Joanna Newsom
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Joanna Newsom (born 1982 in Nevada City, California) is a San Francisco harpist, pianist, harpsichordist, singer and songwriter.
Though a former music and creative writing student at Mills College, she sees her harp style as being distinct from that of classically-focused harpists, often referring to herself as a "harper" rather than harpist. She also previously played keyboards in San Francisco bands Golden Shoulders and The Pleased.
She is considered one of the most prominent members of the modern psych folk movement. Her songwriting incorporates elements of indie pop, Appalachian music, avant-garde modernism and a sensibility that some listeners describe as quirky. Having received no formal vocal training, her idiosyncratic vocal style, described by many as being child-like and weathered, has been a sticking point for many as it is very unconventional; nevertheless her songs' artistic merit, especially her songwriting ability, has generally been acknowledged.
After touring with Will Oldham she was quickly signed to Drag City and released her debut album The Milk-Eyed Mender. Shortly thereafter, Newsom toured with Devendra Banhart and Vetiver. Since then she has become a prominent indie musician and even appeared live on The Jimmy Kimmel Show on ABC.
Newsom is a distant cousin of San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom.[link]
Joanna is currently working on new songs for her next album, some of which have been previewed in recent live shows. These range from seven to fifteen minutes long. Some of the working titles include "Sawdust and Diamonds", "Only Skin", "Cosmia", "Dance My Darling" and "Emily". The new album is being arranged by Van Dyke Parks.[link]
Discography
- Albums
- Walnut Whales (self-released, 2002)
- Yarn and Glue (self-released, 2003)
- Golden Shoulders Let My Burden Be (Doppler, 2002)
- The Pleased One Piece From The Middle (self-released, 2002)
- The Pleased Don't Make Things (Big Wheel Recreation, 2003)
- Nervous Cop Nervous Cop (5 Rue Christine, 2003)
- Vetiver Vetiver (Dicristina Stair, 2004)
- Smog A River Ain't Too Much To Love (Drag City, 2005)
- Vashti Bunyan Lookaftering (FatCat, 2005)
External links
- [Joanna Newsom on dragcity.com] - discography, music video, and information
- [Milky Moon fansite] - news, discography, gigography, lyrics, quotations, photos and a message board.
- [BBC Collective] - includes streaming video
- [Joanna Newsom SFgate article]
- [Interview with Joanna Newsom at freewilliamsburg.com]
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