste archives further down and keep scrolling for the band’s upcoming tour dates.