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On this episode, Nashville-based, Australian-born singer-songwriter Emma Swift introduces Al to Bon Iver’s 2007 album For Emma, Forever Ago. Emma talks about how she first learned about Bon Iver and this particular album as a DJ in Sydney. She explains what drew her to Justin Vernon’s music and what set him apart from other indie artists of the late 2000s. Emma also highlights some of her favorite aspects and moments from For Emma, Forever Ago. She and Al wind up by discussing her latest album, The Resurrection Game, how it came to have its full, cinematic sound, and what she has planned for the months ahead.

TRIGGER WARNING: At 44:47, Emma makes a brief reference to suicidal ideation. Skip ahead to 45:14 to resume with the next topic.

Correction: Al says that For Emma, Forever Ago was Justin Vernon’s solo debut. However, prior to that album, Vernon had made two albums under his own name and one as “JD Vernon.”

There is no shortage of ways to keep up with Emma, so make sure you visit/follow her on the following platforms!

Socials: @emmaswiftsings on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube

Website: https://www.emmaswift.com/

Blog: https://emmaswiftsings.substack.com/

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The first four episodes of Bonus Tracks—YMAAA’s subscriber-only podcast series—are now available at patreon.com/youmealbum. More monthly episodes and other good stuff are soon to come. Please consider subscribing! Your support will make it possible for Al to keep this podcast going.

To keep up with You, Me and An Album, please give the show a follow on Instagram at @youmealbum.

1:31 Emma’s introduction

2:10 Emma and Al were not trying to be cute with this episode’s album selection

3:00 Emma shares her reasons for picking For Emma, Forever Ago

6:47 Emma admires the introspective creative process that Vernon employed for making this album

11:40 Al explains why he had a difficult time getting into the album

14:04 Should Al have chosen a different album from Emma’s short list?

15:51 Emma talks about what distinguishes For Emma, Forever Ago from other late-Aughts folk

20:36 Listening to Bon Iver is part of Al’s effort to catch up on music he missed in the 2000s and 2010s

24:31 Emma names some artists that she has caught up on recently

26:23 Vernon’s honesty about his struggles caught Emma’s attention

28:44 Al talks about some of the features of Vernon’s production that he liked

31:47 Emma focuses on two of the tracks she enjoys from the album

37:09 Emma explains why she thinks this album is “uncoverable”

41:03 Emma talks about why she opted for a cinematic approach with The Resurrection Game

46:57 Emma notes the ascendancy of a new model of masculinity in indie music

52:41 Emma talks about her upcoming touring and recording plans

59:02 Emma tells us about the concerts she has recently attended

1:00:58 Emma has another covers album coming out

1:03:24 Emma talks about some of the music she’s been listening to

1:07:27 Emma has a theory about Al’s musical tastes

1:10:28 Emma recommends the Michael Shannon/Jason Narducy R.E.M. shows

Outro music is from “No Happy Endings” by Emma Swift.

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