"I am consciously trying not to make it sound Celtic or African"

This quote by Joanna Newsom recommends that she is intentionally avoiding making her music sound Celtic or African. This might be due to the fact that she wants to develop an unique noise that is not associated with any particular culture or genre. It might likewise be since she wants to prevent being pigeonholed into a certain style of music. By purposely avoiding Celtic or African influences, she is able to develop a sound that is all her own. This could be viewed as a form of artistic expression, as she is creating something that is distinct and not affected by any specific culture or category. By doing this, she has the ability to create a sound that is truly her own which stands out from the crowd.