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About this quote

What does it mean?
Smith critiques the stereotype that acoustic guitarists must be depressed or sensitive.
In plain terms
He rejects the idea that acoustic players are always sad.
What can you take from it?
Don't assume personality from musical style.

Where it applies

  • judging artists
  • music stereotypes
  • self-labeling

Putting it to work

  • avoid labels
  • judge work not image

Questions to consider

  • How do you judge musicians?
  • Do genres shape identity?

Another view

It oversimplifies the range of acoustic artists.

More from Elliott Smith

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  2. 'Sometimes people seem to think that my songs are more personal than somebody else's and I don't really think that's true. Y'know, I think my songs reveal what…

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  3. 'I hope that Dreamworks can sell enough records that they're happy - so I don't get dropped.'

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