Mastering the "Bon Iver" Sound
Released on the Grammy-winning album Bon Iver, Bon Iver, "Towers" is a masterclass in indie-folk vocal layering. Unlike traditional pop songs that rely on power, this track relies on texture. Justin Vernon utilizes his signature falsetto to create a sound that is both intimate and expansive.
To sing this well, you need to abandon the idea of "belting." The entire track sits in a reinforced head voice. The challenge is keeping the tone consistent and not letting it become too breathy or thin as you navigate the melody in B Major.
AI Coach Tip: Air vs. Compression
Many singers whisper to sound like Bon Iver. This is incorrect. You need cord closure even in falsetto. If our AI detects too much "breathiness" (air leak), your stability score will drop.
Phase 1: The Verses
The song opens with a rolling guitar riff. When you enter with "For the love, I'd fallen on," keep the volume low (mezzo-piano). The range here is deceptively tricky because it stays consistently high (F#3 to F#4) without much rest.
The Trap: Lyrical diction. Vernon's style often blurs words together. While stylistically cool, ensure you are still shaping your vowels clearly so the pitch doesn't slide flat.
Phase 2: The Build (Chorus)
As the song builds ("Oh, the sermons are the first to rest"), the melody pushes higher toward the B4. This is the emotional peak.
- Resonance: feel the vibration in your "mask" (nose and cheekbones). This gives the falsetto a "ping" that cuts through the music.
- Dynamics: Swell on the open vowels. Don't push from the throat; push from the diaphragm.
- Layering: In the app, you can practice harmonizing with yourself. "Towers" is famous for its dense vocal stacks.
Phase 3: The Outro
The song concludes with an instrumental fade, but the vocal ad-libs are crucial. You need to maintain energy even as the volume fades. Keep your soft palate raised to ensure the tone remains "bright" rather than "dull."
Frequently Asked Questions
The main melody hits a sustained B4. However, backing harmonies and ad-libs often float higher into the 5th octave (C#5).
Yes, but you will rely heavily on your falsetto. If the key of B Major is uncomfortable, use the Singing Coach AI app to transpose it down -2 or -3 semitones to a more comfortable range.
Cracking usually happens when you try to pull chest voice up too high. Commit fully to your head voice for this song. Don't try to mix too much chest weight into the high notes.
