Here, he and college friend Neil Gust,shared songwriting duties, with Smith more often than not assuming the role of frontman. When it comes to fans of his music, every recommendation becomes autobiographical.Īlthough his fame didn’t come until he went solo, Elliott’s professional career began as one-fifth of Portland alt-rockers Heatmiser. A friend who won’t tell you everything’s going to be okay but instead, will stay there with you and make you feel less alone. His greatest gift is that he always seems like he’s right there with you. Whenever he is discussed, it feels more like people are talking about an old friend, rather than something as abstract as a rock star.

His music is the sound of those who don’t fit in and it is for this very reason that he manages to connect with people on such an intimate level. That being said, the key to Elliott’s appeal isn’t best examined by way of cultural impact or mass acclaim instead, with Elliott, it’s personal. His unassuming manner and modest nature, paired with his talent as a multi-instrumentalist and knack for poignant lyrics, left people with an artist to root for. For many, he was the banner man for a generation of people looking for an authentic voice to fill the void left behind after the Seattle grunge explosion. It’s quite difficult not to gush when it comes to the work of Elliott Smith.

I just like music, you know, that’s the thing. I don’t really care where I fit into or if there’s anything to fit into. He replied: “The less I think about it the happier I am. In a radio interview with Triple J magazine, Elliott Smith was asked where he felt he fit in with the music scene of 1998.

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