JRE #1815 – The Black Keys

This podcast features a conversation between Joe Rogan and The Black Keys, a renowned rock duo. Their new album, “Dropout Boogie”, was set to release on May 13th. The podcast explores various topics ranging from the band’s humble beginnings to their experiences with success, music industry dynamics, and even delves into controversial and thought-provoking themes such as drug use, societal anxieties, and the nature of reality.

Here are some of the major topics and underlying themes discussed throughout the podcast:

The Black Keys’ Early Days:

• Humble Beginnings: The Black Keys’ story starts with two friends, Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, growing up just a few houses apart in Akron, Ohio. They formed the band out of a shared love for music and a desire to create records.
• Learning by Doing: The band honed their skills through experimentation and resourcefulness, recording early tracks on 4-track cassette recorders and setting up microphones in a bathroom for unique sounds.
• Fate and Dynamic: Dan and Patrick’s close bond and shared musical taste are highlighted as crucial factors in their success, emphasizing the role of fate and their natural dynamic as musicians.
• Early Record Deal: The Black Keys secured their first record deal with Alive Records, a small LA-based label, marking the start of their journey into the music industry.

The Black Keys’ Rise to Fame:

• Touring on a Dime: The band’s first tour involved long drives across the country, a limited budget, and a variety of crazy adventures, highlighting their resilience and early struggles.
• Recognizability and Consistency: Joe Rogan expresses his appreciation for The Black Keys’ consistent sound and unique musical style, emphasizing the band’s ability to stay true to their roots while evolving.
• American Dream Narrative: The Black Keys’ story is described as an American Dream tale, showcasing two individuals from a small town who achieve success through hard work and passion.
• Low-Fi Roots and Authenticity: The band’s early, lo-fi recordings are seen as a testament to their self-taught approach and the raw authenticity that defines their sound.

The Power of Live Music:

• The Transformative Power of Live Performance: Dan and Patrick emphasize the unique and transformative power of live music, arguing that it creates a shared experience and a spiritual connection between the band and the audience.
• The Legacy of Legends: The conversation touches upon iconic musicians like Jimi Hendrix and Black Sabbath, highlighting the lasting impact of their live performances and the power of music to transcend time.
• The Decline of Live Music Culture: Dan and Patrick acknowledge the decline of live music venues in certain areas, discussing factors that contribute to this trend and the potential impact on music culture.
• The Importance of Live Music: Despite the challenges, both musicians express their strong belief in the enduring power of live music and its importance to both artists and audiences.

Drugs, Society, and the Human Condition:

• The Effects of Drugs on Society and Creativity: The podcast delves into the impact of drug use, particularly amphetamines, on society and individual behavior, touching upon historical events like World War II and the rise of psychedelic culture.
• The Perils of Social Media and Polarization: Dan and Patrick express concern over the negative effects of social media, highlighting its tendency to exacerbate polarization and create a climate of negativity and aggression.
• The Nature of Reality and Perception: The conversation explores the nature of reality, perception, and the human condition through discussions about psychedelic experiences, conspiracy theories, and the search for meaning in a complex world.
• The Unpredictability of Life: The podcast highlights the unpredictable nature of life through anecdotes about bizarre events, encounters with strange individuals, and the unsettling realization that much remains unknown about the world and ourselves.

Memorable Quotes:

• “We learned to play together, you know, 20, a couple 23 years ago. I literally started playing drums with him because before that I was playing guitar, and I guess we just learned how to play together. We have this kind of dynamic.” – Patrick Carney on the importance of their musical partnership and how it developed over time.
• “It’s like we’ve always been on the same page. We just wanted to, we were like, fascinated with albums. We wanted to make records.” – Dan Auerbach on their shared vision and focus on creating albums.
• “We were probably both, but we went on this tour and it was like out of a dream. Because by the time we go around, we go up to Vancouver, and we have these crazy adventures.” – Patrick Carney on their early touring experiences.
• “But there’s something about live that’s like transformative. It’s like you, it’s like a drug.” – Dan Auerbach on the unique power of live performance.
• “I just don’t know if we’re gonna make it through this. Like, why am I so cocky? Why would I, why, why am I thinking every day everything’s gonna be fine? This might not be fine.” – Joe Rogan expressing anxiety about the current state of the world.