The Great Creators with Guy Raz

Indie Icon Phil Elverum on Capturing His Life Story in Song

Jun 18, 2024

Indie icon Phil Elverum talks about his 40 albums, a 40-minute life story song, and an album about his wife's death. He discusses his musical journey, influences like Nirvana, and his creative process. The episode touches on his success, self-reflection, evolution of songwriting, and his latest album, Microphones in 2020.

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Episode guests

Phil Elverum

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Phil Elverum's music is rooted in personal tragedies, reflecting emotional depth and resilience in songwriting.

His creative process emphasizes storytelling, melodic variations, and observational writing styles in crafting songs.

Phil's journey from playing the tuba to creating deeply personal music showcases his evolution and artistic growth.

Deep dives

Phil Elvarum's Creative Process and Inspiration

Phil Elvarum, of the Microphones and Mount Erie, shares his creative process and inspiration behind his music. He discusses the freedom in imperfections that drive his musical journey, reflecting on his beginnings in Anacortes, Washington. Phil delves into pivotal moments like his wife's passing and how it influenced his acclaimed album 'A Crow Looked at Me'. He also explores his upbringing surrounded by music and nature, highlighting how these elements shape his artistry.

Intro

4min

Phil Elverum's Musical Journey and Influences

20min

Success and Self-Reflection

6min

Exploring the Evolution of Songwriting and Creativity

13min

Exploring Phil Elverum's 40-Minute Song

6min

Exploration of Creativity, Music, and Parenting in the Speaker's Life

14min

Exploring Phil Elverum's Creative Journey and Recent Book Publication

3min

Phil Elverum has recorded more than 40 albums and documented decades of his life in song – first as “The Microphones” and then as “Mount Eerie”. In this episode, Phil talks with Guy about his musical beginnings playing the tuba, the 40-minute song that tells his life story, and the album he wrote about his wife's death – a project that resonated strongly with countless people experiencing grief.

Check out Phil’s latest album, Microphones in 2020, here: https://www.pwelverumandsun.com/products/microphones-in-2020-cd

Links from the Show:

Connect with Phil:

• 💻Website: https://www.pwelverumandsun.com/

• 📺Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PWElverumandSun

• 📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flutelistener/

Connect with us:

•💻Website: TheGreatCreators.com

•📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegreatcreatorspodcast and https://www.instagram.com/guy.raz

• 🎵TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@guyraz

For more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Bjork to Jason Sudeikis – go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com.

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