Joanna Newsom

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Joanna Newsom (born 1982 in Nevada City, California) is a San Francisco pianist, harpist, harpsichordist, singer and songwriter.

Image:Joanna Newsom-2005-Roskilde.jpg Though a former music student at Mills College, she sees her harp style as being distinct from that of classically-focused harpists, even going as far as referring to herself as a "harper" rather than harpist. She also previously played keyboards in San Francisco bands Golden Shoulders and The Pleased.

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.[1]

Joanna is currently working on new songs for her next album, some of which have been previewed in recent live shows. One of the longer songs is over nine minutes long. Some of the working titles include "Sawdust and Diamonds," "Only Skin," "Cosmia," "Dance With My Darling" and "Emily." The new album is being arranged by Van Dyke Parks.[2]

Gregg Saunier of Deerhoof has just teamed up with Hella drummer Zach Hill and Joanna Newsom to create Nervous Cop.

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