Earlier this year Bon Iver shared “PDLIF”, a single to raise awareness for Direct Relief and the pandemic’s frontline responders. Today Justin Vernon and co-writer Phil Cook share “AUATC” (“ate up all their cake”), another song in support of those organisations, with a whole host of voices in the mix, including Jenny Lewis, Jenn Wasner of Wye Oak and The Boss himself Bruce Springsteen somewhere in there.
Along with “AUATC”, the Bon Iver family has this message about the causes:
Each and every person on earth deserves to live fully with dignity, equity, justice, and joy. Instead, our capitalistic societies have created a world that is most supportive of the wealthy and the elite, and the predatory corporations and policies that drive their disproportionate success.
The average person is cast aside and unheard; marginalised communities are further oppressed due to race, economic status, gender, sexual orientation, creed, criminal record, housing stability, education, ability, documentation status, and more. The pandemic further magnifies these grave inequities and this unchecked greed.
We must continue the fight to topple capitalism as we know it, and recognise our collective participation in its dominant institutions. Bon Iver acknowledges our own position within and use of capitalistic practices. It is with recognition of our privilege that we are fully committed to using our unique platform to challenge and change capitalism within our industry, and far beyond.
We must empower and embrace our vulnerable neighbours. We must fight racism and sexism and classism to build a stronger foundation for the home we all deserve. We must support the leaders and organisations working to change our world for the better. From providing safe and stable housing, to empowering women, to liberating incarcerated people, to celebrating art and music, to fighting climate change, these organisations work tirelessly to foster a world that celebrates our humanity on a local, national, and global level. Please explore, support, and take action:
LOCAL
Minneapolis Sanctuary Movement
Red Letter Grant
(participate; apply)
NATIONAL
Equal Justice Initiative
(learn; vote)
NIVA
(contact legislators; support favourite venue)
GLOBAL
350.org
(join movement; participate in “Raise Your Voice for a #JustRecovery” campaign)
Below watch the video for “AUATC”, created by Aaron Anderson and Eric Timothy Carlson with dance and movement from Randall Riley. Beneath you can see the full recording credits for the song.
‘AUATC’ credits:
Written by Phil Cook, Justin Vernon, Jim-E Stack, BJ Burton, and Jenn Wasner
Produced by Justin Vernon, Jim-E Stack, and BJ Burton
Mixed by Justin Vernon
Mastered by Huntley Miller
Vocals: Elsa Jensen, Jenny Lewis, Bruce Springsteen, Justin Vernon, and Jenn Wasner
Morphagene: Jenn Wasner
Synthetic String Parts: BJ Burton
Pianos: Phil Cook
Percussion and Drums: Jim-E Stack, Reggie Pace, Matt McCaughan, JT Bates, and Justin Vernon
Guitars, Ob6_Bass, and Banjers: Justin Vernon
Pedal Steel: Ben Lester
Fiddle: Barbara Jean Meyers
