Bon Iver: From a Log Cabin to the Grammys

As the result of the Grammy Nominations became viral some very important questions were asked. The most important of those is the 2-part question: who is Bon Iver and will he pull an Arcade Fire?

All the signs are there: unknown to the majority, critically acclaimed effort (a self titled sophomore album this time for what MTV describes as "a self-titled effort that earned rave reviews for its Beach Boys harmonies-meet-falsetto English folk lullabies") and a quartet of nominations for next year's award ceremony.

So to answer the 2-part question, the first half is rather easy. Bon Iver is actually the stage name of one Justin Vernon. The Eau Claire, Wisconsin native has actually been working on his music since 2007 but, much like Arcade Fire before their win, has not received attention from the majority.

Instead, Vernon has played the musical outsider to the MTV crown even as critics and indie fans alike have praised him for ages now.

Vernon was once part of a band called Mount Vernon but through a falling out and he broke up with his girlfriend. The musician then decided to hole up in a cabin built by his father located in Northern Wisconsin. It was here that the 30-year-old Grammy nominee wrote the forlorn and friendless tunes of his album "For Emma."

As for the name, Bon Iver, Vernon saw a huge number of "Northern Exposure" episodes and lifted the name from the show's signature greeting; the French phrase means good winter.

Vernon has since landed a spot on one of the many Twilight soundtracks and his songs have been sampled by Kanye West for "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy."

Now as for the other half of the question, will he pull an Arcade Fire? It's hard to say. His indie friendly tunes may have a following but it's too early to call if the one time hermit can topple the likes of West.

But who knows, it can happen. It is a fact that Bon Iver's music can surpass the kind of creativity mainstream popstars constantly offer year after year.

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