Gillian Welch interview

Interview with Gillian Welch
February 15, 2005

[@brucemarrs2596]

Gillian and Dave, how I have loved you. How many miles into mornings and nights I have filled my car and soul with you. How I have not been alone. Thank you.

[@GillianHWelch]

Great to see you as always. Thanks for your loyalty. Hope to keep meeting up for years to come. Do you want to talk to me? Text me on my private line [phone] Or Email: [e-mail] Xoxox GW

[@mattthompson9826]

Dave and Gillian are perhaps the most underrated artists ever. Absolutely brilliant.

[@johnhavens776]

Dave Rawls and Gillian Welch are successful because they actually have talent. They don't rely on shock, controversy, or slick media spin doctors to make them look good. Their sound is organic.

[@maxwellfan55]

John totally agree, they also appeared to have set out with keeping it simple and uncluttered, letting the melody and instruments/vocal shine through. However I wish you wouldn't have used the word 'organic', now that is media-slick!

[@jamesmccauley1780]

amen

[@brianfitzgerald6833]

Someone hit the big score. They figured it out, That we're gonna do it anyway, Even if doesn't pay.

[@fecklessmovies]

@@maxwellfan55 All of the above are true, and I would say it's also because Gillian's singing voice is unique and wonderful, having a tone which sounds clear, raw, tough and soothing all at once. One of those singers who could sing pretty much anything and it will draw you in. Like Janis Joplin or Howlin' Wolf.

[@maxwellfan55]

@@fecklessmovies Yes, I like her voice very much in the folk/country context. I recently played some out-takes and I like her a lot less singing country-rock style numbers. Overall, I stand by my original comment, and remain very fond of their music. But thinking more about this, I believe the home-spun country image is also manufactured to go along with it all. I guess it's all marketing, one way or another.

[@warborn_inc.]

Gillian and Dave are pure magic. Their music transcends time. It sounds like it could have come out 100 years ago but it also sounds as fresh as soemthing that came out last week. Feel very fortunate to have seen them several times in concert

[@MisterTMH]

Dolly Parton was born and raised in the hillbilly country but many of her songs are closer to pop music so go figure .I hope I get to see Gillian and David live in concert again one day.

[@blewwsviews6346]

Sometimes it feels Gillian Welch sounds like she could have from centuries ago or even a couple millenia ago-- something so grounded and so beautiful in her music that transcends any era.

[@abefors8176]

Her guitar work is so solid and that particular guitar's tone wow

[@alwaysflushinpublic]

I've been a huge fan of Gillian and Dave for years. My husband brought me some of their music because I, too, was adopted and also play the banjo. I will always be grateful to them for sharing their gifts and talent with the world. It certainly has been the soundtrack to many of my days.

[@jairlaiter6679]

She's a real artist. Great musician, impressive writer. The pair is a taste of truth

[@garyshellenberger2563]

Thank the universe for Gillian. She is in touch with and touches the soul of real people. And I am grateful for all of you who get her.

[@craberlocker]

That is what I call a competent interviewer!

[@GillianHWelch]

Great to see you as always. Thanks for your loyalty. Hope to keep meeting up for years to come. Do you want to talk to me? Text me on my private line [phone] Or Email: [e-mail] Xoxox GW

[@dreamwell2020]

When I first heard Gillian Welch’s music (“Elvis Presley Blues” was in one of my brother's mixes - and I had to sit down), it seemed to me that whatever path she’d navigated to be able to write that song was somehow parallel to the trail I had followed to become such an avid listener. Now I understand that she is one of America’s most accomplished and important music-makers.

[@SquareNoggin]

Grew up with my dad playing her music, rediscovering it over the last few months and goddamn... Cuts deep and hard man, nothing like it. Truly some next level stuff. She writes songs I'd want to be hearing in my last breath on earth, you know? Just the realest shit out there.

[@MisterTMH]

I have been playing Gillian Welch and David Rawling's records on CD on high rotation in the car on LONG drives in the countryside this Summer here in Australia. I saw them in concert a few years ago. Some of their songs make me weep with time standing still.

[@thesongwritersdropin2565]

This is a wonderful interview. Gillian and Dave have produced some of the best Folk music in the last twenty years. I had the pleasure of seeing them play live at a small venue in Manchester for ''Time the revelator'' .It was just two voices ,two guitars and four mics for singing and guitars, old school. it sounded brilliant. I also remember stuffing a small bottle of whiskey down my trousers and getting it past security!. fantastic night and I'm still a fan to this day. Much love

[@therebellion96]

I just fall hypnotized by her soothing voice.

[@ryanchase9746]

"Paper Wings" is probably the best song I've heard in the past 20 years. The only other one that comes close is Sarah Jarosz' "Run Away."

[@garfieldfarkle]

Wow, these songs they do are timeless. I keep expecting to see songwriting credits to someone 75 or 100 years ago. Like she says, "It absolutely stops the clock." I've always wondered what was going on with "April the 14th" because that last line always shocks me. David Rawlings and Gillian Welch, thank you very much for so many hours of listening pleasure. A lot of talent and a lot of hard work has paid off beautifully.

[@markp7023]

I really love Gillian and Dave. I was introduced to them via Time (The Revelator) in Oxford in about 1998, and have listened to them ever since. Saw them in London, Shepherd's Bush Empire, in 2003. For the encore they did Black Star. Blew me away. Gillian said that when she came to rehearse it she found she knew all the words, without even trying. I thought that this was a superb interview. She came across so well, and the interviewer, James Griffin, was brilliant. Thanks for uploading!

[@michaelmortimer3697]

Some of Gillian’s songs are spellbinding beautiful, so raw and simple but can pull your heart out. I wish there was more of it .

[@StanBeckerSongs]

I have a one word review of this woman's work and presence in this world. Precious.

[@timothywade186]

Like a barefoot walk down a dirt road in early spring. A comfortable ache of heart on Sunday morning, knowing the preacher was reading my mail to the whole congregation. Raw ,real,& timeless!!

[@GillianHWelch]

Great to see you as always. Thanks for your loyalty. Hope to keep meeting up for years to come. Do you want to talk to me? Text me on my private line [phone] Or Email: [e-mail] Xoxox GW

[@mr.jazzbodkelsey58]

She's my new favorite. I lost 4 people in my life, in one month. "Dream A Highway Back to You" is like medicine 💊 ✨️ 🎶

[@24Raoul]

One of those special talents that only blesses us occasionally.

[@kitthearty]

Wow what a talent. She and Dave. Great to hear her guitar playing without Dave. His guiatr work is so good you dont really appreciate how good she is on guitar as well. Great

[@Finn178]

The way it will be is so amazingly beautiful, it's hard to believe...

[@randomrecordings9757]

Made even more so by hearing her tell how the song came to be. Their process of collaboration that produced the song is beautiful in itself. How many songwriters can sit back and allow another person to tear their words apart and accept that what resulted was better than what existed at the start? Theirs is a strong relationship.

[@zolazingo]

so love this lady... thank you Miss Gillian :)

[@KulvinderSingh-pm7cr]

11 people don't have ears. How can you dislike such an artist.

[@seththomas2194]

Gillian Welch was my musical crush when I was 12

[@jserra17]

Dave Rawlings is one lucky guy.

[@polyglotta1]

I think that about Gillian - still waiting to meet my Dave Rawlings to make musical magic with ☺

[@zephyrquartz]

Great maturity in her songs and presentation. Great discovery!

[@slw59]

Excellent interview. She's fantastic.

[@owenwilberforce6138]

Wonderful interview and wonderful artist she is indeed. The beauty of all music is it’s timelessness. We allow the passing of time to suspend as we observe someone put energy of the heart into the fabric of silence.

[@CamsCampbell]

I really enjoyed this. It inspires me to try writing songs myself.

[@glennsmart4588]

She is just pure awesome!!

[@jeffreysiegel9125]

Gillian Welch somehow always knows how to strum on my heart strings 🌅🤓🎙💝👏🎸

[@1PheaMike]

There are some who have the opinion she's a "phony", because she was raised in Cali instead of W. Virginia, or some such horseshit. Nothing could be further from the truth. Gillian Welch is a shining example and a tribute to what folk/bluegrass/mountain... whatever the fuck you want to call this wonderful style of music! She and Rawlings do it as good as any, and better than most.

[@jude999]

+Mike F. I suppose that makes Bob Dylan, a jewish boy from Minnesota, a phony for posing as an orphan Okie who aped Woody Guthrie.

[@truthBtold99]

yup...just another form of closed minded prejudice that plagues the insecure, fear ridden two legged wounded.

[@reality8605]

They all disregarded Eminem when he first came out, but his skill set him apart and shut them all up. Gillian's story is the same.

[@todd92371]

I don't care where she was born. Her voice echoes through the hills.

[@aadij1]

People also have the impression that California is all Hollywood and palm trees! -so much more!

[@jude999]

Dave transformed that verse into one of their best songs.

[@chrispeacock7895]

Fascinating insight into Gillian's creativity. Both her and David have that especially rare fusion to enable them to write and perform seamlessly together. Gillian's voice is so well suited to her songs and even here in this interview is spellbinding. Really enjoyed this.

[@frankpeter6851]

Was lucky to be at tower records the day 'revival' came out. I recognized her as someone I had seen around santa cruz several years before. Bought that record that day and all of them since.

[@GillianHWelch]

Great to see you as always. Thanks for your loyalty. Hope to keep meeting up for years to come. Do you want to talk to me? Text me on my private line [phone] Or Email: [e-mail] Xoxox GW

[@TerryO]

She sure is something! Wish her and Dave well!

[@tomformanek3312]

I reaaly enjoyed the explanation of the appeal of folk music to her. Her feel for it, as reflected in her music, reminds me of early Joan Baez. Many artists look constantly for the hook and often find the superficial that sells. Others lay out who they are and challenge us to listen. It becomes almost a private pleasure and conversation. Some like Gene Clark had that ability, but could not defeat their demons despite all the brilliance made. I really don't care about other's opinions. Each listen is like a conversation on a train where the whole purpose is to have the time and space to immerse yourself. And then you depart quietly enjoying the depth of what was shared.

[@fastheartmartvideos]

Thanks for this video! Great interview. She reminds me of why I started writing songs 30 years ago. Thanks Gillian and Dave :)

[@robynjustrobyn1014]

This woman is such an inspiration!!

[@andythompson9128]

Gillian Welsh what a voice

[@sallypayne4021]

A fabulous voice so on it I love the sound!

[@adanacman666]

her music is so hauntng and daves guitar playing.... man...... takes one places and changes your mood

[@blewwsviews6346]

So glad this interview/short doc/performance is out there. Great archive.

[@rockers2rockers616]

I just love the way she talks. Her voice soothes and excites all at once. What a woman!

[@ninesticks]

many many years with this music- thanks - genius actually - in your face

[@AndyRiot]

Gorgeous interview that allows breathing space for grace and honesty

[@branscombeR]

I was living overseas when this series was broadcast, so this is my first viewing of James Griffin's work. I love Gillian Welch's (& David Rawlings') songs ... they deserve a serious interview by someone who's taken the trouble to do some research ... and someone who's not trying to steal the limelight from the star. I think the result here is a chance to see the woman Gillian's become and an insight into how and why she creates her magic. Top marks! R (Australia)

[@soulvaccination8679]

I dont know why but this beautiful woman inspires me.

[@HeWhoFlewFromInwood]

The best recent songwriter not brought to any late night interviews….

[@johnhurley3156]

one little not so little moment of perfect.

[@GillianHWelch]

Great to see you as always. Thanks for your loyalty. Hope to keep meeting up for years to come. Do you want to talk to me? Text me on my private line [phone] Or Email: [e-mail] Xoxox GW

[@georgethompson9396]

I haven’t known much about Ms. Welch wanted to know more so I have been on a KZbin tour. I have enjoyed her voice and attitude. But I didn’t expect to be blown away by Dave Rawlings. His manner, playing, harmonies, overall sound and self effacement are beguiling. A bit of unheralded magic in their duo?

[@randiescott]

I was hooked with ‘Dear Someone’. Beautiful music.

[@barryleimkuehler9531]

So amazingly good !

[@ScottCommon632]

Gillian n Dave …. THANK YOU - THANK YOU - thank you

[@chellestew]

Gillian is my hero

[@maxwellfan55]

That old Gibson of Gillian's compliments her voice and sounds great, rich sustain that comes with being loved and played.

[@johnnysongdujour]

sits there and gives a vocal performance that would be "the take" on any other singer's session. The best. Never mind the great material...

[@riffraffrichard]

Awe she’s lovely intelligent, talented and beautiful

[@coreyprunier4405]

Could listen to David Rawlings and her music all day long .

[@woodhd]

fascinating to hear both versions of that song, it clarifies rawlings role, i had assumed he worked against the finished songs welch wrote ... seems its more of a traditional co-write then, as he basically wrote the entire music for *the way it will be* albeit to a loose existing structure and lyric

[@jondoe888i]

She's so young here. 14 years ago! And she keeps getting better!

[@WizardOfWhoopee]

I wonder if James knows how lucky he was to sit with an angel?

[@jdbaron25]

gosh i like her

[@jamesstout6006]

She is such a great songwriter her music takes me away

[@GillianHWelch]

Great to see you as always. Thanks for your loyalty. Hope to keep meeting up for years to come. Do you want to talk to me? Text me on my private line [phone] Or Email: [e-mail] Xoxox GW

[@jpanicacci]

So good with JPJ and Willy Watson last night at Gundlau Bundschu winery, Sonoma CA. Thanks, Gil and Dave for coming to NorCal. Have fun at Hardly Strictly. Love you, now my husband's a fan too. :)

[@NigelKaz]

"...and the great emancipator takes a bullet in the back of the head." - Gillian Welch

[@GillianHWelch]

Great to see you as always. Thanks for your loyalty. Hope to keep meeting up for years to come. Do you want to talk to me? Text me on my private line [phone] Or Email: [e-mail] Xoxox GW

[@ShanDobby]

She's an angel.

[@GillianHWelch]

Great to see you as always. Thanks for your loyalty. Hope to keep meeting up for years to come. Do you want to talk to me? Text me on my private line [phone] Or Email: [e-mail] Xoxox GW

[@zeppelinmexicano]

American icon, pure Americana en vivo. Genio ....

[@philtittlemusic]

6:25 explains why you'll never hear her or anyone like her on the radio...and THE reason her songs are better than most you'll ever hear on that medium.

[@dontaylor7315]

You're listening to the wrong radio stations. You'll find the indy and less commercial artists at the left end of the dial where the listener-supported public radio stations are.

[@philtittlemusic]

@@dontaylor7315 Gave up on radio...those markets may exist in some areas or possibly on AM, but not where I live.

[@MisterTMH]

@@philtittlemusic 3 PBS FM based in Melbourne Australia . They broadcast globally on the WWW.They play good music the crap stations won't touch!

[@keepgoing1973]

if anyone dosent know her well, listen and read the lyrics of "Annabelle". I agree, she is a great singer songwriter.

[@RawsonGordonII]

12:50, the moment that gave purchase to HATH and NO

[@DanielFCutter]

Interesting. She pays her listeners a compliment by not being too explicit--assuming we "get it". Good stuff. She says all these things about music and life we already knew--we just didn't know we knew them. She just reminded us to make the connections and enjoy the revelation. ---and that makes her the Revelator. That sounded contrived but it wasn't.

[@maximusaugustus6823]

They are known in the industry but not that much known by the general public.

[@flpnovr2]

Damn she's good!

[@ThisSentenceIsFalse]

lovesits

[@deenibeeniable]

The "non-explanation" of everything in a song is very Emily Dickinson-esque.

[@jude999]

Oooh, Dave's version so much better.

[@JimmyBComputerGuy]

Talent and pretty!

[@GillianHWelch]

Great to see you as always ❤️. Thanks for your loyalty. Hope to keep meeting up for years to come. Do you want to talk to me? Text me on my private line [phone] Or Email: [e-mail] Xoxox 💗❤️💕GW

[@desertgirl45]

Genius....both of them....

[@CHOPPA78]

what an amazing couple they are together awesome music cant help thinking she sounds like kate mckinnon in her interview though

[@johndennis5182]

SHE IS THE GREATIST, FORGET ABOUT AMRICAN IDOL BULLSHIT!

[@ted1091]

Genius

[@zolazingo]

. . . still do

[@martindanburen1994]

Excellent!!

[@sarakatina6528]

Should’ve said “Thanks Games” instead of james

[@debradoernbach5548]

Genius!

[@GillianHWelch]

Great to see you as always ❤️. Thanks for your loyalty. Hope to keep meeting up for years to come. Do you want to talk to me? Text me on my private line [phone] Or Email: [e-mail] Xoxox 💗❤️💕GW

[@clemfandango7311]

I wonder where this is filmed? That window behind her is so familiar?

[@afc358]

She's lovely

[@benmeltzer]

3:33 Why does he gather as much? Usually if there is a press kit or pre-interview, interviewers disguise as much. There is nothing apparent that would lead one to believe Gillian came to bluegrass and country in her twenties (all indications run the other way, in fact). Also, going back to the intro, in no way does she have a "modern sensibility." Her "sensibility" is, if anything, old-timey.

[@JOOODYJOOODY]

so compelling

[@robtburk7594]

JFC how many time does woody have to be discovered I thought Bob rediscovered him in the early sixtys

[@mbsnyderc]

Your not born knowing about the past you have to lean it.

[@SkipWay]

Ramblin' Jack may have pointed Bob in Woody's direction. 'o)

[@michavandam]

How does she sound so good?

[@lorimangold2890]

Gillian's past life, probably was during the Dust Bowl

[@cook4470]

I'm a big fan, but I do see that Gillian, here, is rewriting her own history, claiming when hearing folk records at college she "might really become a musician." Conveniently left out is that she was already a musician playing in bands - a goth band and a psychedelic surf band. But, oh, well.

[@Westlake72]

Shame this 'the way it will be' song never came to anything...

[@WesterlySunn]

What y'all said...

[@stephonwelch3604]

She pretty good

[@JerseyMiller]

Gillian Welch is my secret crush. Don't tell my wife.

[@SludgeMan90]

I told her. Sorry 🙏

[@jude999]

Why the silly photo montage over her singing?

[@marleyjake]

Yes jude999, why indeed. How quintessentially tasteless. The bumptious twerps. I guess your question is rhetorical, but it must be answered: the reason is that there is a plague of professional parasites and vandals acquiring ill gotten gains of money, status and egregiously incongruous conceit from being paid to be useless. Worse than useless James should not be such a cake. Not one second of this interview should have been spent on anything other than the extraordinarily subtle, scrupulous, compassionate, evocative and unassuming humanity of Gillian Welch who was never, I think, in better form than in this interview. What an excellent, redeeming and authentic musical entity she is, even though I know she must be just folks. And good for you for calling the twits out about their wretchedly intrusive pastiche.