Joanna Newsom
Joanna Newsom
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Joanna Newsom is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and poet known professionally as Joanna Newsom.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on January 18, 1982. Currently alive.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American singer-songwriter, musician, poet.
Early Life and Background
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Joanna Newsom was born in Northern California's Bay Area to a family of artists and musicians. Her mother, Carol, is an artist, while her father, Peter, worked as a journalist and editor. Newsom grew up surrounded by music and art, encouraged to explore creativity from a young age.
Major Accomplishments
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Newsom began playing the harp at nine years old, eventually teaching herself to play other instruments like the piano, accordion, and guitar. She formed her first band, Violet Clark, in high school, and later attended Mills College in Oakland, California, where she honed her songwriting skills.
In 2004, Newsom released her debut album, The Milk-Eyed Mender, to critical acclaim. Her subsequent albums, Ys (2006) and Have One on Me (2010), solidified her reputation as a innovative singer-songwriter.
Notable Works or Actions
Newsom's music is characterized by poetic lyrics, intricate instrumentation, and soaring vocal melodies. She has been praised for her unique voice, which blends elements of folk, rock, and classical music.
Some of her most notable works include the songs "Bridges and Balloons," "Good Intentions Paving Company," and "Divers."
Newsom has also released several EPs and singles throughout her career, exploring a wide range of themes and styles.
Impact and Legacy
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Joanna Newsom's music has influenced a generation of singer-songwriters and musicians. Her innovative approach to songwriting and instrumentation has inspired artists like Sufjan Stevens, St. Vincent, and Florence + The Machine.
Newsom's poetry is also widely admired for its lyricism and depth. She has been praised by critics and fans alike for her ability to craft songs that are both personal and universal.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Joanna Newsom is widely quoted and remembered for her innovative approach to music, as well as her poetic lyrics and soaring vocal melodies. Her unique voice and style have made her a beloved figure in the music world, with a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.
As a singer-songwriter and poet, Joanna Newsom continues to push boundaries and challenge expectations with each new release. Her impact on contemporary music is undeniable, and her legacy as one of the most innovative artists of our time will only continue to grow.
Quotes by Joanna Newsom
I played piano for about two years when I was a kid. I didn’t play long enough to be really great.
I didn’t sing for years and years, but I started playing harp when I was maybe 9 or 10. I had actually wanted to play for years leading up to that, but no teacher in our little town would take me on as a student, because I was too young.
I’ve been unaware of how people react to the instrument. People have ideas of what a harp is supposed to sound like, and a lot of them are negative ideas.
I didn’t really know a lot of the history when I was younger. I didn’t realize that the harp is coded in such a specific way in musical circles. It’s kind of this society instrument because of its history as a young woman’s parlor instrument.
Around eighth grade I decided I wanted to be a composer and that’s what I went to college for. Just a few years back, I switched out of composition and into creative writing so I could work with words.
I can’t play my songs on the smaller harp. I have a Celtic harp. I can’t do the key changes.
I don’t look at people’s expressions, because I still get nervous when I play, especially when I first put the harp up there. I just try to tune – it takes me a half-hour to tune, and I get nervous if I look at anybody when I do it.
I definitely don’t subscribe to the theory that more instruments, or more vocal tracks, harmony, or double tracking the voice, is a good thing. People do their early albums very stripped down, then each album becomes bloated.
And all that we built, and all that we breathed And all that we spilled or pulled up like weeds Is piled up in back and it burns irrevocably And we spoke up in turns ’til the silence crept over me.