JRE #191 – Honey Honey

This podcast features Joe Rogan interviewing the band Honey Honey, delving into their musical journey, the power of internet fame, and the unique challenges of navigating the music industry in the digital age. The conversation touches on themes of authenticity, the role of the internet in discovering and promoting talent, the importance of maintaining a positive outlook in the face of negativity, and the ever-evolving landscape of music and entertainment.

Major Topics:

1. Honey Honey’s Music and Rise to Fame:

• Joe Rogan’s enthusiastic discovery of Honey Honey’s music through a fan’s recommendation on his message board.
• The band’s unique blend of country, rock, and twangy elements, described by Rogan as “rich and complete.”
• Rogan’s prediction that Honey Honey will achieve significant success through the internet’s power to amplify talent.
• The band’s distinct sound and songwriting abilities, setting them apart in a competitive music scene.

2. The Impact of the Internet on Music:

• The internet’s ability to connect musicians directly with listeners, bypassing traditional gatekeepers like radio and record labels.
• The democratization of music distribution, allowing artists to reach a wider audience through platforms like YouTube and Spotify.
• The rise of independent artists and the decline of the traditional record industry model.
• The challenge of controlling music distribution in the age of file sharing and streaming.

3. Navigating the World of Trolls and Online Negativity:

• The prevalence of online trolls and their motivations for engaging in negative and provocative behavior.
• Rogan’s advice to Honey Honey on handling online criticism and avoiding getting drawn into unproductive arguments.
• The importance of maintaining a thick skin and not taking online negativity personally.
• The challenge of navigating the anonymity and social dynamics of online platforms like Twitter.

4. The Importance of Collaboration and Authenticity:

• Honey Honey’s collaborative songwriting process and the unique dynamics of a male/female duo.
• The importance of finding a creative partner with whom you can be authentic and honest.
• The dangers of seeking external validation and allowing others to influence your artistic vision.
• The importance of embracing your own unique style and perspective.

5. The Role of Music in Life and Self-Expression:

• The power of music to evoke emotions and connect with listeners on a deep level.
• The importance of songwriting as a form of self-expression and sharing personal experiences.
• The transformative power of music in navigating difficult emotions and personal challenges.
• The ability of music to transcend cultural and personal boundaries.

6. The Allure and Danger of Belief Systems:

• Rogan’s exploration of the allure of rigid belief systems, drawing parallels between Scientology and the music industry.
• The power of commitment and dedication in fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
• The potential for indoctrination and the challenge of deprogramming oneself from deeply held beliefs.
• The importance of maintaining critical thinking and questioning authority.

7. The Power of Balance and Finding Your Center:

• Rogan’s discussion of the importance of balance in life, drawing on his experiences in martial arts and the teachings of Miyamoto Musashi.
• The need to cultivate emotional awareness and self-understanding to navigate challenges and maintain a strong sense of self.
• The importance of embracing all aspects of your personality, including your vulnerabilities and imperfections.
• The power of finding your center and maintaining a calm presence in the face of pressure and competition.

8. The Creative Process and the Importance of Practice:

• Rogan’s and Brian Callan’s insights into the creative process of writing stand-up comedy.
• The importance of practice and refining your craft, whether it’s music, stand-up comedy, or any other art form.
• The need for an audience to provide feedback and help shape your creative work.
• The challenge of maintaining a sense of perspective and not getting too attached to specific jokes or songs.

9. The Role of “Fans” and the Importance of Connection:

• The importance of connecting with your audience and fostering a sense of community.
• The transformative power of positive interactions and the feeling of being part of something bigger than yourself.
• The need to embrace the role of the internet in connecting artists with fans and building communities.
• The impact of online interactions on artists’ careers and the potential for viral fame.

10. The Evolving Landscape of Entertainment:

• The changing media landscape and the rise of podcasting as a form of entertainment.
• The advantages of podcasting in terms of accessibility, flexibility, and the ability to reach a large audience.
• The impact of streaming services and the decline of traditional media platforms.
• The importance of adapting to evolving technologies and finding new ways to connect with audiences.

11. The Importance of a Positive Outlook:

• Rogan’s encouragement to Honey Honey to maintain a positive outlook and persevere in their musical journey.
• The importance of embracing the highs and lows of the creative process.
• The power of surrounding yourself with positive influences and mentors.
• The impact of a positive attitude on success and fulfillment.

12. The Importance of Staying True to Yourself:

• The danger of allowing external influences to dictate your artistic vision.
• The importance of staying true to yourself and your core values.
• The need to trust your instincts and not be afraid to experiment.
• The importance of finding your own voice and expressing your unique perspective.

13. The Importance of Finding Your Tribe:

• The importance of finding your tribe and connecting with like-minded individuals.
• The power of collaboration and mutual support.
• The value of finding mentors and role models who can guide you on your journey.
• The importance of building a supportive network of friends and colleagues.

14. The Importance of Finding Humor in the Face of Adversity:

• The importance of finding humor in the face of adversity and maintaining a sense of perspective.
• The power of laughter to lighten the mood and help us cope with challenges.
• The ability of humor to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
• The importance of not taking yourself too seriously and embracing the absurdity of life.

15. The Importance of Embracing the Journey:

• The importance of embracing the journey and not getting too caught up in the destination.
• The need to appreciate the ups and downs of the creative process and the challenges of life.
• The importance of learning from your mistakes and continuing to grow.
• The value of perseverance and dedication in achieving your goals.

5 Memorable Quotes:

• “The thing that freaked me out about [Honey Honey’s music] is, like, how the fuck do I not know who you are? It is so good.”
• “I think you guys are gonna get gigantic just from the Internet. I really I I just I think this is it’s inescapable. You guys are too good.”
• “Stand up comedy is the hardest, easiest thing you’ll ever do. And what he means by that is that if really hard to get funny. But when you’re funny, then everything’s easy.”
• “You gotta learn how to deal with trolls. This is a lesson that this is a good play. It’s good that you came to us before you guys blow up because we’re gonna help you tremendously there’s gonna be a lot of people, and they they’re they’re what’s called trolls.”
• “The only thing that you can do that’s good is put yourself out there, put your music out there, and keep going. All that other stuff, let them deal with it.”