elliott smith interview on VH1's daily one live

[seforev]

The most polite interview-ee I've ever seen

[nipplestars]

Reporter: "You're going on tour with the full band this May, are you not?"

Elliott Smith: "Yes, for the rest of my life"

[Harrehoople]

First of all she is interviewing on VH1 (the folks who gave us gems like tool academy) not 60 Minutes and second, not a lot of people were on the same plain as Elliott, that's part of his talent. It's like Stephen Hawking being interviewed about theoretical physics by a second grader. You can't blame the kid for not connecting.

[adsbegone]

The interviewer may not be very well but she is better than like 1,000,000 interviewers.

[valeriefo]

oh my fucking god

<3

[fabuliz1985]

she's awful



[Pravindaswani74]

Dumb interviewer,want to be Elliott's psychiatrist or wtf! LOL

[m83ikael]

...are you not?!

[stylo5001]

"For the rest of my life" - that sentence, spoken by him, awesome.

[PrinkleSpank]

Not even in his expressions, there's just so much pain in his face. I love the guy

[kathrynelizabeth89]

ah nananananana na

[awareness11]

He always seems very shy

[stefamefa]

this dumb bitch.....

[whatsbelowyou]

sorry blonde....there's no fakeness here....sorry to disappoint

[midnightwallflower]

"Gandi said that whatever you do in life will be insignificant, but it's very important that you do it." -- Don't like to quote movies, but it kinda reminds me of "Everything means nothing to me." Amazing musician for sure, may he be well and happy wherever he is.

[pajamasam909]

Im in love with him

[JackieFuckedup]

"for the rest of my life"

[blakcpavement]

i wish i could have hugged this guy. he probably would have hated it. but i wish i could have.

[blllllllllleugh]

I've watched the final 15 seconds over and over again. There is just something about it

[Bushie1988]

he actually ( for once ) seems and i mean .. seems happy and content with himself , love ya elliott and your music will allways be around me.

[Bendrix27]

@Bushie1988

I do see how it would seem that way, he does come across as a little bit chirpier than usual. But I think people, especially people like Elliott, get so used to wearing a sort of metaphorical mask, it almost makes them a different person around each individual, a different mask for everyone, depending on how they want to express themselves. Here, Elliott is being interviewed by a beautiful woman that doesn't seem too judgmental, so he seems more at ease. That's my view.

[420Dirtmcgirt]

damn elliot is sooo cool,

[JHAM3232]

This conversation reminds me of some of the sessions I had with my psychiatrist.

[bryanaparis]

what an incredibly beautiful man

[siebenny]

i suddenly realise how annoying interviewers ... also i love elliott's speaking voice :)

[theberlindoctor]

Is it just me or does this woman seem incredibly derisive? 

[manunderthesea]

@theberlindoctor she's definitely incredibly hot

[Wishchrono]

"Who would think I'd be nominated for an oscar"

This is where I think it'll be followed with something like "That's unbelievable"...

And he says "That's preposterous" omg XD

[FreeIconoclast]

I couldn't care less about her interviewing skills. That reporter is fucking hot.

[bouncingsouls6]

I hate 98% of the people who actually get the opportunity to interview him. They just have no idea who they are actually talking to and they prob couldn't care less either because they're wealthy corporate television personalities who think they're more important than they are... what that would mean to other people to spend just 10 seconds with him.

[kornflowerblue]

I don't know why everyone is bashing on the reporter. She is clearly fascinated by Elliott (even though she, nor anyone, can really understands him), and it's not like he was the easiest person in the world to interview. If anything I thought she did a decent job because she showed genuine interest and gave him respect.

[calisofresh89]

@kornflowerblue It's not that people are bashing the reporter. It's just obvious that Elliot is clearly uncomfortable which makes everyone else uncomfortable as well. She's speaking to him as if he is some other up and coming pop artist screaming for publicity when in fact, Smith spent most of his time avoiding the spot light. He isn't putting on a modest, timid front- this was who he was. He did not like being an attraction for all to gaze at. He was an artist with a passion for music, period.

[helloaloah]

I always thought he acted like Andy Warhol

[Malocclusiontenfour]

I spent ten minutes thinking out a reply to zaslater, and when I tried to post it it got censored. Oh well. Okay.

[hermeschbird]

god he was wonderful, and yes we love him...hard to watch him fight the world, however, everybody else who fights the world like he did just let that shit go, the world pales in comparison to your presence of mind...

[MusicbyMitar]

when was this??

[REILLYAssociatedActs]

What a tool of an interviewer

[tonyhaamen]

what an awesome guy

[carlose0318]

i think elliott did have some anxiety issues...if i could tell him something (not that it would mean much coming from me) i would just say that he is loved for who HE is. he was a remarkable person who will really be missed...NOT just for the music he made. r.i.p.

[okie2339]

i love how he does interveiws lol nice!!!!! :D

[MrReidLynn]

Hahaha..

"It's that same na na na na na"

[beardedswine]

this must be the angle bieber's going for.....n't

[rayfield75]

is... is elliott wearing corduroy jeans?

far out, he really was the man.

[zaslater]

I don't mean any disrespect to the guy, but in my opinion he is highly overrated. His music is good and he seems like a nice guy, but it seems like his death/the controversy surrounding it blew him up to be something greater than he really deserves to be.

[whitestripebuzz]

@zaslater Couldn't disagree with you more. His music was and is so much more than his death. To anyone who can relate to Elliotts music there is not alot better in the world.

[AndreiRadu94]

O MY GOD!!!!......Figure 8 is in the stores.......damm I wish I was then instead now....

[mCstratton]

"Music is kinda worth doing on its own."

[bartelby123]

Smith was a talented, humble and insightful guy who didn't care to get bogged down by all the bullshit in the music industry.

[Chameleam]

OMG VH1 used to be about music? 

[DntApply45]

@Chameleam Somewhat... :(

[Oliviamorgan18]

Boy he sure is not giving the interviewer anything to work with what a way with words

[Rikanen1]

Every thing means nothing to me.

[mccamman]

Thumbs up if you listened to "everything means nothing to me" right after you watched this.

[IARE1031]

nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh....

uh, yeah...

[goldflakedpaint123]

i wonder what the hipsters think about her loose usage of the word mainstream in the same sentence as "elliott smith"

[anyghost]

It's so shitty how people always attack the interviewers. She's just your average news reporter trying to interview a person who is pretty much a depressed drug addict (albeit a profoundly talented and creative depressed drug addict). She even mirrors his body language to make him feel more at ease. What do you want her to do?? What they are essentially is two people who have lived completely different lives trying to hold a conversation. It's nobody's fault if its somewhat of a struggle.

[TheRiddlingSeahorse]

@anyghost I agree, she looks more shallow and superficial than she is because she's sitting next to someone with a lot of depth. I'd probably look just as dumb in her position. But please don't call Elliott 'pretty much a depressed drug addict'. It's really crass to refer to him in that way, not to mention speculative (unless you can somehow prove that he was both depressed and addicted to drugs during this interview).

[kicks1953]

@ StayOutta237--How right you are-that moron should not have been allowed to sit in the presence of Elliott--what a dumb airhead--

[xetbxoxo]

I love you Elliott.. you changed my life. Wherever you are, I hope you're doing well <3

[StayOutta237]

Fuck this dumb cunt! She definently fucked her way to get where she was. It seems like Elliot was probably being a real smart ass with her between takes, cause she seems completely through with the interview at the end. While Elliot wear a lil deceitful smirk. Haha, made me smile.

[MrTimalex1]

Touring in support of FIGURE 8...For the rest of my life... Luv you Elliott... Thanks for the conversation in StL 11/98

[peroxide85]

RIP El. You changed my life forever. See u on the other side. this bitch is fucking retarded. fuck the LAMEstream media!

[whereismyminddd]

Smith: " I like the ones that are kinda weird or more idiosyncratic like this one 'Everything Means Nothing to Me"

Dumb woman: "All right hahaha it's like that whole theme like anananana"

Smith: "yeah It's actually a positive sentiment but... I could see how it could seem not quite like that"

Honestly... why did he do interviews with these idiotic people? It would be nice to actually watch a stimulating conversation with someone who actually understands what he's all about. Anyway, RIP man.

[WessTrevor]

It's amazing how every time elliott is interviewed, the interviewers are clueless! Elliott Smith had crafted some of the best music my ears have ever heard! I lost all respect for these broadcast journalist! These music channels should really learn to hire people who actually understand and appreciate great musicians and music. RIP Elliott S

[theunsheep]

Because of one man, millions are happier and less lonely. Your music means plenty to me, ES.

[urmacdonahue]

preposterous



[ianfro]

it saddens me to see the pain in him when he speaks. RIP elliott, you are one of the most talented singer songwriters to have ever lived

[AlexIsAinmDom]

she has no fucking idea what's going on inside that mans head

[LucidDream]

@AlexIsAinmDom Who really did?

[raggedbreath]

I know this point is overstated but shit, there is very little to nothing like this on MTv anymore is there... Suppose that's alright though, there are other, more considered places to get our diverse music jurnalism these days...

[FollowBruce]

0:00 to 0:01

E.T. was there...

[pie4all88]

When did this interview take place?

[defsink1]

Elliot Smith Lives !

[jainsworr]

Man, Elliott looks like such a cool guy to just hangout with.

[shamanqueen14]

1 person has no knowledge of musical talent.

[Fluorit]

this makes me cry

[nick4man3]

What reason could someone possibly have to dislike this video?

[F50Italia]

My favorite part of the interview is when he says "Hello, my name is Elliott Smith."

[lysergicdeez]

He would have been tough to interview. What a difficult treat that would have been.

[TheElephant79]

She really tried.

[rhodyrockinrahj]

elliott was genius with his art. ............that he doesnt give a great interview............actually, i am charmed by every intreview he's ever done. unabashed elliott. you will always be loved and revered. i hope you found your peace.

[JULIAtalk]

I feel like he struggles in interviews because he's just almost too intelligent. It's weird because he was very well liked by the people he worked with and friends and such. I guess he explains himself through music, not through a tedious interview.

[lovetownsend]

interviewers have the hardest time with smith, it's like there job is getting them to talk and smiths like..."yeah...uhh...stuff" hahaha

[mark1800]

haha, he's pretty inarticulate... super melodic...pop....kinda....stuf­f

[Feezboy87]

@mark1800 Inarticulate in that he didn't go into a verbose description of genre? The man radiates a vast chasm of emotional and intellectual depth.

[mark1800]

@Feezboy87 *in his songs

no doubt. i guess that's why i find it funny to hear him talk so shyly and curtly

[mark1800]

@mark1800 although the quote about making a figure 8 and what he says after is pretty great

[stellarlove21]

@mark1800 Inarticulate? Listen closely to 1:22-2:13 and if you need to listen again to truly understand it, please do. His description of what "Figure 8" means to him and how that relates to the reason why he makes music is actually quite intelligent and profound.

[Forgetfulknotts]

What is she trying to say when she points her dumb finger at him and says na na na na na na? Ive watched this 5 times and i cant understand her meaningless vh1 antics

[vinstermonster]

@Forgetfulknotts shes air drawing a figure 8 with her dumb finger. 

[mokaszin]

people always hate the interviewers of elliott smith but honestly elliott was a weird guy. must be tough to get it right.

[teemusique]

Every time Elliott answers her questions, she seems annoyed and sharp as if his answer wasn't what she wanted to hear. It's unfortunate. And hard to watch.

[kakake12]

Wow, he waaaaaaaaaaaaaas ugly.

[rijekagirl]

@kakake12 shut up you idiot -.-

[boogerkingcrown]

@kakake12 not as ugly as your parents must have been. stupid fuck.

[withperfecttiming]

@kakake12 not as ugly as your personality.

[MusicSeanMerrick]

Take it easy lady, ya, he likes the beatles. and abbey road was cool. "you like them alot, right? arent you a huge fan? i thought you loved them? Why dont you love the beatles more?" id have stabbed myself too.

[rockers2swallow]

@MusicSeanMerrick lol well said!! too bad, we need more people like Elliott. He was charming i thought...what is her deal? She must not have a career anymore interviewing people like that.

[rollingforever999999]

im so fucking depressed that i will never see him live

[psycosilopsybin7]

1# person is elliott smith

[playsguitarandsings]

It makes me kind of sad that 'the rest of my life' ended up being three years.

[madizzle27]

Why did he have to die!!?!? wahhhhhh

[PoemOf4Letters]

I love how no one quite knows how to interview him....n every one I see the person interrogating him seems like they aren't getting out of him what they were aiming for. you can feel it lol.

[hanusanus666]

@PoemOf4Letters haha yeah, nicely put!!

[ChesaDexter]

I hate how interviewers kept pressing him for an emotional response on recording at Abbey Road. There is another interviewer who did the same thing. "Was it incredible to be there? The Beatles recorded there!" When he said the first time that it was "just like another place", that was her cue to move on to the next question.

[305sansei]

the pain and experiences of his life are visible in this interview. Losing him and his music was very unfortunate.

RIP

[bigd934]

"I don't know not anything imparticular" vintage elliott smith

[TheRiddlingSeahorse]

I didn't know Elliott or anything so I have no idea whether this is the case, but he seems pretty happy during this interview. He's kind of relaxed, and just basking in the absurdity of the ideas she keeps bouncing off him. I also like that he doesn't feed into the myth that meaninglessness has necessarily negative connotations. In fact it seems like the figure 8 idea has a sort of liberating quality to him. To me too. Awesome video.

[Vamphaery]

@TheRiddlingSeahorse Yeah, I agree. I think there is a lot hinted at in his interviews and music about meaninglessness and freedom from purpose or even identity in some cases being a good thing rather than a bad thing. I think it's lost on a lot of people that to certain individuals in this world, there is a reassuring, liberating, serenity-sustaining quality to not having to always define, explain, or structure everything.Like he said; a figure 8 is worth doing just to do sometimes.

[kingdavidjapan]

I love him in interviews.. He's not trying to be peppy or anything. He's just himself!

[kalliereann]

I can't stand this dumb woman.

Worst interviewer EVER.

[logwind]

Hard not to like this guy.

[GSarovich]

omg i love this guy

[abrahamisagreatman]

i mean this in the best way possible

he reminds of dr. steve brule

[ccbass2]

@abrahamisagreatman bahahahahahahahaha word

[dfrench80]

@abrahamisagreatman Who you callin turkey?

[MrPitseleh]

I like his response to when she asks what he's trying to get across by making Figure 8 and what it means to him, so modest =) lol.

[13magic74]

could this interviewer be any more staged....or dry...or disinterested?

[codemonkeybrains]

@13magic74 you shouldn't use words if you don't know what they mean.

[pedronurmi]

@ChrisMulvey99

Hey! You got an interesting point here but, it actually is scientifically explored. :) You should take take a look at the neurolinguistics theories and, specially, the concept of "mirroring".

[samesamething]

thank you for putting this here!

[JULIAtalk]

For the rest of my life... Well that's chilling.

It's so sad to see him being forced to talk in these mainstream interviews. He was too brilliant for his own good. He had a gift.

[WhaleRider86]

thanks for posting the interview.

he was, is and will ever be the greatest singer songwriter for me. I discoverd his music 6-7 years ago at very dreadful time.

[brownstreaks69]

thanks for posting this everybody better fucking like this!!!

[withperfecttiming]

@brownstreaks69 always gotta have the one moron. not you.

[Dainaar]

Thanks for posting.

[5Beatle]

Wow, never seen this. Great!

[utarefsonmetushelac]

that oscar went to who? celine dion?an oscar doesn't mean anything but guess it was just because of that nomination that i know his work.. so thank you oscar... i guess... :P

[dreamerfadesawake]

"For the rest of my life."

[ShokyShrox]

@dreamerfadesawake one could only wish :(

[groovygrandmaprod]

@dreamerfadesawake chilling