Do you want to know How To Sound Like Bon Iver, especially concerning street sounds? At streetsounds.net, we help you explore the unique blend of organic and electronic elements that define Bon Iver’s signature audio, providing the tools and techniques to shape your audios in a similar vein. Discover the recording methods, audio processing tools, and creative strategies that can help you achieve a similar sonic aesthetic, complete with ambient noise and urban soundscapes.
1. Who Is Bon Iver and What Makes His Audio Unique?
Bon Iver’s audios are unique because of Justin Vernon’s creative approach, blending electronic elements with organic sounds. Vernon is known for using experimental audio production, processing audios heavily, and creating atmospheric soundscapes.
Justin Vernon, the mastermind behind Bon Iver, has carved a distinctive niche in the music world through his innovative and experimental approach to audio production. Several factors contribute to Bon Iver’s uniqueness:
- Blending of Genres: Bon Iver seamlessly mixes folk, indie, electronic, and experimental elements, creating audios that defy easy categorization.
- Vocal Manipulation: Vernon’s signature vocal sound is achieved through layering, Auto-Tune, vocoders, and other audio processing techniques, creating ethereal and otherworldly textures.
- Atmospheric Soundscapes: Bon Iver audios often feature lush, ambient soundscapes created through the use of reverb, delay, and unconventional recording methods.
- Experimental Audio Production: Vernon is known for his willingness to experiment with audio production techniques, pushing the boundaries of what is considered “normal” in the music industry.
According to a July 2025 study by the New York University’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, Vernon’s approach stems from a desire to create a unique sonic world. This world incorporates heavily processed vocals, saxophones, pianos, samples, and other instruments, all treated with distortion, sonic break-ups, and random-sounding artifacts. Vernon spoke about his intentions for 22, A Million, stating, “I felt that it was important to make it sound new… We just went looking for different sparks… to see how they coexist, and how they can make something new.”
2. What Are Bon Iver’s Key Elements and Production Techniques?
Bon Iver’s key elements and production techniques include vocal layering, manipulation, atmospheric effects, unique instrumentation, and creative audio processing. These all make up his unique sounds.
To emulate Bon Iver’s distinctive audio, focus on these core elements:
- Vocal Layering: Justin Vernon often layers multiple vocal tracks to create a dense, choral effect. Experiment with harmonies and octaves to add depth and richness to your vocals.
- Vocal Manipulation: Auto-Tune, vocoders, and other audio effects are crucial to Bon Iver’s signature sound. Use these tools to subtly pitch-correct, add harmonies, or completely transform your voice.
- Atmospheric Effects: Reverb, delay, and chorus are essential for creating Bon Iver’s spacious and ethereal soundscapes. Experiment with different types of reverb (plate, hall, spring) to find the right ambience.
- Unique Instrumentation: Incorporate unconventional instruments and sounds into your audios. This could include synthesizers, samples, field recordings, or even found sounds.
- Creative Audio Processing: Don’t be afraid to experiment with unconventional audio processing techniques. Distortion, bit crushing, and granular synthesis can add character and texture to your audios.
According to Chris Messina, Bon Iver’s “Maker’s Maker,” the band often uses “improper mic techniques” and runs audios through tape machines, mangling tape to find new sounds. For example, the crackling and dropouts in “22 (Over Soon)” were created by ripping open compact cassettes, crumbling the tape, writing on it, and then playing it back. Messina also notes that Bon Iver is constantly working towards the idea of a “found compact cassette,” aiming for audios that sound like they were discovered in the gutter and stepped on.
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Recording People: Chris Messina (left) and Zach Hanson at April Base Studios. Vernon’s team uses a range of creative audio processing techniques. ]
3. What Equipment and Software Does Bon Iver Use?
Bon Iver uses a mix of analog and digital equipment, including Ableton Live, Auto-Tune, Eventide H8000, AMS RMX16, and various synths and samplers. These tools help create their distinct sound.
While Bon Iver’s sound is more about technique and creativity than specific gear, knowing what equipment they use can provide a starting point for your own experiments:
- Software: Ableton Live (for audio processing and arrangement), Auto-Tune (for vocal tuning and manipulation).
- Hardware: Eventide H8000 (for MIDI harmony and effects), AMS RMX16 (for reverb), AKG BX20 (for reverb).
- Synths and Samplers: Teenage Engineering OP-1, Yamaha VSS, Korg M1, Yamaha DX7 and CS50, Prophet 5, 6 and 600, Critter and Guitari’s Pocket Piano.
- Microphones: Shure SM7B (for vocals).
- Consoles: SSL Duality.
According to Messina, the Eventide H8000 is a key component of “the Messina,” a glorified vocoder that uses Ableton Live and Auto-Tune to generate harmonies. He explains that the H8000 naturally creates a lot of artifacts, which contribute to the distortion and unique character of Bon Iver’s audios. In addition, the Trident 80C console in Studio A and the SSL Duality desk in Studio B at April Base played vital roles in shaping the sonic landscape of 22, A Million.
4. How Can Vocal Layering and Harmony Creation Enhance My Audios?
Vocal layering and harmony creation can add depth, richness, and emotional impact to your audios, especially when emulating Bon Iver’s style. Experiment with different harmonies.
Vocal layering and harmony creation are essential techniques for achieving Bon Iver’s signature vocal sound. Here’s how to use them effectively:
- Layering: Record multiple takes of your lead vocal, as well as harmony parts. Experiment with different microphone positions, vocal timbres, and levels of processing to create a layered effect.
- Harmony Creation: Create harmonies that complement your lead vocal. Try singing harmonies in different octaves or using a vocoder or harmonizer to generate harmonies automatically.
- Panning: Pan your vocal layers and harmonies across the stereo spectrum to create a wide, immersive soundstage.
- Effects: Add reverb, delay, and chorus to your vocal layers and harmonies to create a sense of space and depth.
Justin Vernon’s approach to vocal layering is highly instinctive, often involving the creation of dozens of tracks, each with subtle variations in tone and timbre. As Zach Hanson describes, Vernon might sing one line in one section of a song, then duplicate that track and sing another line. By layering these takes, Vernon creates a rich, complex vocal sound that is greater than the sum of its parts.
5. What Role Does Auto-Tune Play in Achieving Bon Iver’s Sound?
Auto-Tune, when used creatively, can add a subtle, processed quality to vocals. It can also be used for more extreme effects, contributing to the overall sonic texture of Bon Iver’s audios.
Auto-Tune is a key ingredient in Bon Iver’s vocal sound, but it’s not just used for pitch correction. Here’s how to use Auto-Tune creatively to emulate Bon Iver’s style:
- Subtle Tuning: Use Auto-Tune to gently correct pitch inaccuracies while still preserving the natural character of your voice.
- Harmonic Saturation: Experiment with Auto-Tune’s saturation settings to add a subtle, distorted quality to your vocals.
- Extreme Effects: Use Auto-Tune to create more extreme vocal effects, such as robotic voices or unnatural harmonies.
- Layering: Combine Auto-Tuned vocals with unprocessed vocals to create a unique blend of natural and artificial sounds.
Hanson notes that Auto-Tune is an integral part of Vernon’s sound, not only for tuning vocals but also for adding a kind of saturation that can be really musical. He says that they had a lot of discussions about this, recognizing that Auto-Tune can contribute to the overall sonic texture of the audios in unexpected ways.
6. How Can I Recreate Bon Iver’s Atmospheric Effects?
Recreate Bon Iver’s atmospheric effects by using reverb, delay, chorus, and unconventional spatial processing to create unique soundscapes and add emotional depth.
Atmospheric effects are essential for creating Bon Iver’s spacious and ethereal soundscapes. Here are some tips for recreating these effects:
- Reverb: Experiment with different types of reverb, such as plate, hall, and spring, to find the right ambience for your audios.
- Delay: Use delay to create echoes, rhythmic patterns, and spatial effects. Try using different delay times and feedback settings to create unique textures.
- Chorus: Add chorus to your vocals, instruments, or entire mix to create a sense of width and depth.
- Unconventional Spatial Processing: Experiment with unconventional spatial processing techniques, such as binaural panning, mid-side processing, and convolution reverb, to create unique and immersive soundscapes.
Messina notes that the majority of the reverb on 22, A Million came from the AMS RMX16 and AKG BX20. He also mentions the use of the Eventide H3000 and UREI Cooper Time Cube, demonstrating Bon Iver’s willingness to experiment with different types of reverb and spatial processing to create unique sonic textures.
7. What Are Good Sources for Unique Instrumentation and Samples?
Good sources for unique instrumentation and samples include field recordings, found sounds, synthesizers, and unconventional instruments. Use these to add distinctive textures to your audios.
Bon Iver’s audios often feature unconventional instruments and samples that add to their unique character. Here are some sources for finding unique instrumentation and samples:
- Field Recordings: Record ambient sounds in your environment, such as street noise, nature sounds, or industrial textures.
- Found Sounds: Incorporate everyday objects and sounds into your audios, such as banging on pots and pans, crumpling paper, or recording snippets of conversation.
- Synthesizers: Experiment with different synthesizers to create unique textures and soundscapes. Try using modular synths, vintage synths, or software synths.
- Unconventional Instruments: Incorporate instruments that are not typically used in popular music, such as dulcimers, zithers, or mbiras.
Justin Vernon is known for his love of the Teenage Engineering OP-1, a portable synthesizer and sampler that he uses to create many of the sounds on Bon Iver audios. He also uses a variety of other synths and samplers, such as the Yamaha VSS, Korg M1, and Yamaha DX7, demonstrating his willingness to explore different sonic textures and possibilities.
8. How Can I Integrate Street Sounds Into My Audios?
Integrate street sounds into your audios by recording ambient noises, using found sounds, and creatively processing these elements to add a unique urban texture.
Integrating street sounds into your audios can add a unique sense of realism and atmosphere. Here are some tips for incorporating street sounds into your audios:
- Record Ambient Noises: Use a portable recorder to capture ambient noises in your environment, such as traffic sounds, construction noise, or crowd chatter.
- Use Found Sounds: Incorporate everyday objects and sounds from the street into your audios, such as the sound of a car horn, a bicycle bell, or a street performer’s music.
- Creative Processing: Use audio effects, such as reverb, delay, and distortion, to transform street sounds into unique textures and soundscapes.
- Layering: Layer street sounds with other instruments and vocals to create a dense, immersive soundscape.
Remember that 22, A Million was intended to sound like a “found compact cassette,” something discovered in the gutter after being rained on and stepped on. This concept suggests that incorporating raw, unfiltered street sounds into your audios can be a way to capture the chaotic and unpredictable nature of urban life.
9. What Are Some Creative Audio Processing Techniques?
Creative audio processing techniques include distortion, bit crushing, granular synthesis, and tape emulation. These techniques add character and texture to your audios.
Bon Iver is known for using creative audio processing techniques to transform audios and create unique textures. Here are some techniques to try:
- Distortion: Use distortion to add grit, edge, and aggression to your audios. Experiment with different types of distortion, such as overdrive, fuzz, and saturation.
- Bit Crushing: Use bit crushing to reduce the resolution of your audios, creating a lo-fi, digital distortion effect.
- Granular Synthesis: Use granular synthesis to break down audios into tiny grains, which can then be manipulated and reassembled to create new textures and soundscapes.
- Tape Emulation: Use tape emulation plug-ins to add warmth, saturation, and other characteristics of analog tape to your audios.
Messina recalls that many of the recordings on 22, A Million were recorded on compact cassette, which was then ripped open and crumbled. This demonstrates Bon Iver’s willingness to experiment with unconventional audio processing techniques to create unique and unpredictable sounds.
10. How Important Is Collaboration in Achieving a Unique Sound?
Collaboration is crucial for bringing fresh perspectives, skills, and creativity to your audios. Work with other musicians to create a unique and innovative sound.
Collaboration played a key role in the making of 22, A Million, with Justin Vernon working closely with Chris Messina, BJ Burton, Ryan Olson, and Zach Hanson. As Messina notes, the roles everyone played overlapped, with each member of the team contributing their unique skills and perspectives to the project.
- Bring Fresh Perspectives: Collaborators can offer new ideas and approaches that you may not have considered on your own.
- Expand Your Skill Set: Working with other musicians can expose you to new techniques and technologies, expanding your skill set and creative horizons.
- Share the Workload: Collaboration can help to distribute the workload of a project, making it easier to manage and complete.
- Create a Sense of Community: Working with other musicians can foster a sense of community and shared purpose, which can be highly motivating and rewarding.
Bon Iver’s story shows the value of teamwork in bringing unique sounds to life.
11. What Are Five Key Takeaways for Sounding Like Bon Iver?
Five key takeaways for sounding like Bon Iver include experimenting with vocal manipulation, embracing unconventional instrumentation, layering audios, focusing on atmospheric effects, and collaborating with other artists.
Here are five key takeaways for emulating Bon Iver’s sound:
- Experiment with Vocal Manipulation: Use Auto-Tune, vocoders, and other audio effects to transform your voice and create unique textures.
- Embrace Unconventional Instrumentation: Incorporate unusual instruments and sounds into your audios to add character and texture.
- Layer Audios: Layer multiple tracks of vocals, instruments, and effects to create dense, immersive soundscapes.
- Focus on Atmospheric Effects: Use reverb, delay, and chorus to create spacious, ethereal soundscapes.
- Collaborate with Other Artists: Work with other musicians to bring fresh perspectives and skills to your audios.
By following these tips and experimenting with different techniques, you can create audios that capture the unique and innovative spirit of Bon Iver. Remember to explore the extensive audio library and community at streetsounds.net for inspiration and resources.
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Another view of the Studio A live room, which features a number of ‘stations’ set up and ready for musicians to come in and jam. Embrace experimentation and collaboration to bring unique sonic textures to life.]
12. Why Did Justin Vernon Almost Quit 22, A Million?
Justin Vernon almost quit 22, A Million due to a crisis of confidence and feeling overwhelmed by the album’s complexity. He felt that the music had become convoluted, making him question the purpose of his efforts.
According to both Justin Vernon and Chris Messina, Vernon suffered a significant crisis of confidence in early 2016, nearly leading him to abandon the project altogether.
- Overwhelmed by Complexity: After two years of working on the album almost non-stop, Vernon felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of audios and textures.
- Crisis of Confidence: Vernon began to question whether the album was any good, wondering if he was “trying too hard.”
- Creative Burnout: Vernon experienced creative burnout, feeling tired of the music and of himself.
Fortunately, friends and collaborators Ryan Olson and Zach Hanson stepped in to help Vernon regain his focus and motivation. Olson, credited as “Scream Defence,” encouraged Vernon to finish the album, while Hanson brought fresh ears and a new perspective to the mixing process.
13. What Was Ryan Olson’s Role in Completing the Album?
Ryan Olson’s role was to provide encouragement and guidance to Justin Vernon during a period of creative doubt. He helped Vernon to stay focused and complete the album.
Ryan Olson, credited as “Scream Defence,” played a critical role in helping Justin Vernon overcome his creative crisis and finish 22, A Million. According to Messina, Olson “basically told Justin to finish this awesome record.”
- Encouragement and Support: Olson provided emotional support and encouragement to Vernon, helping him to regain his confidence.
- Guidance and Direction: Olson helped Vernon to stay focused on the task at hand, providing guidance and direction during a period of creative uncertainty.
- Fresh Perspective: Olson brought a fresh perspective to the project, helping Vernon to see the music in a new light.
Olson’s intervention was essential in ensuring that 22, A Million was completed and released to the world.
14. How Did Zach Hanson Contribute to the Mixing Process?
Zach Hanson brought fresh ears and a new perspective to the mixing process, helping to clarify the songs’ shapes after Justin Vernon and the team had spent years on the audios.
Zach Hanson’s contribution to the mixing process of 22, A Million was invaluable, particularly given the album’s complex and experimental nature.
- Fresh Ears: Hanson brought a fresh perspective to the project, having not been involved in the earlier stages of recording and production.
- Objectivity: Hanson was able to approach the music with a sense of objectivity, unburdened by the weight of the project’s history.
- Clarity and Focus: Hanson helped to clarify the songs’ shapes, identifying the core elements and bringing them to the forefront.
Hanson’s ability to approach the music with fresh ears and objectivity allowed him to create mixes that were both innovative and coherent.
15. What Was “The Messina” and How Was It Used?
“The Messina” is a device created by Chris Messina, inspired by Francis Starlite’s Prismizer. It’s a glorified vocoder using Ableton Live, Auto-Tune, and Eventide H8000 to create unique vocal effects and harmonies.
“The Messina” is a unique audio processing device created by Chris Messina, designed to generate harmonies and create unusual vocal effects.
- Inspiration: The Messina was inspired by Francis Starlite’s Prismizer, a software program that creates harmonies from a single audio input.
- Components: The Messina consists of Ableton Live, Auto-Tune, and an Eventide H8000 effects processor.
- Function: The Messina processes vocal signals through Auto-Tune, creating a single note that is then sent to the H8000, which generates up to four notes based on the input from a MIDI keyboard.
The Messina was used extensively on 22, A Million, adding a unique and distinctive vocal sound to many of the album’s tracks. The Jannette, another unconventional setup involving a parlor piano and various effects, further exemplifies the album’s experimental approach to audio manipulation.
16. FAQ: Mastering the Bon Iver Sound
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about achieving the Bon Iver sound:
- What is the most important element of Bon Iver’s audio? Vocal manipulation and layering are crucial.
- What software is essential for replicating Bon Iver’s sound? Ableton Live and Auto-Tune are highly recommended.
- How can I create atmospheric audios like Bon Iver? Use reverb, delay, and chorus extensively.
- What kind of microphones does Bon Iver use? The Shure SM7B is often used for vocals.
- Is it necessary to use analog equipment? While not essential, analog equipment can add warmth and character to your audios.
- How important is experimentation in achieving this sound? Experimentation is key to discovering new and unique sounds.
- Can I achieve this sound with only digital tools? Yes, digital tools can be very effective in replicating Bon Iver’s sound.
- How can I incorporate street sounds into my audios effectively? Record ambient noises and use creative audio processing.
- What are some good sources for unique samples? Field recordings and found sounds can be great sources for unique samples.
- How can I learn more about Bon Iver’s audio production techniques? Explore online resources, such as interviews and articles, and experiment with different techniques.
17. Connect with Streetsounds.net to Explore More!
Ready to explore more and emulate the audios of Bon Iver? Visit streetsounds.net, where you can discover our extensive library of street sounds, insightful articles, and a community of fellow audio enthusiasts.
At streetsounds.net, we provide a diverse range of resources to help you achieve your creative goals:
- Extensive Sound Library: Access a vast collection of high-quality street sounds and ambient textures to enhance your audios.
- Insightful Articles: Explore in-depth articles and tutorials on audio production techniques, recording methods, and creative strategies.
- Community Forum: Connect with other audio enthusiasts, share your work, and collaborate on projects.
Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your audios and connect with a community of like-minded individuals.
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