Justin Vernon Casts His Replacement in Playful ‘Day One’ Video

Justin Vernon’s ‘Day One’ video showcases a quirky audition for his replacement, blending humor and heartfelt moments from Bon Iver’s latest album.

A Surprising Twist in the ‘Day One’ Video

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like if Justin Vernon decided to hand over the Bon Iver torch, the new video for “Day One” gives you the closest thing to that fantasy. The clip opens with Vernon dramatically announcing his retirement—and then kicks off a hilariously earnest open casting call to find his musical successor. And where better to hold such a grand audition than in a classic school gymnasium?

Justin Vernon, Dijon, and Jenn Wasner bring charm and wit to the ‘Day One’ video scene.

The video, directed by Jos Diaz Contreras, feels like a short film packed with familiar faces. Actors Cristin Milioti and Jacob Elordi make cameo appearances, while St. Vincent adds her enigmatic flair. Vernon himself stars alongside a kid sporting an epic fake beard (because why not?), plus the song’s guest vocalists Dijon and Jenn Wasner—who tours with Bon Iver as part of Flock of Dimes.

If watching a legendary artist humorously audition for their own replacement doesn’t make you smile, I don’t know what will. It’s a perfect blend of sincerity, playfulness, and that bittersweet feeling of moving on.

“Day One” and the Success of SABLE, fABLE

The track “Day One” is part of Bon Iver’s latest album, SABLE, fABLE, released through Jagjaguwar. This record made a splash, debuting at No. 1 on both Billboard’s Rock/Alternative and Americana/Folk charts—a testament to Vernon’s continued impact on the indie scene.

The song’s themes blend introspection with a subtle sense of humor, perfectly mirrored in the video’s concept. It’s a fascinating chapter in Vernon’s evolving artistic journey.

Justin Vernon’s Thoughts on Touring and Career Choices

Now, here’s the kicker: despite the album’s success, Vernon has made it clear he won’t be hitting the road for a traditional tour anytime soon. At a private event in April hosted by fashion designer Todd Snyder, Vernon shared his candid feelings on stepping back from the touring grind.

“I’m not saying I’m not ever going to tour. I’m definitely going to play shows of some kind again. I want to be out there and I want to do that whole thing,” he said, “But I think taking the license to decide that something’s not for you is another one of those things. It may be painful and strange to not do the thing that’s expected of you or that other people who are successful do, but I do think that’s a little bit of that Midwest ethic. I grew up never expecting to have the kind of career I have now. I was hoping that I could hawk CDs out of the back of my Honda CR-V and go home to my little house with a wife and kids. It hasn’t turned out that way, but when you make those hard decisions, they bring rewards.”

This level of honesty from an artist of Vernon’s stature is refreshing. It feels like a nod to the real-life struggles and choices musicians face beyond the spotlight.

What’s Next for Justin Vernon?

While Vernon pauses touring, he’s far from out of the music scene. He’s a guest feature on Brandi Carlile’s upcoming album, Returning to Myself, set to drop on October 24. It’s exciting to see musicians like Vernon stepping into collaborative roles, contributing their signature touch while exploring new creative spaces.

For fans craving more classic Bon Iver magic, “Day One” and the SABLE, fABLE album provide plenty to chew over. The video’s playful audition is a perfect metaphor for transitions—whether in life, music, or the stories artists tell us.

Wrapping Up: The Art of Reinvention

In a world where artists often feel pressured to maintain a constant presence, Vernon’s choice to step back, reflect, and even poke fun at his own legacy is inspiring. The Day One video feels like a love letter to fans and a wink to the future, reminding us that creativity thrives when artists have the freedom to evolve on their terms.

“I grew up never expecting to have the kind of career I have now. I was hoping that I could hawk CDs out of the back of my Honda CR-V and go home to my little house with a wife and kids.” — Justin Vernon

What do you think about Vernon’s bold decision to audition his own replacement? How does it change your view of the artist behind Bon Iver’s haunting melodies?

FAQ

• What is the concept behind the “Day One” video?
  The video shows Justin Vernon humorously announcing his retirement and holding an open audition for his replacement in a school gym, featuring various cameos.
• Who directed the “Day One” video?
  Jos Diaz Contreras directed the video, bringing a cinematic touch to the storytelling.
• Which album features the song “Day One”?
  “Day One” is on Bon Iver’s album SABLE, fABLE, which topped several Billboard charts.
• Is Justin Vernon touring for the new album?
  Vernon has stated he won’t tour in the near future but plans to perform shows again eventually.
• What other projects is Justin Vernon involved in?
  He appears as a guest artist on Brandi Carlile’s upcoming album, Returning to Myself, releasing October 24.

Feeling inspired by the artistry of Bon Iver? Bring a piece of that magic into your own space—shop your favorite album cover posters at our store here. It’s a gentle way to keep the music close every day.