Song Exploder Key Change: Sophie Thatcher on Elliott Smith
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Jan 29, 2025 
Sophie Thatcher, an actor and musician known for her roles in 'Yellowjackets' and 'Companion', shares how Elliott Smith's poignant track 'Waltz #1' deeply influenced her artistic identity. She reflects on the solace she found in Smith's music during challenging times, especially in her adolescence. The discussion highlights the powerful emotional ties between music and personal experiences, exploring nostalgia and vulnerability in both music and film, and how Smith's vocal layering has informed her creative journey.
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Discovering Elliott Smith
- Sophie Thatcher's twin sister improvised a sad character, leading her brother to introduce them to Elliott Smith.
- "Ballad of Big Nothing" was the first song they heard, but "Waltz #1" evoked a strong emotional response in Sophie.
Growing Up and Feeling Like an Outcast
- Sophie Thatcher grew up in Hyde Park, Chicago, but later moved to Lake Forest due to her brother's bullying.
- Feeling like an outcast, partly due to being a twin, she connected with Elliott Smith's music.
Car Listening Ritual
- As a child, Sophie Thatcher would make her dad drive around so she could listen to music.
- This car listening ritual allowed her to visualize and feel the music more deeply.