Bon Iver's song "Woods" is a notable track from their 2009 EP titled "Blood Bank" and has some interesting facts associated with it:
A Cappella Experiment: "Woods" is a departure from Bon Iver's typical folk-inspired sound. It's a highly experimental song featuring Justin Vernon's layered and pitch-shifted vocals. The entire song is sung a cappella, without any musical instruments.
Auto-Tune Innovation: Justin Vernon's innovative use of Auto-Tune in "Woods" helped popularize the creative and artistic use of the vocal processing software. This song played a significant role in reshaping the perception of Auto-Tune as a tool for artistic expression rather than just pitch correction.
Influence on Kanye West: Bon Iver's "Woods" caught the attention of rapper and producer Kanye West, who was deeply impressed by the song. This led to a collaboration between the two artists on Kanye's album "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy." Justin Vernon contributed vocals to several tracks on the album, and this collaboration helped introduce Bon Iver to a wider audience.
Unique Live Performances: When performing "Woods" live, Bon Iver often incorporates electronic effects and harmonizers to recreate the distinctive sound of the song. This makes their live performances of "Woods" a unique and mesmerizing experience for fans.
Sampled in Popular Music: The unique vocal style and sound of "Woods" have inspired other artists and have been sampled in various songs across different genres. Its influence on contemporary music extends beyond the indie and folk genres.
Ongoing Impact: "Woods" remains one of Bon Iver's most iconic and recognizable tracks, even though it's quite different from their usual sound. Its legacy as a pioneering and innovative use of vocal effects continues to influence musicians and producers to this day.
"Woods" by Bon Iver is a standout track not only for its distinctive vocal experimentation but also for its impact on the music industry and its role in introducing innovative vocal processing techniques to a wider audience.