Most likely he made the album normally and the story about the cabin was made up by jimmy and bob from the marketing department.
Most likely he made the album normally and the story about the cabin was made up by jimmy and bob from the marketing department.
What marketing department? For Emma, Forever Ago was initially self-released and got noticed, then an indie record label signed Justin Vernon to distribute the album with an official pressing. The story and the album and its success all predate any marketing department's involvement.
Jimmy and bob were his buddies. They moonlighted as his marketing team.
The stories around how music is made is a very under-considered aspect of the listening experience. Oftentimes those stories are not strictly true, but contain a kernel of truth, and it's the most compelling version of the story that ends up sticking.
How often do you listen to a song and think of these stories in your head? When you listen to the Beatles are you seeing Paul McCartney singing? I think for many people the answer is yes. These things (the story and the music itself) become connected and the story provides the context within which many people enjoy the music.
I'll admit this is a bit disappointing. I'd like to think that any piece could stand up on its on merits without some lore being required to appreciate it. But I have relented to the idea that this is just a very human thing. We do it with everything as it's just the way most of us are wired.