Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon launches record label for the unsigned band in all of us
When he isn’t busy pumping iron, getting into Twitter battles, or failing to impress Rosie O’Donnell, Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon likes to listen to music. What kind of music? Obscure, local, and non-Grammy-nominated music, of course. And just to demonstrate how much he digs unrecognized bands, Vernon has announced the creation of his own record label, Chigliak Records, which will issue new music and albums that were “never commercially released.” Pay THAT forward, Haley Joel Osment.
So what’s on tap for Chigliak? (Yes, the name is a nod to that dude from Northern Exposure.) One of the Jagjaguwar imprint’s first reissues will be It’s All Aquatic, a hidden gem from Eau Claire, Wisconsin’s Amateur Love. Other releases include records from former Bon Iver tourmate Sarah Siskind and Minnesota’s 12 Rods, proving that, while Vernon may be using his label as an Apple-like champion of the little guy, it probably doesn’t hurt to actually know him. Still, heads up, unsigned local heroes! Start dusting off those crumbling 4-track tapes now! [via Pitchfork]
