Dua Saleh and Bon Iver Collaborate on New Album 'Of Earth & Wires' Featuring Stunning Duets

Explore Dua Saleh and Bon Iver’s soulful duets on their new album 'Of Earth & Wires', blending emotive melodies and heartfelt collaborations.

A Fresh Chapter in Collaboration: Dua Saleh Meets Bon Iver

When Dua Saleh joined forces with Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, magic was bound to happen. As a musician, actor, and Travis Scott collaborator, Dua Saleh’s artistry takes a new turn with their upcoming album Of Earth & Wires, set to drop on May 15 via Ghostly International. This album is already turning heads thanks to the soulful synergy between Saleh and Vernon, who lends his unmistakable voice and creative spark to multiple tracks.

Dua Saleh and Bon Iver's Justin Vernon in a creative session.

Already released singles like “Flood” and “Glow” give us a tantalizing taste of what’s to come, and a third track, “Keep Away,” features Vernon but remains under wraps for now. The album is a melting pot of talent beyond just these two, with executive production by Billy Lemos (noted for his work with SZA), along with contributions from Ryan Olson, a longtime Vernon collaborator, and producer Psymun. Vocal features also include poet and singer aja monet on “ALL IS LOVE” and Gaidaa on “Anemic,” adding layers of depth and texture to the project.

The Organic Spark Behind 'Flood' and 'Glow'

What makes this collaboration feel so authentic? Dua Saleh shares that the creative process during their time in Minneapolis was nothing short of spontaneous and deeply personal. What began as a studio session linked to a Travis Scott track morphed into an unrestrained jam session with local producers, including Psymun. Saleh recalls the moment vividly:

“I sat back with Psymun’s dog, Synth, listening as a beat took shape, while I turned over melodies and words in my head. ‘Flood’ formed first. Justin freestyled the hook in the moment, and I later wrote to the beat. Watching his cathartic process and hearing the emotion move through his voice pushed me to confront parts of my past I hadn’t fully faced.”

The song “Flood” is more than just a tune; it's a metaphor for resilience. Inspired partly by Saleh’s own experiences with climate-related flooding while living in Cardiff, Wales, the track explores the struggle of staying afloat amidst personal grief and external turmoil.

As for “Glow,” Saleh notes it sprung from that same raw openness:

“The session felt unusually fluid. We were all writing together, following instinct. Justin’s enthusiasm, emotional honesty and melodic intuition made everything feel effortless. What stayed with me most was how he continued to show up afterward, excited by the demos, retracking vocals and helping shape arrangements as the songs evolved.”

That kind of commitment from Vernon is something Saleh deeply appreciates, highlighting the care and emotional involvement that makes this album truly special.

A Personal Reflection on Roots and Identity

Dua Saleh’s artistic journey is also a deeply personal one. Living in Los Angeles with Sudanese heritage, Saleh reflects on their feelings of displacement and longing while crafting the album. The war-torn situation back home weighs heavily on their mind, adding emotional layers to the music.

“I was just kind of ruminating on where I could find my place as an artist amongst the terrain of AI, and I was lonely and overwhelmed. I missed my mom and my siblings. I felt like I was losing my accent being there, just questioning the notion of home on many levels.”

This sense of searching for belonging is woven throughout Of Earth & Wires, which also draws on collaborations with producers from Minnesota—where Saleh grew up—blending a sense of old and new, home and discovery.

Bonus: Stay Tuned for More From This Season’s Hottest Collaborations

While you immerse yourself in Dua Saleh and Bon Iver’s new album, there’s a broader musical landscape brewing with fresh releases and tours to follow:

• Mitski announces residency plans around her new LP.
• Lorde, Kesha, Wet Leg are among headliners for All Things Go Toronto.
• American Football might be touring behind their new album.

The energy in the music scene right now is electric, and Of Earth & Wires is a bright star in this constellation of creativity.

Wrapping It Up: A Collaboration Worth Waiting For

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when raw emotion, impeccable talent, and heartfelt collaboration collide, Dua Saleh and Bon Iver’s Of Earth & Wires gives you the answer. It’s an album born from vulnerability, friendship, and the magic of musical exploration. As Saleh hopes, we might all find our way “back into rooms like that again” – spaces where music flows freely and connects us deeply.

FAQ

• What is the release date for Dua Saleh's album Of Earth & Wires?
  The album is scheduled to be released on May 15.
• Which Bon Iver member collaborated with Dua Saleh?
  Justin Vernon, the lead of Bon Iver, features prominently on several tracks.
• What themes does the album explore?
  Themes of resilience, personal history, identity, and emotional catharsis are central to the album.
• Are there other artists featured on the album?
  Yes, guests like aja monet and Gaidaa contribute to the album, alongside producers like Billy Lemos, Ryan Olson, and Psymun.
• Where did the collaboration take place?
  The sessions mainly happened in Minneapolis, with a strong influence from the city’s creative environment.

For fans wanting to bring a piece of this musical journey into their space, consider shopping your favorite album cover poster at our store here. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the artistry of Dua Saleh and Bon Iver.