Though often heralded as a leader of the neofolk scene, 27-year-old
Joanna Newsom doesn’t consider herself a folksinger. Her work—marked by
her ethereal voice, narrative lyrics and solo harp accompaniment—blends
elements of West African, bluegrass and avant-garde music and has also
developed a following on the normally harder-edged indie rock scene.
Newsom has been playing the harp since she was eight (she became
obsessed with the instrument as a toddler and begged her parents to buy
one for her) and began her career on Will “Bonnie Prince Billy” Oldham’s
tour in 2002. Her debut album, The Milk-Eyed Mender, was released in
2004 and was followed by Ys (2006). She recently finished work on a new
album.
Giorgio Armani’s beaded black and blue silk blouse and sequined black
silk shorts, at Armani/5th Avenue, new york. Emporio Armani hat;
Carolina Amato gloves.
Joanna Newsom
December 2009
