# Elliott Smith

> American musician (1969–2003)

**Wikidata**: [Q210428](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q210428)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elliott_Smith)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/elliott-smith

## Summary
Elliott Smith was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and composer, best known for his introspective and emotionally resonant indie rock and lo-fi music. He gained critical acclaim for his deeply personal songwriting and was posthumously recognized with a Grammy nomination for his album *Figure 8* and the Academy Award nomination for the song "Miss Misery" from the *Good Will Hunting* soundtrack.

## Biography
- Born: August 6, 1969, in Omaha, Nebraska
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Attended Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts
- Known for: Indie rock and lo-fi music contributions
- Employer(s): Caroline Records, Kill Rock Stars, DreamWorks Records, Virgin Records
- Field(s): Music, songwriting, composition, performance

## Contributions
Elliott Smith was a prolific artist whose work spanned multiple record labels and genres. His contributions include:
- Founding and being a core member of the band Heatmiser, which was active from 1991 to 1996.
- Releasing several solo albums that are considered classics of 1990s alternative music, including:
  - *Roman Candle* (1994)
  - *Elliott Smith* (1995)
  - *Either/Or* (1997)
  - *XO* (1998)
  - *Figure 8* (2000)
- Contributing songs to the *Good Will Hunting* soundtrack, including "Miss Misery," which earned an Academy Award nomination.
- Being affiliated with record labels such as Caroline Records, Kill Rock Stars, DreamWorks Records, and Virgin Records, which distributed his work and amplified his influence in the indie rock scene.

## FAQs
### What is Elliott Smith most known for?
Elliott Smith is most known for his deeply personal and introspective songwriting, often characterized by melancholic melodies and lo-fi production. His work on the *Good Will Hunting* soundtrack, particularly the song "Miss Misery," brought him mainstream attention and an Academy Award nomination.

### Which record labels was Elliott Smith associated with?
Elliott Smith was associated with several record labels including Caroline Records, Kill Rock Stars, DreamWorks Records, and Virgin Records. These affiliations helped distribute his music and expand his reach within the indie rock community.

### What bands was Elliott Smith a part of?
Elliott Smith was a core member of the band Heatmiser, which he co-founded. The band was active from 1991 to 1996 and was a significant part of the Portland music scene.

### What are some of Elliott Smith's most notable albums?
Some of Elliott Smith's most notable albums include *Roman Candle* (1994), *Elliott Smith* (1995), *Either/Or* (1997), *XO* (1998), and *Figure 8* (2000). These works showcase his evolution as a musician and his impact on the indie rock genre.

### Did Elliott Smith receive any major awards or nominations?
Yes, Elliott Smith received a Grammy nomination for *Figure 8* and an Academy Award nomination for the song "Miss Misery" from the *Good Will Hunting* soundtrack. These nominations highlighted his significant contributions to music.

## Why They Matter
Elliott Smith's work has had a lasting impact on the indie rock and lo-fi music scenes. His deeply personal and emotionally resonant music influenced a generation of musicians and continues to be celebrated for its raw honesty and innovative sound. His posthumous recognition through awards and continued reverence in the music community underscore his importance. Artists like Phoebe Bridgers have cited him as an influence, demonstrating his enduring legacy.

## Notable For
- Indie rock and lo-fi music contributions
- Founding and being a core member of Heatmiser
- Solo albums including *Roman Candle*, *Either/Or*, *XO*, and *Figure 8*
- Academy Award nomination for "Miss Misery" from the *Good Will Hunting* soundtrack
- Grammy nomination for *Figure 8*
- Influence on contemporary artists like Phoebe Bridgers
- Affiliation with Caroline Records, Kill Rock Stars, DreamWorks Records, and Virgin Records
- Songwriting that blends melancholy with melodic innovation

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Elliott Smith, born Steven Paul Smith on August 6, 1969, was an American musician who became a defining voice in indie rock. He attended Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, where he developed his musical interests and began his journey in music.

### Career
Smith's career was marked by a series of critically acclaimed solo albums and his work with the band Heatmiser. His music was characterized by its lo-fi production and deeply personal lyrics, resonating with fans and critics alike.

### Musical Contributions and Style
Elliott Smith's music style was a blend of indie rock, lo-fi, and singer-songwriter traditions. His work was known for its emotional depth and melodic innovation, influencing a generation of musicians. His albums, including *Roman Candle* (1994), *Either/Or* (1997), and *XO* (1998), are considered seminal works in the indie rock genre.

### Affiliations and Record Labels
Smith was affiliated with several record labels that helped distribute his music and amplify his influence. These included Caroline Records, Kill Rock Stars, DreamWorks Records, and Virgin Records. Each label played a role in the release and promotion of his music, contributing to his legacy.

### Legacy and Influence
Elliott Smith's legacy is evident in the continued reverence for his work among musicians and fans. His influence can be seen in artists like Phoebe Bridgers, who have cited him as a major influence. His work continues to be celebrated for its emotional honesty and innovative sound, ensuring his place in music history.

### Awards and Recognition
Smith received a Grammy nomination for his album *Figure 8* and an Academy Award nomination for the song "Miss Misery" from the *Good Will Hunting* soundtrack. These nominations highlighted his significant contributions to music and brought him mainstream attention.

### Personal and Professional Life
Smith was known for his collaborations and affiliations with various artists and record labels. His work with Heatmiser and his solo projects showcased his versatility and creativity. His untimely death in 2003 was a significant loss to the music community, but his work continues to inspire new generations of musicians.

### Discography Highlights
- *Roman Candle* (1994)
- *Elliott Smith* (1995)
- *Either/Or* (1997)
- *XO* (1998)
- *Figure 8* (2000)

Each of these albums showcased Smith's evolution as a musician and his impact on the indie rock genre. His work continues to be celebrated for its emotional depth and innovative sound, ensuring his place in music history.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. MusicBrainz
5. [Source](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2004/mar/19/popandrock.elliottsmith)
6. Los Angeles County Medical Examiner Case Search
7. Find a Grave
8. Discogs
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. Virtual International Authority File
11. [Source](https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/elliott-smith-song-recorded-14/)
12. Academy Awards Database
13. [BnF authorities](http://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb140153944)
14. BBC Things
15. ISWC Network
16. The Guardian
17. Quora
18. [reddit's elliott smith community.](https://old.reddit.com/r/elliottsmith/)
19. Europeana
20. [Source](https://mec.lacounty.gov/case-detail/?caseNumber=2003-07948)
21. The Movie Database