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.