JRE #564 – Sturgill Simpson

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience delves into the world of Sturgill Simpson, a country music singer-songwriter who pushes boundaries with his unique blend of psychedelic and traditional sounds. Topics include Sturgill’s musical journey, the changing landscape of country music, his views on drugs and consciousness, and reflections on cultural differences. The podcast also explores underlying themes of authenticity, artistic integrity, the nature of reality, and the role of music in shaping perceptions.

Podcast Topics

1. Sturgill Simpson’s Musical Journey:
   1. Sturgill’s early exposure to country and bluegrass music in Eastern Kentucky, where music was a common after-work activity.
   2. His initial foray into Nashville in 2006, encountering a competitive and often opportunistic music scene.
   3. The turning point when his wife encouraged him to pursue music seriously, leading to a move to Nashville and a commitment to creating music he was proud of.
   4. The financial sacrifices made to fund his first two albums, showcasing his dedication to his artistic vision.
2. The Evolution of Country Music:
   1. The perception of country music as “dumb” among younger generations, often attributed to dated production values and repetitive themes.
   2. Sturgill’s efforts to challenge this perception by incorporating psychedelic and experimental elements into his music.
   3. The influence of artists like Johnny Cash, Shooter Jennings, and Sturgill himself in redefining the boundaries of country music.
   4. The growing Hollywood-esque element in Nashville, potentially influenced by the success of crossover artists like Darius Rucker.
3. Drugs, Consciousness, and Reality:
   1. Sturgill’s interest in psychedelic drugs and their potential to expand consciousness and alter perceptions of reality.
   2. The influence of books and lectures by figures like Stephen Hawking, Terrence McKenna, and Rick Strassman on his understanding of the universe and human consciousness.
   3. Sturgill’s personal experiences with psychedelics, including DMT, psilocybin, and dextromethorphan, and their impact on his songwriting and worldview.
   4. The controversial nature of psychedelic research and the ongoing debate surrounding their legality and potential benefits.
4. Music as a Form of Expression:
   1. Sturgill’s belief that good music transcends genre and is inherently soulful, regardless of the instruments or production techniques used.
   2. The importance of authenticity and personal vision in creating music that resonates with listeners.
   3. The challenges of navigating the music industry, particularly the pressure to conform to commercial expectations and the temptation to compromise artistic integrity.
   4. Sturgill’s decision to limit himself to five albums, reflecting his desire to leave a lasting impact with a focused and intentional body of work.
5. Cultural Differences and Societal Dynamics:
   1. Sturgill’s observations on cultural differences, particularly in Japan and the United States, highlighting contrasts in politeness, societal expectations, and the role of fear.
   2. The potential impact of population density on individual behavior and interpersonal interactions.
   3. Sturgill’s views on immigration and the need for a more humane approach to handling immigration policies.
   4. The ongoing debate about the legalization of marijuana and its potential economic and societal impacts, including the role of corporations and the potential shift in consciousness.
6. The Power of Music and Storytelling:
   1. Sturgill’s belief in the transformative power of music and its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.
   2. The importance of storytelling in music and the potential for songs to convey complex emotions and universal themes.
   3. The connection between music and personal experiences, and how the music we create reflects our individual journeys and perspectives.
   4. The role of music in shaping cultural identities and promoting understanding across different communities.
7. The Nature of Reality and the Search for Meaning:
   1. Sturgill’s exploration of existential questions, such as the nature of consciousness, the meaning of life, and the possibility of multiple realities.
   2. The concept of “turtles all the way down,” a humorous metaphor for the infinite regress problem in cosmology, which suggests that the universe may be infinitely complex.
   3. The search for meaning and purpose through various avenues, including religion, drugs, and personal experiences.
   4. Sturgill’s belief that love is a powerful force for good, capable of motivating us to strive for a better world.

Memorable Quotes

• “I don’t know, a group listening to everything. So But when for whatever reason, if I go to write or sing a song, I can only do one of 2 things. That’s either, you know, sing country or or Bluegrass is what I primarily grew up on. So I don’t know.”
• “I just I I reached the point where I was like, I’m I’m very happily married. I’m I’m sober. you know, for for the longest period. And and just so drinking songs and heartache and all that wasn’t something that I was particularly very excited about tackling again. You know?”
• “It’s Salthism. It’s like racism towards the south. It’s like thinking that anybody who has a southern accent’s gotta be a moron. Thinking to anybody who’s singing country songs, they’ve they’ve gotta suck.”
• “I’ve tried really hard with a lot of stuff and it just can’t catch. Like, every few months or so, I try with jazz. I’ll throw some cold train on, and I’ll be like, I’ll be in my car, and then 5:5 minutes and I fucking snap. I just can’t take it anymore.”
• “There’s a there’s a saying, are you gonna go play jazz until the money runs out?”