A few days ago, Justin Vernon of Bon Iver made headlines when he tweeted that Apple Music is “literally a horrid platform” that does little beyond promote “commercialization.” Really, who could disagree with that?

Today Vernon is making the rounds for a different reason. An old buddy of Vernon’s named Andy Schumann posted footage from 1998 when Vernon and his mates competed in a Battle of the Bands under the name Mount Vernon (LOL!).

Before achieving considerable success with the hipster breakthrough album For Emma, Forever Ago in 2008, Vernon worked in some other outfits including JD Vernon and DeYarmond Edison. After achieving indie superstardom, Vernon has been tireless in his collaborations, including work with the ensembles Gayngs, Megafaun, Volcano Choir, and the Shouting Matches. He also worked with Kanye West on his 2013 album Yeezus.

 

 
The video of Mount Vernon features Vernon with a handful of his future collaborators, such as Phil Cook (DeYarmond Edison, Megafaun, Gayngs), Brad Cook (DeYarmond Edison, Megafaun), and Joe Westerlund (Megafaun, Grandma Sparrow).

Born in 1981, Vernon went to Memorial High School in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, so he would have been 17 when this was shot. The location is indeed the “auxiliary Gym” of Memorial High School.

Mount Vernon actually released two albums, We Can Look Up and All of Us Free. Releasing albums at the age of 17 and 19? Not bad.

Nobody ever supposed that Vernon figured out his signature style as early as high school, so the video merely represents a little bit humbling fun at Vernon and his buddies’ Phish-y starting point.
 

 
via FACT

Previously on Dangerous Minds:
All Tiny Creatures featuring Justin Vernon of Bon Iver remixed by Brad Laner