Critically acclaimed but emotionally tortured Singer-Songwriter Elliott Smith's popularity peaked in 1997 when his song "Miss Misery", from the soundtrack to Good Will Hunting was nominated for an Academy Award.

Elliott Smith and Neil Gust formed Heatmiser in 1991 with drummer Tony Lash and bassist Brandt Peterson. The band released their debut album, Dead Air, in 1993. Heatmiser would release two more album, 1994's Cop and Speeder and 1996's Mic City Sons before breaking up in 1996.

During his time in Heatmiser, Smith released to solo albums, Roman Candle and Elliott Smith. Smith's success as a solo artist created tension in the band, specifically between Smith and Gust.

Elliott Smith died on October 21, 2003 from two stab wounds to the chest. Originally thought to be a suicide, the coroner was unable to determine the exact cause of death.

• 1994: Roman Candle
• 1995: Elliott Smith
• 1997: Either/Or
• 1998: XO
• 2000: Figure 8
• 2004: From a Basement on the Hill
• 2007: New Moon

• "I like home recordings and studio recordings just as much as each other - I don't think one is better - but for this record I wanted to see what I could do in a real studio with real producers".