Bon Iver enlists Bruce Springsteen & Jenny Lewis for ‘AUATC’, a song against capitalist society
Bon Iver has shared the second song of 2020 (not counting his recent songs with Taylor Swift – ‘Exile’ and ‘Peace).
The followup to ‘PDLIF’ (‘Please Don’t Live In Fear’) which donated all profits to Direct Relief, is ‘AUATC’ (‘Ate Up All Their Cake’) and is a weird little pitched-up vocal-lead song featuring contributions from Phil Cook (Megafaun), Jenny Lewis, Jenn Wasner of Wye Oak and one, Bruce Springsteen.
The vocals have a bit of a filtered Dylan vibe to them.
The song was produced by Justin Vernon, Jim-E Stack, and BJ Burton and all proceeds go to Direct Relief also (full list below of charities) and statement accompanying the track implores the listener to fight capitalist society:
Each and every person on earth deserves to live fully with dignity, equity, justice, and joy. Instead, our capitalistic societies have created a world that is most supportive of the wealthy and the elite, and the predatory corporations and policies that drive their disproportionate success.
The average person is cast aside and unheard; marginalised communities are further oppressed due to race, economic status, gender, sexual orientation, creed, criminal record, housing stability, education, ability, documentation status, and more. The pandemic further magnifies these grave inequities and this unchecked greed.
We must continue the fight to topple capitalism as we know it, and recognise our collective participation in its dominant institutions. Bon Iver acknowledges our own position within and use of capitalistic practices. It is with recognition of our privilege that we are fully committed to using our unique platform to challenge and change capitalism within our industry, and far beyond.
We must empower and embrace our vulnerable neighbours. We must fight racism and sexism and classism to build a stronger foundation for the home we all deserve. We must support the leaders and organisations working to change our world for the better. From providing safe and stable housing, to empowering women, to liberating incarcerated people, to celebrating art and music, to fighting climate change, these organisations work tirelessly to foster a world that celebrates our humanity on a local, national, and global level. Please explore, support, and take action:
LOCAL
Minneapolis Sanctuary Movement
Red Letter Grant
(participate; apply)
NATIONAL
Equal Justice Initiative
(learn; vote)
NIVA
(contact legislators; support favourite venue)
GLOBAL
350.org
(join movement; participate in “Raise Your Voice for a #JustRecovery” campaign)
‘AUATC’ credits:
Written by Phil Cook, Justin Vernon, Jim-E Stack, BJ Burton, and Jenn Wasner
Produced by Justin Vernon, Jim-E Stack, and BJ Burton
Mixed by Justin Vernon
Mastered by Huntley Miller
Vocals: Elsa Jensen, Jenny Lewis, Bruce Springsteen, Justin Vernon, and Jenn Wasner
Morphagene: Jenn Wasner
Synthetic String Parts: BJ Burton
Pianos: Phil Cook
Percussion and Drums: Jim-E Stack, Reggie Pace, Matt McCaughan, JT Bates, and Justin Vernon
Guitars, Ob6_Bass, and Banjers: Justin Vernon
Pedal Steel: Ben Lester
Fiddle: Barbara Jean Meyers
Video
Created/Produced/Directed by Aaron Anderson and Eric Timothy Carlson
Artwork by Aaron Anderson and Eric Timothy Carlson
Dance/Movement by Randall Riley
