JRE #2123 – Gary Clark Jr.

This podcast features a conversation between Joe Rogan and Grammy award-winning blues guitarist and singer, Gary Clark Jr., shortly before the release of his new album, “JPEG RAW”. Clark discusses his creative process, his musical influences, and his thoughts on the music industry. Rogan delves into Clark’s perspective on fame, the changing landscape of the music industry, and the importance of pursuing one’s passions. The podcast is filled with insightful observations on the nature of creativity, the allure of artistic pursuits, and the challenges of navigating a complex world.

Major Topics

1. The Creative Process and Album Making:
   • Clark shares his intense focus and dedication to crafting his album, “JPEG RAW”, revealing the time-consuming process of mixing and mastering.
   • He emphasizes the importance of taking breaks from the creative process, but acknowledges that he was so immersed in his music that he barely had a chance to breathe.
   • Clark’s creative process is characterized by a hands-on approach, building his own studio and utilizing it fully to create “noise” and “organize noise”.
   • The podcast highlights the pressure artists face to create and the constant push to release new music in a fast-paced industry.
2. The Music Industry and Artistic Integrity:
   • Clark expresses his frustration with industry pressures and those who try to dictate his creative direction.
   • He reveals instances of receiving advice from industry professionals on how to stay within a particular “genre” or avoid certain creative choices, but ultimately chooses to ignore it.
   • Clark asserts his belief in creating music that is authentic to him, regardless of industry trends or expectations.
   • The podcast touches on the complexities of marketing an artist who defies easy categorization, highlighting the challenges faced by artists who blend diverse influences.
3. The Allure of Artistic Pursuits and Finding Your Passion:
   • Clark’s passion for music is evident throughout the podcast, emphasizing his deep care for his craft and his dedication to creating compelling music.
   • He encourages listeners to pursue their passions, regardless of whether they align with industry trends.
   • Clark believes that artists have a responsibility to push boundaries and experiment, referencing his favorite musicians like Prince and Stevie Wonder who embraced diverse genres and creative approaches.
   • The podcast highlights the importance of embracing creative risks and the potential for artistic fulfillment that comes from pushing limits.
4. The Nature of Fame and Navigating a Public Profile:
   • Clark shares his experiences with fame, highlighting the challenges of maintaining privacy and personal space while managing a public profile.
   • He expresses his preference for a more independent and introspective lifestyle, contrasting with the demanding nature of fame, which can often lead to isolation.
   • Clark’s journey showcases the delicate balance between pursuing artistic fulfillment and managing the pressures of fame, revealing the sacrifices and compromises that may be required.
   • The podcast explores the different ways that individuals cope with fame, from embracing it fully to seeking solitude and finding creative outlets outside the spotlight.
5. The Importance of Community and Finding Your Tribe:
   • Clark emphasizes the importance of building a supportive community, referencing his own experiences with fellow musicians and the significance of finding individuals who “get” your perspective.
   • The podcast celebrates the unique community of artists and comedians in Austin, Texas, and how they create a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
   • Clark highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with individuals who inspire and challenge you creatively, creating a safe space for growth and experimentation.
   • He acknowledges the challenges of finding such communities, but emphasizes the significance of seeking them out and fostering a sense of connection and belonging.
6. The Changing Landscape of the Music Industry and the Rise of New Platforms:
   • Clark discusses the evolving role of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram in promoting music, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges they present for artists.
   • He expresses his reservations about the pressure to create content specifically tailored for these platforms, questioning the authenticity of such approaches.
   • Clark’s perspective offers insight into the evolving dynamics of the music industry and the challenges artists face in adapting to a rapidly changing landscape.
   • The podcast explores the impact of technology on the way music is consumed, promoted, and experienced, highlighting the need for artists to navigate a constantly evolving landscape.
7. The Power of Music and Its Transcendent Nature:
   • Clark’s passion for music is woven throughout the podcast, illustrating its power to transcend boundaries, connect individuals, and evoke powerful emotions.
   • He shares his appreciation for artists who have pushed boundaries and created music that resonates across generations and cultures, showcasing the lasting impact of such creative endeavors.
   • The podcast explores the role of music in providing solace, inspiration, and a sense of belonging, highlighting its ability to connect with universal human experiences.
   • Clark’s journey reminds listeners of the profound influence music can have on individuals, shaping their lives, emotions, and perspectives.
8. The Role of Fate and Free Will in Shaping Our Lives:
   • Clark touches on the complexities of fate and free will, acknowledging the influence of both in shaping his life and career.
   • He shares instances where he felt guided by a greater force, pushing him toward specific decisions or paths that led to significant outcomes.
   • The podcast explores the intersection of personal choice and external forces, highlighting the delicate balance between agency and the seemingly serendipitous nature of life events.
   • Clark’s perspective encourages listeners to embrace both the power of choice and the potential for unexpected events to shape their journeys.
9. The Power of Resilience and Overcoming Challenges:
   • Clark shares his experiences with setbacks and challenges, demonstrating his resilience and determination in navigating them.
   • He emphasizes the importance of finding strength through adversity, referencing his own experience with heartbreak and how it fueled his creative process.
   • The podcast highlights the human capacity to overcome obstacles and find new avenues for growth, emphasizing the potential for transformation that comes from confronting difficult experiences.
   • Clark’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder that challenges can be catalysts for personal growth and artistic evolution.
10. The Importance of Finding Balance and Maintaining Perspective:
    • Clark acknowledges the importance of finding balance between his work, his personal life, and his pursuits outside the music industry.
    • He shares his experiences with seeking solitude and embracing nature as a way to counterbalance the demands of his career and the pressures of fame.
    • The podcast encourages listeners to prioritize their well-being and find healthy ways to manage stress, acknowledging that achieving a sense of balance is essential for personal and professional fulfillment.
    • Clark’s journey reminds listeners that a fulfilling life requires a thoughtful approach to managing various aspects of life, seeking harmony between work, relationships, and personal passions.
11. The Music Industry’s Unique Challenges and the Value of Artist Support:
    • Clark highlights the unique challenges faced by artists navigating a complex and often demanding music industry, including the financial pressures, the pressures of constant creativity, and the challenges of maintaining control over one’s artistic vision.
    • He encourages listeners to support artists by engaging with their music, attending live shows, and advocating for their work.
    • The podcast emphasizes the value of community and the role of fans in shaping an artist’s journey, reminding listeners that their support plays a critical role in the success of independent artists.
    • Clark’s perspective provides a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges artists face, reminding listeners of the importance of supporting their efforts and the profound impact their engagement can have.
12. The Importance of Authenticity and Staying True to Yourself:
    • Clark emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself, regardless of industry expectations or pressures to conform.
    • He advocates for embracing individual passions and pursuing creative paths that align with personal values.
    • The podcast encourages listeners to be mindful of their own authenticity and to resist the urge to conform to societal norms or expectations.
    • Clark’s journey highlights the potential for fulfillment and success that comes from following your heart and pursuing your passions with integrity.
13. The Impact of Social Media and Its Influence on Culture:
    • Clark discusses the growing influence of social media platforms on culture and how they shape the way we consume information, connect with others, and engage with the world.
    • He expresses concern about the potential for these platforms to be used for manipulation and control, highlighting the dangers of unchecked information and the need for critical thinking.
    • The podcast encourages listeners to be mindful of the information they consume and to approach social media with a healthy degree of skepticism.
    • Clark’s perspective provides a critical lens through which to examine the impact of social media on our lives, encouraging listeners to be conscious consumers of information and to prioritize authenticity and critical thinking in an increasingly digital world.
14. The Importance of Mental Health and Managing Stress:
    • Clark shares his personal strategies for managing stress and maintaining mental well-being, highlighting the importance of finding healthy coping mechanisms.
    • He discusses the role of music, nature, and personal time in promoting mental health, acknowledging the challenges of navigating a fast-paced and demanding world.
    • The podcast encourages listeners to prioritize their mental health and to seek support when needed, emphasizing the importance of self-care and finding healthy ways to manage stress.
    • Clark’s journey reminds listeners that it is essential to prioritize mental health in order to achieve both personal and professional fulfillment.
15. The Power of Music to Unify and Inspire:
    • The conversation underscores the profound impact of music on individuals and communities, its ability to transcend boundaries, inspire creativity, and foster a sense of connection.
    • Clark’s passion for music is infectious, motivating listeners to embrace their own passions and to seek out creative endeavors that enrich their lives.
    • The podcast celebrates the power of music to uplift, inspire, and connect us on a deeper level, reminding listeners of its vital role in shaping culture and human experience.
    • Clark’s journey serves as a reminder of the transformative power of music and the importance of cherishing its ability to bring us together.
16. The Unpredictability of Success and the Importance of Staying True to Yourself:
    • The podcast highlights the unpredictable nature of success in the music industry and the importance of staying true to your artistic vision.
    • Clark shares examples of talented musicians who have not achieved widespread recognition, emphasizing that success is not always guaranteed.
    • He encourages listeners to embrace their unique paths, regardless of whether they align with conventional notions of success.
    • The podcast reminds listeners that artistic fulfillment is not solely defined by commercial success, and that pursuing one’s passions with authenticity can lead to lasting satisfaction.
17. The Enduring Appeal of Blues Music and its Relevance to Modern Life:
    • Clark discusses the enduring appeal of blues music, highlighting its ability to connect with universal human experiences, such as love, loss, and resilience.
    • He explores how blues music can provide solace and inspiration, reminding listeners of its relevance to modern life.
    • The podcast showcases the power of blues music to transcend time and to offer a timeless expression of human emotions.
    • Clark’s passion for blues music encourages listeners to explore this genre and to appreciate its profound influence on popular culture.
18. The Changing Social Landscape and the Importance of Finding Common Ground:
    • Clark discusses the evolving social landscape and the challenges of navigating a world where political and ideological differences often create divides.
    • He emphasizes the importance of finding common ground and fostering meaningful conversations across these divides.
    • The podcast encourages listeners to engage in respectful dialogue and to seek understanding, rather than resorting to judgment and condemnation.
    • Clark’s perspective reminds listeners of the need for empathy, compassion, and a willingness to bridge divides in order to create a more harmonious and inclusive society.
19. The Power of Music to Heal and Connect:
    • Clark acknowledges the healing power of music, sharing how it has helped him through difficult times.
    • He emphasizes the role of music in providing solace, inspiration, and a sense of community, highlighting its ability to connect us on a deeper level.
    • The podcast encourages listeners to embrace the therapeutic benefits of music, whether it be through listening, creating, or sharing.
    • Clark’s journey underscores the profound impact music can have on our well-being, reminding listeners of its potential to heal, connect, and inspire.

Memorable Quotes

1. “I still like listening to a full record, putting a record down, having the needles scratch the thing and playing it and flipping that other side and seeing what’s happening. I still like listening to a record from top to bottom.”
2. “Sometimes you got to force the plan and notice all those other people.”
3. “I really care. Like people are like, what the hell are you making a whole album for? It’s about singles. I’m like, I still like listening to a full record.”
4. “Get out in front of folks and figure it out.”
5. “There are so many things to do in this life. Only things to get interested in.”