For Emma, Forever Ago is the debut studio album by American
indie folk band
Bon Iver. It was first self-released in July 2007, and later saw wide release on the
Jagjaguwar label in February 2008. The album is principally the work of singer-songwriter
Justin Vernon, who had previously performed in the band
DeYarmond Edison. After college, the group moved to
Raleigh, North Carolina, but broke up in 2006. Vernon fell ill with
mononucleosis and a liver infection, and grew frustrated with his songwriting and life. He escaped Raleigh and drove an hour northwest of his hometown,
Eau Claire,
Wisconsin, hoping to be alone.