S3 Ep8: JJ Gonson

My Favourite Elliott Smith Song

Joining us for this bonus episode* is the photographer, JJ Gonson.
JJ had a big impact on Elliott Smith's career - particularly in the earlier stages. She was the manager of Heatmiser, she lived with Elliott in the house he recorded his first solo album in (a record she had a writing credit on), and she took countless photos of him and their friends during those days in Portland.
JJ is also preparing to publish a coffee table book of rare and unseen images of Elliott alongside the self-titled record, when that album gets re-released by record label Kill Rock Stars at the end of August.
So, in this interview we talk through the book, we discuss how she came to meet Elliott and the other members of Heatmiser, what it was like being involved in the making of Roman Candle, and we cover the songs that remind JJ of the time she spent with Elliott.
*This is a bonus episode as we focus on a wide variety of Elliott Smith songs, rather than just one.
Extra things to look at / listen to:

• Roman Candle by Elliott Smith on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0vgbFgcYqm2B0csVXvo8d5?si=7-iYwbYWSc2MQ-9LiWzqqg
• Elliott Smith (album) by Elliott Smith on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0w0jXq1fLPMPCNsVmmxNnc?si=AzUVHDz6RNC6lyfUvLuhxg
• JJ Gonson's online store, where you can order the self-titled record and book bundle: https://jj-gonson-photography.myshopify.com/?fbclid=IwAR3u8yzAeYIH0SeZSgcMJkm80bFAmizgcmRbwRan76QWRJFo9-ku9clgUsQ
• JJ and Kill Rock Stars speak to Rolling Stone about the re-release of the self-titled record: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/elliott-smith-some-song-umbra-penumbra-1022079/
• JJ Gonson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jj_gonson_photo/?hl=en
• James Mercer of The Shins discusses living in Elliott Smith's old house: https://www.qthemusic.com/articles/interviews/qa-shins-james-mercer-port-morrow-pirate-hats-living-elliott-smiths-old-house

My Favourite Elliott Smith Song is produced by Rob Comba and Elizabeth Withstandley.
Find us on social media @myfavesmithsong.

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