Bon Iver’s “For Wisconsin” campaign inspires new Arcade Fire recording of “Culture War”

Bon Iver’s latest project isn’t strictly music related. Instead, the Euax Claire, WI-based band, led by Justin Vernon, has begun a campaign called “For Wisconsin” to encourage voter registration and civic participation. As part of the campaign, Vernon has also started the “A Visit With Vernon” series, where he sits down with undecided voters to promote healthy political discussion.

Several new songs have been recorded as part of this campaign, including “Your Honor,“ Big Red Machine’s “The Latter Days,” and, most recently, a new recording of Arcade Fire’s “Culture War” (originally from their 2010 album, The Suburbs).

The new version of “Culture War” is acoustic and gentle, soothing in its quiet simplicity. The band broaches complicated politics, which obviously ring relevant today, with remarkable ease: “You want / You got it / Here’s your culture war.” A short description accompanies the plain, black-and-white video: “Get out there and vote, it’s never been more important.”

Listen to Arcade Fire’s “Culture War” x For Wisconsin below.