Bon Iver

Early 2012 was a glorious period for Bon Iver but the hard work began more than seven years earlier. Singer-songwriter Justin Vernon led quartet DeYarmon Edison which hit local clubs in Raleigh, N.C. The band hit rough patch, artistic-wise, and disbanded in summer 2006. Vernon was back in Wisconsin and secluded himself for three months in his father's cabin to let his creative juice flow out.

"For Emma, Forever Ago" was conceived during this period and recorded independently in July 2007. "When I made For Emma, it was my last chance to see if I could sit down and make something, for myself, that was beautiful," Vernon recalled. The album received a very positive review from indie internet publication Pitchfork and it led to an appearance at the CMJ Music Marathon as well as label offers.