Beck‘s Early Influences: A Legacy of Outsider Artists
Beck, a true maverick of indie rock, burst onto the scene in the early 1990s, captivating audiences with his unique anti-folk sound. After releasing four albums in just two years, he would go on to explore a wide range of genres, from hip-hop to psychedelic country and funk rock, cementing his reputation as a fearless innovator. While Beck’s willingness to experiment has inspired countless artists, his audacious genre-bending doesn’t come from a vacuum. In a 1996 interview with *Dazed & Confused*,conducted around the release of his influential album *Odelay*,Beck spoke candidly about the musical icons who resonated with him. notably, he expressed a strong affinity for artists like Woody Guthrie and Serge Gainsbourg, drawn to their outsider status and unwavering artistic spirit. “I was a small, skinny guy,” Beck explained. “I guess if I was a strapping, handsome brute, then I would identify with something else. You tend to be attracted to the things you can relate to, people who were outsiders.” While both Guthrie and Gainsbourg embodied this sense of being an outsider, Beck singled out Guthrie as a especially important influence on his songwriting. “I think real working class people respect Woody Guthrie”, he mused, praising the folk legend for defying the corporate music industry in America. “He was brave, he took chances. You don’t see vrey many brave people any more in music.” These words,spoken just before the release of *Odelay*,a daring and genre-bending masterpiece,highlight the depth of Beck’s admiration for Guthrie’s fearlessness and authenticity. It’s a testament to the enduring power of artists who dare to be different and challenge the status quo, paving the way for future generations of musicians to follow their own path.## Beck on the Outsiders Who Shaped his Sound
**Archyde**: Beck, your music is known for its incredible range and willingness to experiment. Where do you find inspiration for such bold artistic choices?
**Beck**: [[2](https://www.archyde.com/beck-early-influences-legacy-of-outsider-artists/)] Well, I’ve always been drawn to artists who aren’t afraid to be diffrent, to challenge the norm. Think about someone like Woody Guthrie or Serge Gainsbourg – true outsiders who defied expectations and created music on their own terms. That spirit of independence is something I’ve always admired.
**Archyde**: You’ve specifically mentioned Woody Guthrie as a key influence on your songwriting. What is it about his work that resonates so deeply with you?
**Beck**: [[2](https://www.archyde.com/beck-early-influences-legacy-of-outsider-artists/)]Guthrie was a fearless voice for the working class. He wasn’t afraid to speak truth to power, even if it meant going against the grain.In a world where music is often commodified, his authenticity and integrity are truly inspiring.
**Archyde**: do you think that sense of rebellion and authenticity is something that’s missing in music today?
**Beck**: [[2](https://www.archyde.com/beck-early-influences-legacy-of-outsider-artists/)]That’s a tough question. There are always going to be artists pushing boundaries and challenging expectations. But I do think it’s important for musicians to stay true to their vision, to not be afraid to be themselves, even if it doesn’t fit into a neat category.
**Archyde**: What advice would you give to young musicians today who are trying to find their own voice and style?
**Beck**: [[2](https://www.archyde.com/beck-early-influences-legacy-of-outsider-artists/)]Don’t be afraid to experiment,to explore different sounds and genres. And moast importantly, don’t be afraid to be yourself. That’s where the real magic happens.
**Archyde**: what do you think is the lasting legacy of artists who are willing to be different, to challenge the status quo?
**Beck**: [[2](https://www.archyde.com/beck-early-influences-legacy-of-outsider-artists/)]I think they inspire future generations to do the same. They show us that it’s okay to be different, to think outside the box. They remind us that music is a powerful tool for change and that art can make a difference in the world.*
*What artists today embody this spirit of fearless individuality? Share your thoughts in the comments below.*
## Beck: Finding Inspiration in the Outsiders
**Archyde**: Beck,your music is renowned for its genre-bending experimentation and fearless innovation. Where do you find the inspiration to constantly push boundaries and defy convention?
**Beck**: You know, when I was younger, I always felt like a bit of an outsider myself. [1]
I was a small, skinny guy, and I think that naturally drew me to other artists who weren’t afraid to be different, who embraced their idiosyncrasies.
**Archyde**: You’ve mentioned Woody Guthrie and Serge Gainsbourg as especially impactful influences.
**Beck**: Absolutely. Both of them were true originals, but Woody Guthrie, in particular, really resonated with me. [1]
He was a voice for the working class, a fearless truth-teller who challenged the establishment. He wasn’t afraid to take risks and stand up for what he believed in, even when it wasn’t popular.
I think that kind of authenticity and courage is something that’s sadly lacking in a lot of music today.
**Archyde**: Your 1996 album, *Odelay*, is a masterpiece of genre-bending, coming out just a year after *Mellow Gold* became a commercial success. Do you think Guthrie’s influence is particularly evident on that album?
**Beck:** *Odelay* was definitely a time of exploration for me.
I was pushing myself to try new things, to break free from any expectations people might have had. [1]
Guthrie showed me that it was okay to be different, to challenge the norm. And I think that spirit is definitely present on *Odelay*.
**Archyde**: You’ve paved the way for countless Musicians to follow their own creative paths.
What advice would you give to young artists struggling to find their voice?
**Beck**: [1] I think the most notable thing is to be true to yourself. Don’t be afraid to experiment, to take risks,
even if it means going against the grain.
Find those artists who inspire you, those who dared to be different, and learn from them. And most importantly, never compromise your creativity.
