Joanna Newsom

Joanna Newsom is an American singer-songwriter, harpist, pianist, and actress known for her distinctive voice and harp-based compositions.

Joanna Newsom is an American singer-songwriter, harpist, pianist, and actress known for her distinctive voice and harp-based compositions. She emerged in the early 2000s with self-released EPs and went on to release critically noted albums on Drag City, including *The Milk-Eyed Mender*, *Ys*, *Have One on Me*, and *Divers*.

Early life and training

Joanna Newsom was born on January 18, 1982, in Grass Valley or Nevada City, California (sources differ). She began playing the harp at a young age after earlier piano study. Her upbringing was musically oriented, and her later style is closely associated with the harp.

Music career

Newsom began her recording career with two self-released EPs in 2002 before signing with Drag City. Her debut studio album, *The Milk-Eyed Mender*, was released in 2004. She released *Ys* in 2006, followed by *Have One on Me* in 2010 and *Divers* in 2015. These albums established her as a notable figure in indie and folk-influenced music and received substantial critical attention.

Style and reception

Newsom’s music has been described as progressive folk, psych folk, baroque pop, and indie folk. She has said she does not identify with any particular scene. She is known for her prominent use of the harp, an idiosyncratic vocal and compositional style, and long-form songwriting. Critics regard her style as distinctive within contemporary American music.

Acting and other work

In addition to music, Newsom has appeared as an actress in television and film. Her credits include the television series *Portlandia* and Paul Thomas Anderson’s film *Inherent Vice*.