Laurie Anderson Interview: Advice to the Young

“Be loose!” The legendary multimedia artist, musician and film director Laurie Anderson puts it as simply and clearly as that when she here advises artists to avoid being pressured into limiting themselves artistically.
Calling yourself something as “vague” as a multimedia artist - as Anderson does - gives you the freedom to do whatever you want, without having to worry about whether it fits a certain definition: “It’s so easy to get pigeonholed in the art world.” Anderson is aware that sales are a strong underlying factor - “I am a 21st century citizen in a highly corporate world” - but she nonetheless maintains that you should always follow your own interest and obsession: “Whatever makes you feel free and really good - that’s what to do. It’s really simple.”
Laurie Anderson (b. 1947) is an internationally renowned experimental performance artist, composer, musician and film director, based in New York. Initially trained as a sculptor, Anderson became widely known outside the art world with her single ‘O Superman’, which reached number two in the UK pop charts in 1981. She is considered a pioneer of electronic music and is praised for her unique spoken word albums and multimedia art pieces. Among her most recent work is the film ‘Heart of a Dog’ (2015). For more about Anderson see: www.laurieanderson.com/
Laurie Anderson was interviewed by Christian Lund at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Denmark in May 2016.
Camera: Rasmus Quistgaard
Edited by: Klaus Elmer Madsen
Produced by: Christian Lund
Copyright: Louisiana Channel, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
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[@alicat7281]

I really think she’s cool. She’s right about the art world. ‘’I’m an artist because I want to be free.” Awesome.

[@sugarlove]

i love this woman always did and always will xxxxxxxxxx

[@Lululila67]

she is such a pioneer. Been listening to her since the 80s and only found out about her through college public radio. Corporate radio wouldn't play her.

[@Alsatiagent]

Yes and at ten plus minutes long "O Superman" actually hit the charts in the UK. To Anderson's and the Brits' credit.

[@episodically8643]

"Don't be caught in that trap of definition, because it's a corporate tool"

[@tommytippee2437]

I like that"don't get caught up in the ugly corporate thing

[@munkgul7698]

if yes - - we can / 'are invited most cordially to ' compassionately examine/assess/self-diagnose how, if at all, hard we've been bitten in the derriére and how closely-inwound we've been corralled and, change the blessed bejeezus outta that pronto and thorough and, free up and stay up and endeavour ever-more-so (you know?? - ?)

[@munkgul7698]

if ='s "ah"

[@look4magic1]

@@munkgul7698 too complicate... Remember to keep it simple; less words, and don't try to capture it all... It's part of follow the flow and have peace inside.

[@sarataylor885]

I met her years ago at the ICA in London......I was a stupid student and I told her I loved her earlier work, therfore putting down what she was doing at the time. I would love to meet her tomorrow and tell her I love everything she does and then hug her.😍

[@marianrose1259]

Am guessing she’s wise enough to predict you’d mature into your current view. So glad you met her!🎈🌟🎈

[@Rachelhkharp]

I. LOVE. Her. I've just listened to O Superman and i'm crying. This is so emotional! What an inspiring wonderful artist.

[@kelliemenendez1931]

"Whatever makes you feel free and really good, that's what to do!" Love.

[@tomajortom]

Even just seeing her sparkling eyes got me inspired. A beautiful free soul.

[@artteach1964]

Whatever makes you free...love you Lauie Anderson!!

[@4ceridwan]

Who knew I would have some alignment with 1 of my all time heroes, Laurie Anderson? To be free, to be porous to the Universe & the whispers of the Earth, to know birds better. Life is full & rich & I’m grateful to be alive while she’s on the planet & to have known her art & thoughts ❤️

[@timallbritton7329]

A true artist. I've loved and respected her genius since I first saw Home of the Brave back in the 80s.

[@frankalfar]

The talent of human speech is a rare one but coupled w creativity, wordplay, art and music and performance is one of a kind.

[@petemavus2948]

She's " all that and a bag of chips " ... vibrating ! ;)

[@oa5341]

I love you Laurie from the bottom of my soul and with all existance! You were my sufi! Thank you for all! Namaste :)

[@jasper24601]

lovely!

[@lesakramer8369]

L. A. changed my life w/an understanding of how music/art/theater/expression/conception in a contemporary way was possible. Studying dead cool people was interesting, but then I heard you and art became amazing. Thank you, Laurie:) x.

[@karenwhittaker4418]

What a beautiful grounded person you are, so refreshing to listen to-such a free spirit, so glad I rediscovered you, as it's been awhile since I heard your music.Your vibrancy is as beautiful as ever!

[@Thunderstormwitch]

Laurie Anderson has always been such an inspiration! Being free is most certainly a destination that is good for the heart and mind.

[@ppegah]

and it can be found along the way. it's in the journey, too.

[@xeniadelfou4356]

LOVE YOU...LAURIE...since 1982[also sOw you in BADMINGTON theater in Athens-Greece.]...soooo lucky..!THANK YOU FOR ALL

[@primaverahu5463]

always feeling peaceful around her

[@DadCanInJapan]

The first album I bought of hers was "United States Live". I REALLY wish I could have seen that in person, just to see the visuals that went along with the amazing sound.

[@eolakestobblehouse2127]

Thanks, Laurie!! I have sometimes thought it was impossible to do various styles as an artist if you want to succeed, and I just can’t stay in one style.

[@Danny_Boel]

I still remember when and where I first heard "Oh Superman" .

[@rr7firefly]

I still remember when and where I first heard "Sharkey's Day" with guest guitarist Adrian Belew. I still remember the exhibition of her 3-D artworks at the Contemporary Art Museum in Houston. Zowee!

[@tunkamoose1981]

I was listening to Aria Code about Massenet’s Letter Aria, and was reminded of O Superman, had to listen to it again ( and yes, thought of where and when I had the first listen); then came here. 🤔

[@petemavus2948]

BAM productions for me... " and Strange Angels " playing on a cassette even while I created my visuals to accompany ... "sing just for me " It's as if she has total universal intimacy as we all vibrate with all that is.

[@karinkytokangas6997]

Exactly what I needed to hear after struggling with the definition of myself.. Such a wise person❤

[@wesleyrodgers886]

LOVE! Laurie. Oh superman was the first (vinyl) single I ever bought. Long time fanboy.

[@Striker1973666]

This woman is a Genius o superman when I heard this I was 8 years old it blew my mind she's an amazing f woman still very beautiful love you Laurie xxx

[@greggorsag9787]

Strange Angels, her most accessible record, and “Language is a Virus” are under-appreciated brilliance. Her advice here is worth applying to one’s life, conventionally artistic or not, as much as possible. Might be worth listening to those records as well after watching this video.

[@andrewv.9142]

this is definitely true for writers as well. I can see genre as more of a marketing tool than something that really benefits the writer

[@Joesomebody73]

She is some kind of advanced human intelligence

[@princeofcupspoc9073]

The colors. The scenery. The sunshine. The lake. She can't NOT think like an artist, even setting up an interview.

[@petertalgaard6540]

my first and biggest love in music since I was a child..still is

[@willfomes406]

I’ll admit that O’Superman scared me a little bit. But I got back to it and heard those lush synth strings at the end and It grew on me. Also I saw her perform walk the dog and it was funny and adorable.

[@geraldfrank1630]

“Strange Angels”. 👌👏👏💕

[@satart6080]

so wise words - thank you !

[@ndines6237]

She’s a beautiful soul

[@leticiazoffoli4537]

She is absolutely brilliant!!!!!

[@paperprincess1050]

Brilliant

[@lolilo2759]

02:15 “I’m an artist because I want to be free” wow, this really hit me right in the feels :)

[@ednavazquezmusica]

I love you Laurie! You’ve been a guide in my career. Thank you 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@stelladonnelly2832]

I've just come across this, though I remember the record ( Oh Superman ) but couldn't understand some of the lyrics, but I've seen them now. It's an amazing record, weird but wonderful. Thank you Laurie.

[@rainerkornmusic]

She is so Brilliant

[@spaceboy537]

I love her.

[@mattmasc6386]

Everything this brilliant woman says!

[@gabrielmcwethy3441]

Love love love love her so much!!!

[@Umbrella2]

I love her, inspiring.

[@MissJessiePie]

isn't she just great, to watch, so animated, you know she's been doing something right

[@ThePhenomenon000]

Thank you

[@revolverdolls]

Love it!!!

[@merline50]

love your work and how you have evolved! ... absolutely agree thank you Laurie! m

[@Reno_SF]

Thank you.

[@gregoryhussey6477]

Still beautiful inside and out - inspirational artist

[@yazgersfarm6192]

I keep being drawn back to Laurie Anderson art like a moth to a flame..... Funny story - I was looking for something to watch when I was young and was flipping around the channels (PRE-CABLE) and found this amazing artist playing music like i'd never heard before. - I watched the whole show - NOT KNOWING that I had it on the wrong channel and was watching weird pictures along with the music that was coming through just fine.... - I watched the WHOLE SHOW on with the knob on the wrong channel - and never knew the difference. Finally at the end - I clicked to channel 13 from channel 12 and the picture came in just fine..... perhaps that in itself caught my attention that it did not make any difference what I was "watching" but what I was "Seeing" -- Thank you Laurie for a life of great art and music.

[@Yanto-Bardic]

She is Delightful.

[@JulesN580]

How l love her music and her - the bit where she imitates the bird - soooo sweet.

[@benhoagland4490]

She is excellent

[@pablosanguesa4727]

Really love this interview! 🥰

[@gintaremaksimovaite2955]

I really love this interview 😊

[@manicmike8585]

still beautiful... glowing like an angel.

[@laurakaticich1617]

Love her :) What she's saying reminds me of Georgia O'Keeffe.

[@petemavus2948]

Joni maybe too

[@gintaremaksimovaite2955]

I like Laurie Anderson. In my opinion Laurie Anderson and her family are very pretty and talented.

[@awambengeu2525]

Merci beaucoup awa

[@joyartdesign]

Polyamath loveliness 🙌 freedom to move

[@pylgrym]

Weyes Blood the media artist brought me here, and that for a very good reason.

[@janiebarker2687]

❤️

[@qwertyu30]

Wish I could see more videos with the iconic Laurie Anderson. She has always been inspiring. I AM disappointed that the video is titled "....advice for the young". And Laurie talks about not getting "pigeon-holed". It is insulting. I took this video as a look into the brilliant mind of Laurie Anderson just sitting on a back porch somewhere in the big wide world. She talks to any artist regardless of age. She herself and her art is timeless.

[@thelouisianachannel]

QwertyU We have several videos with her, online

[@vao5031]

maravilhosa

[@dianemarie9d9]

I hate it when people tell me what to do, too. I tell them "I don't tell you how to do what you do. Don't tell me how to do what I've been doing for over 50 years. How long have you been working your job?"

[@obsessed0074]

O Superman,!!

[@MuzikJunky]

I can’t ever get over the fact that she’s now a little old lady! Peace.

[@1luarluar1]

oh! thank you, I think I will brand my art as ''don't tell me what to do fu.ing art''.

[@martind349]

Saw her in Scottsdale with my mother and John Klinkroth, not sure why Lisa didn't go. Miss you Lisa.

[@OfficialAceChoi]

Thank you Laurie! but don't tell me what to do

[@Jess-kd7lb]

School is making me lose my creative mind. I'm scared because I know it's burn out but I just can't find time when I'm energized or free to create. School is killing my spirit.

[@foreversunrise8749]

I have the Big Science album sitting right next to my bed, along side Buck Owens ;-) Gordon Lightfoot looks on from across the room.

[@rein5348]

i only found her because we have the same birthday :)

[@china1984able]

Watch this without sound, even that's amazing.

[@Davewakeham]

As an artist you can be free as you want when you can keep your fridge full and pay your rent. but im pretty sure you will have to sell a lot of your work to just about survive in this world these days, sure 70s 80s can say all kinds , but we are in the NOW.

[@sanitycruz]

Laurie: We need your Big Science. Give us Part 2.

[@Preliminimal]

😊

[@jeffreyeliot]

what is that coat she is wearing?? i want it

[@montycantsin8861]

Aw, Ms. Anderson, I feel free when I'm loafing around. Free and kinda guilty about it. HA!!!

[@archenema6792]

Man, you can't stroll a few feet around this comment page without tripping over half a dozen Scandinavians.

[@RavenMadd9]

the muse

[@YawehthedragondogofEL]

There really is a monster in the depths of Gitchee Gumee.

[@sexobscura]

she has M.E

[@Gilren1]

Advice to the young: Life is short.

[@joyartdesign]

Georgia OKeefe of the Underground

[@thesource4324]

WHAT DID O SUPERMAN MEAN

[@misshearttree]

The incongruity between American media and real life.

[@jakeschmell]

She is so sweet. You want to think nice things about her. But her waffle is so utterly vacuous. So utterly devoid of insight. Is just “insight”.

[@DrAlexanderHamilton]

Dear God, I wish I was white so I too could be free and given the opportunity to live out my dreams like this woman. No black person can ever attain this type of freedom.

[@petemavus2948]

Many blacks have lived lives of astonishing actualization and freedom. Please look into it. Choose good mentors and role models even if you have to search throughout history if none available in your life. Embrace that, yourself and all that gives you joy and gratitude..🕊️

[@DrAlexanderHamilton]

@@petemavus2948 I know. I'm one of those few "blacks who have lived a life of astonishing actualization and freedom." Yet I can still see outside my good fortune to comprehend the horrible forces in this country that keep far too many people locked out. Nevertheless, you're delusional. Save that bootstrap lecture to someone who is ignorant about the forces in this country that permit only some people the freedom that Mrs. Anderson is describing. I am a black male from a horrible background who managed to achieve several degrees from very elite institutions including the Ivy League. I worked a boatload of jobs through a lot of education only to get to the end and discover, like an increasing number of black Americans and low socio-economic Americans that the so-called American dream is a myth. I've had mentors and role models and have been both for others. None of this made a dent in their circumstance, WHICH THEY DID NOT CAUSE. Stop blaming people for problems that existed long before they walked the earth. Mentors and role models are overrated. What people need are SPONSORS, people who will give them opportunity and NOT just advice. Keep your words. Talk is cheap. Give people opportunity. Fortunately for me, I got rid of all the so-called mentors & role models who were always wiling to tell me what to do with my life, but were not willing to put skin in the game and give opportunity. Hence I shifted and found a sponsor, someone who was willing to do more than talk. You might want to pick up a copy of Sylvia Ann Hewlett's book on this topic entitled, "(Forget a Mentor): Find A Sponsor." Fortunately for me, it was after this shift that independent wealth soon followed. Unfortunately, most will never achieve this, and through no fault of their own. This country chews people up and spit them out. Your cookie cutter nonchalant dismissal of something you could never comprehend says more about what race you're not & what class you're not. There are millions of people in dire straits in this country with problems beyond what some all-knowing mentor and role model can solve. If it was simple as you're stating, we wouldn't have poverty, homelessness, unemployment, drug addiction and a host of other problems in this country. You might want to get out that armchair and see the world beyond your narrow take on how to remedy the problems of this world. Cheers. Tam veri studio volumus atque.

[@lamontcranston3177]

So this pop star from the 80s is a fine artist now? Who told her that?

[@UCEBuster]

She was never a "pop star", has been continuously active and influential since the mid '70s, and has always done fine art, in which she has a master's degree, among her many other creative outlets. Seems The Shadow doesn't know jack.

[@lamontcranston3177]

@@UCEBuster When you put out pop records you are a pop star. Like Lou Reed, Anderson is a PRETENTIOUS pop star. A "master's degree" in "fine art" from an American institution. That's a sorry excuse for an education. Like Trump going to business college and trying to tell us he is "educated'.

[@user-yz9kz6vt9y]

She never says anything when she speaks. It's always a whole lot of nothing. She's like the typical university art professor who has nothing meaningful to say and whose work is totally conventional within the realm of academia. She's exactly the sort of person who caused me to say, "Art is bullshit." It isn't, but this type of person turns me off art.

[@petemavus2948]

Sorry to hear Z Art Z can't be spelled out

[@UCEBuster]

It's unfortunate that you learned so little. It's harder to appreciate something of which you are ignorant.

[@AP-vy9zd]

Waay Too Weird for me

[@UCEBuster]

Weirder than your chinstrap beard?