So many artists these days attempt to be 'one of us'. They try to prove to the world that they understand 'our' daily strifes and woes. As though we’re all in it together, that we’re made from the same stuff.
It’s a shame. We need to celebrate the weirdos, the ones who don’t care what we think. Björk, Prince, Michael Jackson, Thom Yorke, Kanye West. Love them or hate them, they don’t care, they just keep doing what they do best.
It’s one of the things that makes Joanna Newsom such a treasure of our generation. She’s not a trend follower, she’s a trend setter. Her unique style is distinguishable, peerless and mesmerising. Her harp playing and unique vocal-style have been explored in depth over her career, but what are some lesser-known things you may not know about Joanna Newsom?
Joanna’s husband Andy Samberg – of 'Saturday Night Live' and The Lonely Island – had a crush on Joanna and went to see her live a number of times before getting introduced to her through mutual friends.
Her musical taste isn’t just some sort of combination of Appalachian and chanting monks; her favourite album of 2015 was Kendrick Lamar’s ‘To Pimp A Butterfly’.Joanna appeared in and narrated Paul Thomas Anderson’s film 'Inherent Vice'. This wasn’t her first time behind the camera, having previously appeared in an episode of 'Portlandia' and the music video for the MGMT song 'Kids'.
Joanna hates bananas. Can’t even be in the same room as them. If you meet Joanna and are eating a banana, don’t bother offering her any, she won’t say yes.
Joanna has had a life-long interest in fashion and has modelled for Giorgio Armani. Her wedding dress was designed by American designer Zac Posen, though don’t bother trying to Google it, the photographs have been kept from appearing online.
Joanna’s made a number of unexpected guest appearances on other artists tracks, including 'Right On' by hip hop stalwarts The Roots, 'Why Do Birds Suddenly Appear' by British skinhead band Hard Skin, and The Muppet Show Theme from the soundtrack to 'The Muppets' film of 2011.
Joanna’s house in Beachwood Canyon, Los Angeles was previously owned by Mary Astor and rented by Charlie Chaplin. When not recording, Joanna unwinds with TV series such as 'Game Of Thrones', 'Downton Abbey' and 'True Detective'.
In 2009, Joanna was unable to sing or speak for two months due to vocal-cord nodules she had developed. Though she has since fully recovered, the effect caused a permanent change to the sound of her voice. Joanna’s fourth album, ‘Divers’, was released in October 2015.
Joanna Newsom Tour Dates
Tue 19 Jan - Hamer Hall, Arts Centre (Melbourne)Thu 21 Jan - Sydney Opera House
Sat 23 Jan - QPAC Concert Hall (Brisbane)
