Best New Artist: Bon Iver/Justin Vernon - "Calgary" & "Perth" (The Roots Pre-Grammy Jam #8)

Bon Iver head honcho, Justin Vernon has somehow managed to become quite the "enigma" in the world of Popular music over the past couple years: An independent, New Age Folk artist who's been able to bridge the gap between Indie Rock and Hip-Hop _ commercial obscurity and "mainstream success." On the heels of his feverishly-awaited 2011 "comeback" album - Bon Iver, Bon Iver, Vernon laid down some studio time in Hawaii with Kanye & Friends (Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z, John Legend), which eventually ended up on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.

Following generally wide-spread fan and critical acclaim alike, Bon Iver, Bon Iver was nominated for a set of 4 Grammy awards near the close of 2011. Shortly after the announcement, a slightly dated and previously unpublished Justin Vernon interview (The New Yorker) was issued; Included within it's pages were a handful of not-so kind words for the people behind The Grammy's. Vernon was then asked to perform @ the televised awards ceremony, albeit along with a few other up-and-comers, to which he graciously declined. Justin said he'd much rather collaborate spontaneously with friends. Man, I could only imagine Bon Iver's rapping buddies walking out onto the nationally-aired stage and spitting some luxurious bars for American TV!

Bon Iver ended up winning The Grammy for Best "New" Artist last night, which now don't get me wrong, is a great and well-deserved feat... But Justin Vernon is far from a "new artist." Quite the contrary - he's actually considered something of Indie Rock Royalty, amongst his peers and just about ANY college hipster; Oh, the irony of it all! Justin Vernon's past efforts include a wide array of local area Eau Claire, WI bands with friends: GAYNGS, "Hazeltons EP" (2006), JD Vernon, DeYarmond Edison, and Mount Vernon. While a new Bon Iver album might not surface for 3-5 or so years, Justin Vernon sure is keeping busy. He's currently working on a number of assorted side projects @ "April Base:" The Shouting Matches, Alicia Keys, Volcano Choir, The Flaming Lips, etc.

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[W]reckless, Topless American Youth: Lana del Rey - "Born 2 Die" (Britney Spears Birthday 30)

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All-around Breakdown: Sean Martin Discusses Debut Instrumental EP Introducing The Magician As No More Magic (Residual Effects)

Sean Martin is a multi-versed musician, producer, and tattooer hailing from Connecticut. As a guitarist, song-writer, and/or producer he has worked with a variety of well-known artists including Hatebreed, Cold Cave, Wear Your Wounds, Umbra Vitae, Twitching Tongues, Cage, Kid Cudi, House of Blow, Head Automatica, XO Skeletons, Jet Fueled Horses, Handsome Boy Modeling School, and more. His versatility and flexibility within music allows him to blur the lines in-between the confines of Hardcore, Electronic, Metal, and Hip-Hop. Martin is, also, a skilled tattooer at Brass City Tattoo located in Oakville, Connecticut promoting the traditional approach to the craft. Founded by Martin himself between 2020-22, No More Magic combines ominous melodies with downtempo beats to create a dizzying dream-like atmosphere. Paying homage to the golden era of Hip-Hop while forging ahead down its own dark road. For fans of Portishead, Massive Attack, and DJ Shadow. No More Magic's Introducing The

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