7 Secrets Of Jim E Stack: The Producer Who Built Lorde's *Virgin* And Bon Iver's New Sound

Jim E Stack has solidified his position as one of the most pivotal and versatile record producers in contemporary music, a true architect of the avant-garde pop sound that defines the mid-2020s. As of today, December 10, 2025, his influence is at an all-time high, driven by his central role in two of the most anticipated and critically acclaimed projects: Lorde’s new studio album, *Virgin*, and Bon Iver’s experimental masterwork, *SABLE, fABLE*.

The Los Angeles-based musician, songwriter, and DJ—born James Harmon Stack—has built a career on a paradox: a sound that is both impossible to pin down and instantly recognizable. He is the sonic bridge between indie-pop melancholia and hard-hitting, experimental percussion, creating a unique space where "the chords that hurt meet the drums that bang." This in-depth article explores his full biography, deconstructs his signature production style, and details the fresh, high-profile collaborations that have made him a dominant force in the music industry.

Jim E Stack: The Architect of Modern Pop's Avant-Garde Sound

James Harmon Stack, known professionally as Jim E Stack, was born on January 21, 1992, and grew up in the culturally rich Inner Richmond district of San Francisco. His early musical life was a blend of traditional and experimental, starting with drumming in his high school jazz band while simultaneously immersing himself in electronic and genre-defying sounds alone in his room. This dual foundation—mastery of rhythm combined with a passion for unconventional soundscapes—is the bedrock of his later success.

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He transitioned from San Francisco to New Orleans and then to New York before settling in Los Angeles, a journey that mirrors the genre-hopping versatility of his music.

Jim E Stack Biography & Profile

• Full Name: James Harmon Stack
• Born: January 21, 1992
• Hometown: San Francisco, California
• Current Base: Los Angeles, California
• Primary Roles: Musician, Songwriter, Record Producer, DJ
• Notable Album (Primary Artist): *EPHEMERA* (2020)
• Key Collaborators (Selected): Lorde, Bon Iver, Dominic Fike, Kacy Hill, Joji, Caroline Polachek, Haim, Diplo, Empress Of, Hayley Williams, Gracie Abrams, Elmiene.

Stack’s career took off with his own releases and early production work, quickly establishing him as a go-to collaborator for artists looking to inject a sense of experimentalism and texture into their pop, R&B, and indie projects. His 2020 album, *EPHEMERA*, served as a critical showcase for his abilities, featuring collaborations with Empress Of and Bon Iver's Justin Vernon, and cementing his reputation as a producer capable of bridging diverse musical worlds.

2024-2025: The Dominant Force Behind Lorde's *Virgin* and Bon Iver's *SABLE, fABLE*

The period spanning 2024 and 2025 marks Jim E Stack’s most high-profile and influential era to date, characterized by his deep involvement in two major, genre-defining album projects. His work has shifted from being a sought-after collaborator to an essential creative partner for music's biggest visionaries.

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Co-Writing and Co-Producing Lorde's *Virgin*

In one of the biggest music stories of the year, Jim E Stack served as a key co-writer and co-producer across Lorde’s highly anticipated fourth studio album, *Virgin*, which saw its release in June 2025. This project is not a simple production credit; Stack was integral to shaping the entire sonic palette of the album. The collaboration is an evolution of their initial work, which began in 2022.

The partnership first gained significant attention in 2024 when Stack produced Lorde’s distinct cover of Talking Heads’ "Take Me to the River" for a tribute album. This track, along with the co-produced single "What Was That," showcased a shared vision for a sound that is emotionally exposed yet rhythmically complex, a hallmark of Stack’s style.

Shaping the Sound of Bon Iver's *SABLE, fABLE*

Simultaneously, Stack co-produced Bon Iver’s new album, *SABLE, fABLE*, released in April 2025, alongside Justin Vernon. This collaboration is particularly significant as Bon Iver's music is known for its intricate, experimental, and deeply textured sound design. Stack’s ability to work within this complex framework—and add his own unique touch—demonstrates his elite status in the production world.

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The album features a diverse set of guest contributors, including Danielle Haim, Dijon, and Flock of Dimes, further highlighting Stack’s role in managing and unifying a highly collaborative and experimental project.

Deconstructing the Jim E Stack Sound: Chords That Hurt, Drums That Bang

Jim E Stack’s production is characterized by a deliberate blurring of genre lines, a trait that makes his sound instantly modern and difficult to categorize. He is a master of contrast, often pairing deeply melancholic, emotionally resonant chord progressions with aggressive, unexpected, and "banging" drum programming.

The Philosophy of Contrast

His philosophy is rooted in finding the sweet spot where vulnerability meets force. He aims for a sound that is "real, in your face," utilizing unconventional recording techniques to achieve a raw, textured feel.

• Melancholy & Experimentalism: His tracks often carry a strong sense of mood, using synthesizers and manipulated vocals to create atmospheric, experimental soundscapes.
• Unconventional Techniques: Stack is known for his willingness to use lo-fi or unexpected tools, including his iPhone microphone, to capture and mash sounds together, adding a unique, gritty texture that separates his work from pristine, overproduced pop.
• Rhythmic Innovation: As a former jazz drummer, his drum programming is meticulous and often surprising, utilizing complex rhythms and unique drum kits to drive the emotional core of the song. This skill was notably applied to Elmiene’s "Someday" and Lorde's tracks, where the percussion is a character unto itself.

A Deep Dive into Key Collaborations and Genre-Bending Hits

Beyond his current work with Lorde and Bon Iver, Jim E Stack's extensive list of production and writing credits reads like a who’s who of contemporary music, showcasing his remarkable versatility across different genres and artistic visions.

The Indie-Pop and R&B Nexus

Stack has been a fundamental force in shaping the sound of several key artists in the indie-pop and alternative R&B space:

• Dominic Fike: Stack has been a consistent collaborator with Fike, contributing to the genre-blending sound that launched Fike to mainstream success. The two share a similar boundary-pushing approach to songwriting.
• Caroline Polachek: His work with Polachek highlights his ability to craft intricate, ethereal electronic pop, a testament to his versatility outside of the indie-folk sphere.
• Kacy Hill: As a frequent collaborator, Stack helped define Hill's unique brand of atmospheric, electronic R&B, serving as a primary producer and songwriter on her projects.

Mainstream and Alternative Crossovers

His production credits extend to major artists across the spectrum, demonstrating his commercial appeal without sacrificing his experimental edge:

• Haim: Working with the Haim sisters, Stack proved his ability to ground his experimental tendencies in tight, guitar-driven pop structures.
• Joji: His contributions to Joji’s work showcase his skill in blending melancholic ballads with trap and alternative R&B production, fitting perfectly with Joji's unique aesthetic.
• Hayley Williams: Stack has also lent his talents to Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams’s solo work, further cementing his role as a producer who can translate a highly specific artistic vision into sound.

From his early days drumming in a San Francisco jazz band to co-piloting the latest albums from two of music's most respected figures, Jim E Stack's journey is a blueprint for the modern, genre-agnostic producer. His willingness to embrace the uncomfortable—the "chords that hurt"—while delivering undeniable rhythm ensures his sound will continue to define the cutting edge of music for years to come. With *Virgin* and *SABLE, fABLE* now in the world, the industry is watching closely to see which sonic landscape he will shape next.