Music

"Ballad of Big Nothing" - Julien Baker (Elliott Smith Cover) [SoundCloud Official Audio Stream]

Justine Souchack

by Justine Souchack

Published April 5, 2016

Memphis indie rock artist Julien Baker shared her cover of "Ballad of Big Nothing" by iconic singer-songwriter Elliott Smith. Listen above.

The song will be featured on American Laundromat Records' tribute album for Elliott Smith titled Say Yes!, scheduled to be released October 14, 2016. Julien spoke with Entertainment Weekly about her connection with Elliott's music and how she created her rendition of the song:

I remember the day that I brought home Either/Or and put it on my record player in high school... I was like, ‘This changes everything...' Lyrics are the first thing that sticks out to me about any song. I was like, 'OK, I’m in love with these lyrics, what if I just slowed it down?' I went into the studio and I saw the piano in there and I was like 'Hm, let’s put some piano on this and just see how it sounds.' And we did and I thought it was pretty — I love some sad piano. I ended up liking it and keeping it that way.

The cover features emotional vocals over somber guitar strumming. With her signature reverb-drenched sound and the addition of a subtle piano accompaniment, Julien takes Elliot's spirited "Ballad of Big Nothing" and makes it her own.

Pick up Say Yes! on American Laundromat Records' website. You can also get Julien's debut album, Sprained Ankle, on Amazon.

For Julien Baker's latest music, news, and tour dates, check out her Zumic artist page.

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