Justin Vernon has been called a lot of things since he broke out as modern folk’s biggest star with Bon Iver’s For Emma, Forever Ago, but “Gandalf” is a new one even for him. The Staves, an all-girl British trio whose music would fit very well into the fantasy-fueled setting of the Shire, discussed recording and creating with Vernon in his bunk-laden, semi-legendary studio in the remote, snowy woods of Wisconsin. Jokes about “Skinny Love” and Gollum abound in the rest of the charming interview. Watch it below.

The Staves’ If I Was is out 2/2 on Atlantic/Nonesuch. Watch a video documentary about the album here.