How Alanis Morissette Creates Emotional Vocal Performances | Critical Breakthroughs | Pitchfork

Alanis Morissette sits down with Pitchfork and closely examines her creative process. Alanis explains how she writes songs, and how she creates such emotionally charged vocal performances, characteristically heard in hit songs such as "You Oughta Know" and "Hand In My Pocket."
Such Pretty Forks in the Road is available now: alanis.lnk.to/...
Featured:
Ironic
You Oughta Know
Head Over Feet
Hand In My Pocket
Thank U
Uninvited
Hands Clean
Diagnosis
Smiling
Reasons I Drink
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How Alanis Morissette Creates Emotional Vocal Performances | Critical Breakthroughs | Pitchfork

[@KateReadsBooks]

She is one of the greats and nobody can deny it!

[@Stevejoohee]

No f*n doubt

[@karyntownsend]

She is.... She really is........ With out a doubt, at all!

[@MyOneFiftiethOfADollar]

The boyfriend with the scratched back might "deny it"

[@rajesh1174]

Ok the word for her is “ genius” someone who can come up with this much great music is a genius

[@alanisbramlet]

Proud to be named after her!!

[@dontgetittwizted]

Cool name .

[@Zenithxblack]

Your parents must be pretty cool 🙂

[@shmizzleshmazzle9830]

Were you conceived to her jams?

[@mortensnedker]

I have named my son Alanis.

[@michaelabrennan9099]

right on!

[@D-Day-fb3pw]

Alanis came out of left field when she debuted. I don't think anybody really saw her coming. It took everyone by surprise and she is still as articulate and thought provoking as ever. Thank you ALANIS!

[@fzpe856]

Yep! The album exploded really hard. 33,000,000 copies and Grammy for album of the year.

[@MrKilakilo]

Imagine hearing "you outta know" for the first time ❤

[@iknowevery1onearth]

Jagged was not her debut, but her third album

[@robbyten100]

​@@iknowevery1onearth but her first 2 albums were only known in Canada

[@D-Day-fb3pw]

@@MyOneFiftiethOfADollar Her homies? Lol

[@Chuubie]

Such a way with words - even how she describes her music is very alive and playful

[@THEBIGGESTSCUMBAG]

A REAL ARTIST. NO RIHANNA OR CARDI B HERE

[@BrunoDiMaio]

She's my #1 and probably always will be. She's so underappreciated now it hurts. This video was everything. Thank u!

[@GabrielPires_BR]

It's disgusting how Pitchfork followers love to underestimate female musicians. I'm very grateful to see Alanis Morissette in full activity, even after 25 years since her peak of success. She's always been one of my favorite singer-songwriters. Her new album "Such Pretty Forks in The Road" is great and i hope one day the album "Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie" (1998) get the recognition it deserves.

[@Thejoshuahess]

Such an unappreciated album. One of my favorites off all time.

[@bravetherainbow]

Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie (great title btw) seems like it would be just as much up my alley than Jagged Little Pill. "Thank U" is so good. Those two albums seem like companion pieces. Before and after meditation, like Sgt Pepper and the white album.

[@damagedcatdad]

Seriously, "Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie" changed me. So happy 7yo me found "Jagged Little Pill" in my mom's old CD case!!

[@ceciliabarriento9609]

"Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie" great album

[@KendrickMegaFan]

No one cares about the gender. If you make good music, you make good music

[@robertaschilling1271]

I was introduced to Alanis by my brother-in-law at the lowest point in my life and marriage. Her words got to the bottom of my grief, through much anger, even shame and eventually to strength. She was there for those first few hard, hard years and I am grateful.

[@rhymeandreasoning]

"Uninvited" is a gem. I am still in love with this song. Fascinated by the lyrics, the music.

[@jamestaliaferro1089]

Ditto

[@rhymeandreasoning]

@@jamestaliaferro1089 👍👍

[@jamestaliaferro1089]

@@rhymeandreasoning it's haunting...

[@Noise_floorxx]

Absolutely

[@rhymeandreasoning]

@@Noise_floorxx ❤❤

[@FransHattingh]

Watching this video I can't help but want two things deeply: 1) Definitive audio commentaries for every single song she's ever recorded, and 2) That I could have a one-on-one conversation with her. I coulf listen to hear speak for hours. She is so incredibly eloquent and insightful about the human experience. 💜

[@eugenestalmeester4125]

i was thinking about your point number 2 just today. yeah, she's amazing!

[@Tessfive]

My thoughts exactly!!

[@karenpettit8334]

You really sense her authenticity as a human being in this interview. She comes across as a very unaffected individual which is more than can be said for many musicians who have found this kind of fame.

[@bravetherainbow]

Ironic's a great song for mocking people that overuse the word "ironic" when describing situations You can sing the line "isn't it ironic" ironically and it works perfectly. That's the reflexive nature of irony, it's like memes.

[@SiobhanLemaire]

Wow she is now my new favorite singer. Her honesty and way of talking is just amazing

[@blueidbeast]

I have been a fan of Alanis since "Jagged Little Pill". One of my favorite artists, and honestly there is no one like her. Her vocals are so unique, and her voice is instantly recognizable. I'm always so happy when she releases an album, because her music is such a gift. Thank you, Alanis Morissette. ❤

[@as.dexter]

she's so underappreciated tbh her album and style was so good

[@LegatoStacatp]

I think in the nineties she got hella respect . Her album killed .....and by that I mean sold .....a lot

[@as.dexter]

@@LegatoStacatp i know but younger ppl these days don't even know how legendary her album was and her recent works isn't getting attention.

[@LegatoStacatp]

@@as.dexter true but that's just how time functions for most artists. exceptions are bands or artists that had some big impact on media and society - hendrix revolutionized guitar playing. nirvana was the death of the eighties and kurt cobain died. tupac and biggie were killed. most artists though, fade into oblivion kinda unfortunately

[@veronp932]

Love and so appreciate Alanis’ authenticity and incredible talent. Thank you 🙏🏾 for sharing your gifts amidst it all

[@LisaSmith-yb2uz]

Wow! 🤩 listening to her talking about her music is almost (almosst) as rich and sensual experience as listening to her sing 🙌💕😚

[@connorbenett8654]

One of the best female artists of all time

[@mialia15104]

One of the best artists, not just female artists. Hands down

[@holyskozsuzsanna8766]

She is the best female artist singer, and the best male artist and singer Dimash Qudaibergen

[@bravetherainbow]

She reminds me of Tom Waits and Bob Dylan in her appreciation for story and in not doing too many takes. It's very old school and it works well once you're confident enough in your own singing.

[@schmeggynz]

I have rediscovered Alanis lately after hearing Uninvited for the first time in years and I have since found her new music which I just love. I have fallen back in love with her music and how her music has evolved. I saw her when she performed in Auckland back in the late 90s and it was fantastic and full of energy. I am so happy she is still writing awesome music.

[@veerchasm1]

Such an intelligent artist. “Hands Clean” is my jam

[@KrashyKharma]

Does anyone else wake up on a quiet morning by themselves, before everybody else, and start randomly searching and watching Alanis videos to feel better and get emotionally ready for the day?

[@deadroomeyes8965]

thats very specific i think

[@RkikaR]

Yes!!😊

[@TurdFerguson.]

@@deadroomeyes8965we all do it

[@reedtheinfinite]

She on that frequency and the way she speaks 🙏🏽

[@flickad]

I started thinking that she'd lost her Canadian accent, then she said the word "out". Alanis has such an awesome energy about her and I think it's only deepened as she's aged. Her speaking voice seems to have, too, and I think it's really nice. Jagged Little Pill meant a lot to me as a teenager, and I still think it's an awesome album over 25 years later.

[@laurens7431]

This whole video is insane... I keep pausing it to take in what she says for each song..I just love hearing how she explains her own style. Love seeing the old pictures. She's just brilliant. So wise and so talented. didn't think it would sell then casually goes on to sell 33 million records, writes Uninvited in 10minutes, lol.... GENIUS. I've seen her in concert many times and she is even better live if you can believe it :)

[@khd17]

When you think of the great Canadian musicians, you think Gordon Lightfoot, Neil Young, but I put Alanis Morissette along with the Tragically Hip as 2 of the best Canadian artist of all time! Alanis deserves the Order of Canada 🇨🇦!

[@ddawg470]

A very intelligent and creative artist I cannot say enough about this incredible spirit ALANIS MUCH LOVE AND RESPECT TO YOU 🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽

[@Mr.Magic4ever]

I love and have such reverence for this Artist, Music, Woman, Talent, Human!!!!!

[@rngod2121]

It was SO important for me to hear this. The discussion of her process is truly wonderful, (and I LOVE the on-stage gyrations). It seems to me that the older she gets, the more powerful she is. Just a beautiful mind. As for the molestation, mine started when I was 9, and went on for years. Back in a time when those things were not talked about at all. I tried telling numerous people, and over the years, the local police dept, who all brushed it off. It is not always a simple thing to deal with.

[@livinglifelight1761]

Alanis is such a wonderful human!

[@MundoDeFrankGarcia]

Great artist, all of her albums are amazing, but the last one SUCHPRETTYFORKSINTHEROAD is pure art

[@stefanfeist9893]

Jagged Little Pill Acoustic is a masterpiece.

[@ZegoAttack]

If someday have a daughter, she will be call Alanis

[@rose_quartz_loveandlight]

God this was beautiful ✨✨✨

[@cigarboxguitar9519]

Alanis is a fully developed human being and artist. Genius, imperfection, love, addiction, guilt, remorse, empathy, anger, humor, intellect, dedication... on and on. As another imperfect human being I am so glad that I was able to experience her artistic expression.

[@dmlconspiracy]

I honestly love all of your music. You are an amazing singer & songwriter.

[@renatocosta7408]

I love Alanis's music. Always so honest and pure. I Really love her.

[@moonstone1159]

Everyone loved the line "Isn't it ironic?" and it stirred a great conversation as to the definition of the word, so that's great. Awesome song and album!

[@j_freed]

But is it ironic she got the definition wrong, and can something be a little _tooooooo_ ironic?

[@moonstone1159]

@@j_freed Yes, she did!

[@laurenhazlett6327]

I just saw her live last month and was completely blown away at her voice live. I swear, her voice has only gotten better and better over the years. It was beautiful!

[@edz7645]

Love her! Back in the 90s She used to be one of my guilty pleasures when was was still a young man lol. But I swear I’ve never seen someone age so beautifully in my life. She looks amazing!! And she’s so likable too! Thanks pitchfork!!!

[@ShannonsChannel]

I was a fan even before Jagged Little Pill. 💛

[@andrewsimpson3194]

Alanis is a treasure. What a wonderful artist. Love the old songs and the new ones. Yes, as long as the songs keep coming I will be an enthusiastic fan that listens! Thank YOU (with a bow).

[@johnnyboy3327]

Great explanation of her wonderful creativity...I continue to appreciate you more and more

[@ShannonsChannel]

Love this. I need women like her to talk to all night about music and songwriting!

[@jean5416]

I love when artist give information about creation of songs :)

[@MrUsername1000000]

Love her and love her voice and I'm grateful for Madonna for signing her to Maverick.

[@shaneharrington3655]

She’s just an awesome artist.

[@emilioj22]

Thank U always gives me chills. I love all you’re music. Love you Alanis ❤️

[@df4196]

No You Learn? The single greatest track off her first album?

[@diamond_doggy1]

A master class. Thanks for this

[@diegorios562]

Hola Alanis , gracias por compartir tu música y todo el sentimiento de expresar lo que vivimos, desde Uruguay saludos

[@matthewcalhoun]

God, I love her. She's my queen!

[@emmahallinan81]

That was so interesting

[@beingheath5743]

This woman is a genius and always will be!!

[@ibriggie]

« Our gauge is truly the hair on our arms. ».... every music clip in this video has given me serious goosebumps! Thank you, Alanis! 😊

[@Lalolin1978]

SIMPLY THE BEST simply the best ever

[@1manairband]

I knew why I love you, I'm a Gemini as well. Are we related? It's weird.

[@danangadhi6710]

Alanis' songs are very difficult to sing, especially for people who are not native English speakers, even though they have read the lyric text, but that is the uniqueness of the songs.

[@AndiKnittel]

Thanks a lot for sharing these beautiful insights into her music creating process. 🙂🎸

[@Zenithxblack]

As a gen x'er, I adore her.

[@STEVENFRYFRY]

Ironic. The ironic part is that there are no ironies in the song🙃

[@confusedwhale]

These are the reasons I drink

[@glittergirl1063]

Love this!!!! Rediscovering Alanis now that I’m older and wiser and these songs are profound!

[@Blarean50]

This is awesome. A look behind the music with a great musical genius.

[@milosristic1111]

YOU ARE WORTH MUCH,MUCH MORE THAN 24 QUARAT GOLD!!!I LOVE YOU, MISS.🥰

[@kebunpapit867]

"The vocal is serving the story"

[@Supsup7777]

My favorite songwriter ever.

[@pepitoperez7849]

Wow even to hear her talk is amazing...(specially now that im obsessed with music writing and composing)

[@aquasonya]

I love her so much!!!

[@yz4043]

"Hand in my Pocket" is perfect ! I feel like I am many things as well even if they are contradicting sometimes 😅

[@peterbromley7553]

One of the most conscious, courageous, humble and inspiring artists in the world who contributes to a greater good for all.

[@karyntownsend]

Oh, did this made me cry.... Oh, YES IT SURE DID! it's like 46 years of my life, and still I am learning to deal with who I am... With ME! THANK YOU SO MUCH, WOMAN! [nice.to.know.i.am.not.alone]

[@evanmitton5007]

Thank U Alanis for all these years of musical therapy we luv U💜✌🙏

[@havocmarce]

Genious! ✨

[@harveysmusicschoollizaman2290]

Thank you for your music, Alanis

[@silke9479]

Almost all of the books in the background should be the disposed of, they only contain lies! Or a dummy?

[@konrad4643]

Amazing woman, wonderful singer and songwriter.

[@MsScatach]

Alanis speaks her truth amazing xo

[@SGVZISME]

She's such an amazing lyricist and songwriter. Anyone who stopped paying attention to her after Jagged Little Pill is seriously missing out.

[@jpratm1993]

Say it louder for the people In the back ❤🙏

[@rrm9618]

Living legend!

[@milosristic1111]

THAT'S IT ALL BECAUSE MUSIC IS CHEMISTRY!!!

[@azgshopclub7395]

I grew through my very early 20s, 30s, 40s and am now 5 something, and have always been thankful for the emotions you put out there. My Dad, he passed 2014, loved karaoke. We would get together to do karaoke and he had 2 songs he loved me to sing one is "The Rainbow Connection" by Jim Henson and "Uninvited" by you. I went to see you at VA Beach on the 25th. I never thought I would see you in person. All the bands were amazing, but I somehow it did!! I thank you for performing Uninvited. My girls and I have adored you since their birth. You're someone who provided practically my life in songs. I thing I noticed was first the venue staff was very rude

[@leobelcolona4721]

I first heard Alanis Morissette when I was 8. Ironic is blasting off of a pop radio here. By 14, a classmate gave me a copy of her greatest hits album. I'm 30 now and her songs are still the thread that saves me. I'll forever hold her music close to my heart and maybe someday I'll find peace similar to how she found comfort and light after all these years.

[@KrashyKharma]

I think she'd want you to know that her life coming to a good place and being filled with people she loves doesn't mean she's not still terrified, confused, anxious and all the rest of those awful things sometimes, probably often. Life never gets easy, it just gets easier ❤️

[@botali_]

Tell me you are a genius without telling me you are a genius. I

[@ZegoAttack]

My favorite female artist all times

[@jeremylaughery2555]

I love hearing her articulate her feelings and convey meaning through emotion. I think she is better looking these days but always beautiful!

[@wartimemodels]

Always thought the production and music was somewhat amateurish sounding. Unconvincing and generic percussion sounds, etc. But the songs are legit and Alanis sells them with her performance and the album is a classic now. Good vid.

[@bloodromance4776]

That 90s cheesy percussion was in every pop/rock records in that era

[@jamesbryson9542]

On tour now..... Alanis and Garbage, both amazing!!

[@truth7286]

An amazing person, an amazing artist, i guess we would all love to be friends with her. She wrote incredible songs and makes it look so easy. Wish her nothing but the best.

[@astridjagenbrein7187]

i love her music, her lyrics, her emotions - she‘s wonderful!

[@darinjames3313]

ALANIS.....my favorite Female Nerd Rocker fer sure....Smart Women Rock.....Then....if they do what they do....Holy Smokes will bring you Holy Cows....THANK YOU INDIA.....For All of the Holy stuff...and Inspiring One of America's Best....ALANIS

[@carlodelarosaManuelito]

Alanis is the 90s taylor swift. What i mean is the similarity of their song writing. It is both narrative

[@IThinkICare]

I don't know if you looked at yourself singing, but you sing with your body. The voice just comes out as part of it.

[@sammorrisette497]

I want to preform so badly

[@GenerationGap69]

Jagged little pill is an awesome album but is that a jar of moonshine on the table?

[@MyOneFiftiethOfADollar]

I gather music theorists have fascinating, but low paying jobs. There are plenty of angry female vocalists, but name dropping Alanis has to be more lucrative than mentioning female member of your church choir whose husband she caught cheating.

[@kathylovelace1365]

....and at the end of the day it's just a deep, profound sadness and vulnerability and disconnect. That was so my experience with my own trauma recovery. Thank you!

[@tanjafromaustria5158]

and she looks so fine with herself and she is shining

[@rbl4641]

I'll never forget driving on the NJ turnpike in 95 and hearing you oughta know on the radio...and it was like...WTF, who was that???

[@theartistformerlyknownasje6358]

Man I’m getting old 😐