Recorded in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, at Justin Vernon’s April Base studio (where he recorded his highly acclaimed second Bon Iver LP), English trio the Staves’ new album, If I Was, is layered with intoxicating vocal harmonies. The influence of Vernon, who produced the record, is more than obvious, especially considering that the Staves have opened for Bon Iver in the past. However, the trio — comprised of sisters Emily (vocals), Jessica (vocals, guitar), and Camilla (vocals, ukulele) Staveley-Taylor — took Vernon’s famed Wisconsin space and made it their own, creating an album of beautiful, contemplative reflection.
Recently, the Staves took to the stage of London’s Wilton’s Music Hall with Vernon, playing through If I Was in its entirety as a lead-in to its stateside release. Below you can watch the trio and Vernon perform the captivating “Make It Holy”.
“Make It Holy”:
If I Was is out now via Nonesuch.