Dead Wax Sean Watkins: Elliott Smith, Jon Brion, Eric Valentine, Largo, Chris Thile and Nickel Creek
Dec 1, 2025
Sean Watkins, a beloved singer-songwriter and member of Nickel Creek, shares captivating stories from his musical journey. He discusses recent collaborations and the influence of Largo, where he connected with artists like Elliott Smith. Watkins reveals the songwriting process behind 'Somebody More Like You' and shares invaluable advice from Rick Rubin on collaboration. He reminisces about his memorable encounters with John Bryan and the unique tale of a dead-string guitar that inspired his sound. Dive into these revealing insights and anecdotes!
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Genre As An Evolving Spirit
- Sean argues genre is a spirit that evolves and gives examples of contemporary musicians embodying 'jazz now'.
- He connects Largo's Elliott Smith project to modern expressions of jazz sensibility.
Songwriting Credit And Rubin's Advice
- Sean Watkins says he mostly wrote "Somebody More Like You" himself but acknowledges Sarah and Chris likely contributed.
- He recounts meeting Rick Rubin, who advised them to co-write and changed their songwriting approach.
Meeting Rick Rubin, Working With Eric Valentine
- Sean recalls meeting Rick Rubin but ultimately working with producer Eric Valentine on the record.
- He describes Rubin offering one-sentence insights that shifted their musical direction even without formal collaboration.