CAN I GET A REWIND? Justin Vernon (right), Jenn Wasner (center) and Dijon Duenas (left) each found themselves amidst an open casting call for the next Bon Iver, in the project's latest music video for "Day One," released on Oct. 7. (Photo by Kylin Solano)

“In 2025, Bon Iver announced his retirement, and the search began for his replacement.” This line was a new teaser shared by Justin Vernon, the Eau Claire born-and-raised creative and frontman of the musical project.

A sentiment Justin Vernon first alluded to back in early April — with the release of SABLE, fABLE (Jagjaguwar) — has now materialized in the music video for “Day One,” track four on disc two of the latest record.

The video for “Day One,” featuring Dijon Duenas (Dijon) and Jenn Wasner (Flock of Dimes), depicts the now-released tapes from an invitation to audition as the next Bon Iver.

And dozens answered the open call. Fans of Bon Iver may recognize collaborators from his discography — and other stars in the film and media spotlight — including Jacob Elordi, Cristin Milioti, Annie Clark (St. Vincent), Jenn Wasner (Flock of Dimes), Dijon, and even Justin himself who stepped into the studio auditorium to give their best rendition of “Day One.”

“From children to elders, sporting face paint to roller skates, each performer brings their own flavor to the song, and the search remains too close to call,” a recent media release shared.

Through dramatic expressions, interpretive dance, laughter, somberness, and a full spectrum of emotions — all from the eye of Jos Diaz Contreras, music video director — each character brings the tracks’ lyrics to life whilst singing along to “Day One.”

But, one lingering question remains: Have we found ourselves a new Bon Iver, or have we simply returned to the same spirit — and individual — who brought the moniker to life ... from “Day One”?

A special mention goes to the inclusion of a diverse, female-presenting round of auditions — with Milioti among them — who serve as a visual passageway to highlight Wasner’s breathtaking lyrics within the second verse.

One of the many “Vernons” — in this instance, played by Elordi — earnestly shares the song’s messages of both devotion and reconciliation with identity through the later chorus’ lyrics, “I don’t know who I am without you.”

Jacob Elordi, pictured above, sits — and smiles — in the open casting room as he recites his own rendition of the "Day One" lyrics. (Submitted photo)

With Wasner’s harmonies like pure light beams and Dijon’s textural compositions, this track (which has remained my personal front-runner since the album’s release) mimics the all-encompassing feelings of a living, evolving organism.

“Day One,” in both its visual and audio forms oozes connection and free movement, as depicted by each of the guest artists, friends, and strangers alike.

The video concludes with Vernon himself, echoing the song’s closing lyrics: “And that’s why I have rattled on / From day one.” His “guest appearance” swiftly returns to a crescendo of interpretive dance and motion from all those who made the audition call.

These final frames capture the core themes within “Day One,” and the record in its entirety: Vulnerability, transformation, and an ultimate path toward acceptance of the self.

But, one lingering question remains: Have we found ourselves a new Bon Iver, or have we simply returned to the same spirit — and individual — who brought the moniker to life... from “Day One”?

Watch the “Day One,” music video online via YouTube. Bon Iver's fifth studio album, SABLE, fABLE (Jagjaguwar) is available to purchase online or in person at the Local Store (205 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire).