For the second year in row, The Grammys have shocked a lot of folks by awarding the Best New Artist to a "non-mainstream" artist. Last year, jazz artist Esperanza Spalding took the prize or to some stole it from Justin Bieber. This year, the winner was closer to home. Eau Claire's Justin Vernon of Bon Iver took the prize for Best New Artist. Bon Iver was nominated along with Niki Minaj, J Cole, Skrillex, and The Band Perry.
Some folks didn't understand how Bon Iver won best new artist, since their self-title album was not their first release. Check out Wikipedia's explaination for the Best New Artist Criteria.
"For a new artist who releases, during the Eligibility Year, the first recording which establishes the public identity of that artist." Note that this is not necessarily the first album released by an artist."
Bon Iver also picked up a second Grammy for Best Alternative Album for their self-titlted release. Even the Milwaukee's Mayor, Tom Barrett sent a congratulatory tweet to Bon Iver.
So raise your PBR and congratulate Bon Iver for winning two Grammys and for inspiring the new blog "Who is Bon Iver?" Vernon did all this with out spandex, big hair, or an entourage.
While you are getting familiar with Bon Iver, take a listen to their 2009 concert from The Riverside recorded by 88Nine RadioMilwaukee
