JRE #780 - Sturgill Simpson

4/4/2016

#780 – Sturgill Simpson

This podcast dives into the world of Sturgill Simpson, a rising country music star, exploring his journey to success, his perspectives on fame, and his personal experiences that influenced his music. Provocative topics include the influence of family on artistic development, the pressures of navigating fame, and the nature of country music authenticity. Underlying themes explore the importance of earned perspective, the transformative power of fatherhood, and the search for meaning and community in art and life.

1. Sturgill Simpson’s Rise to Fame: A Slow Burn

Simpson’s rise to prominence was gradual, a slow burn that took years of hard work in honky-tonks and dive bars.
He attributes his current success to years of dedication and organic growth, culminating in a moment of recognition and appreciation for his talent.
This slow burn allowed him to develop a perspective on the industry, learning to appreciate the opportunities it provides.
His journey highlights the importance of persistence and building a foundation through consistent work, avoiding the pitfalls of instant fame.

2. Fame and its Impact on Perspective:

Simpson reflects on the unique pressures of fame, comparing his experience to that of a Justin Bieber-type figure, highlighting the potential for intense scrutiny and emotional challenges.
He emphasizes the value of earned perspective, having worked various “crazy jobs” before finding success, grounding him in reality and shaping his outlook on life and music.
He suggests that a life of honesty and hard work contributes to a more balanced perspective in the face of fame and its challenges.
His perspective on fame underscores the importance of maintaining a sense of self-awareness and groundedness, avoiding the pitfalls of fame’s often distorted reality.

3. The Transformative Power of Fatherhood:

Simpson describes how becoming a father drastically shifted his perspective on life, revealing the depth of love and responsibility.
He emphasizes the profound impact fatherhood has had on his understanding of his own personality and the complexities of human behavior.
He highlights the role of observation and interaction with his children, revealing insights into how early life experiences shape a person.
Simpson’s experience underscores how fatherhood can serve as a powerful catalyst for personal growth and a deeper understanding of the world.

4. The Controversial Topic of Free Speech and Comedy:

Simpson discusses the controversial figure of Brian Holzman, a comedian known for his provocative and often offensive humor.
He acknowledges the inherent tension between pushing boundaries and the potential for offense, highlighting the power of Holzman’s unique comedic style.
The discussion delves into the nature of comedic genius, exploring how Holzman’s humor transcends conventional boundaries and provokes thought and reaction.
This topic explores the complexities of free speech, the role of satire in society, and the ongoing debate surrounding the boundaries of acceptable humor.

5. The Reality of Wild Nature: Beyond the Idealized Narrative:

Simpson discusses his experiences with wildlife, challenging idealized narratives of nature and highlighting the potential dangers it holds.
He recounts encounters with bison, wolves, and mountain lions, emphasizing the raw and unpredictable nature of these animals.
He delves into the importance of respecting nature’s power and understanding the risks associated with encountering wild animals, arguing for a balanced perspective.
This conversation sheds light on the need for responsible interaction with nature, acknowledging the inherent dangers and potential for unpredictable events, while celebrating its beauty and majesty.

6. The Art and Practice of Archery:

Simpson, an avid bow hunter, discusses the complexities of archery, highlighting the skill, precision, and ethical considerations involved.
He emphasizes the importance of practice and understanding the intricacies of the craft, acknowledging the inherent risks and potential consequences of hunting.
He underscores the importance of making ethical shots, ensuring the humane treatment of animals and acknowledging the responsibility that comes with hunting.
This discussion provides a nuanced look at hunting, emphasizing the artistry and ethical considerations within the practice, while acknowledging the inherent risks and potential consequences.

7. The Hidden World of Wildlife:

Simpson shares insights into the hidden world of wildlife, recounting stories about predator-prey dynamics and the surprising strength and resilience of animals.
He discusses the power of mountain lions, wolves, and even seemingly harmless creatures like Martins, highlighting their hunting strategies and the dangers they pose.
He emphasizes the importance of understanding the natural world, appreciating its complex balance and the often hidden aspects of animal behavior.
This conversation provides a glimpse into the hidden world of nature, challenging assumptions about animal behavior and revealing the complexities of predator-prey dynamics.

8. The Dark Side of Human Nature: Trauma and Resilience:

Simpson explores the dark side of human nature, sharing stories about violence, trauma, and the impact of exposure to death and suffering.
He discusses the experiences of his friends who work in emergency medicine and law enforcement, emphasizing the challenges of witnessing trauma and dealing with its effects.
He reflects on the complexities of human resilience, acknowledging the ability to desensitize to violence and the challenges of maintaining a positive outlook in the face of suffering.
This discussion delves into the human capacity for both brutality and resilience, highlighting the complex and often challenging realities of life and the importance of processing trauma and finding meaning amidst suffering.

9. The Power of Music and Art: Beyond the Competition:

Simpson emphasizes the importance of creating music for personal expression and impact, rejecting the pressures of competition and commercial success.
He highlights the transformative power of music, its ability to connect people and offer comfort, often in unexpected ways.
He criticizes the emphasis on competition and rankings in the music industry, suggesting that it can stifle creativity and detract from the essence of artistic expression.
Simpson’s perspective underscores the importance of authenticity and artistic integrity, prioritizing the creation of meaningful art that transcends commercial pressures and connects with listeners on a deeper level.

10. The Complexity of Human Behavior: Beyond Easy Explanations:

Simpson explores the complexities of human behavior, delving into the life stories of musical icons like Marvin Gaye and Waylon Jennings.
He highlights the challenges of fame, the impact of trauma, and the often-contradictory nature of human behavior.
He suggests that understanding the complexities of human experience requires empathy and a willingness to look beyond easy judgments.
This conversation encourages a more nuanced and compassionate understanding of human behavior, recognizing the influences that shape our actions and the importance of empathy in navigating the complexities of life.

11. The Enduring Mystery of Bigfoot:

Simpson delves into the enduring mystery of Bigfoot, discussing his own skepticism, yet acknowledging the possibility that the legend could be rooted in reality.
He explores the plausibility of the existence of Bigfoot, considering the possibility of a surviving gigantopithecus or other undiscovered hominid species.
He discusses the geographic and environmental factors that might support the existence of a large, elusive creature in the Pacific Northwest.
This discussion explores the ongoing fascination with the unknown, acknowledging the possibility of mysterious creatures and the enduring human desire to unravel the mysteries of the world.

12. The Fascination with Nature’s Patterns:

Simpson discusses the fascination with nature’s patterns, highlighting the mathematical beauty of the Fibonacci sequence and its manifestation in various natural forms.
He explores the intriguing presence of geometric patterns in animals, plants, and even human faces, suggesting a deeper connection between mathematics and the natural world.
He mentions the influence of nature’s patterns on music, particularly in the work of the band Tool, showcasing the intersection of science, art, and spirituality.
This conversation delves into the interconnectedness of nature, exploring the intricate beauty and mathematical order that governs the natural world.

13. The Power of Music to Transcend:

Simpson discusses the power of music to transcend boundaries, highlighting the visceral impact of music, particularly metal, and its ability to energize and inspire.
He explores the use of frequency and time signatures in music, referencing the band Tool, and the potential for manipulating human emotions through sound.
He touches on the use of binaural beats and shamanic music, acknowledging their potential to alter brainwaves and induce altered states of consciousness.
This discussion explores the profound impact of music on the human mind and body, acknowledging the ability of sound to create powerful emotional responses, alter perception, and connect us to deeper levels of consciousness.

14. The Complexities of Psychedelic Exploration:

Simpson discusses the use of ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew used for spiritual exploration, acknowledging both its potential for personal growth and the risks associated with its use.
He highlights the potential for abuse and exploitation within the ayahuasca tourism industry, emphasizing the need for discernment and caution.
He also acknowledges the profound experiences that can be had with ayahuasca, suggesting that it can provide access to altered states of consciousness and deepen spiritual understanding.
This discussion explores the complex and multifaceted nature of psychedelic exploration, acknowledging its potential for both harm and profound personal growth.

15. The Importance of Community and Connection:

Simpson emphasizes the importance of community and connection, discussing the vibrant community of comedians at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles.
He highlights the shared experiences and support network that exists within the comedy world, acknowledging the unique challenges and opportunities that come with a career in stand-up.
He reflects on the importance of finding a community that supports and challenges your growth, whether in art or in life.
This discussion underscores the importance of human connection, highlighting the role of community in supporting and nurturing individual growth, particularly in creative fields.

16. The Enduring Impact of Art:

Simpson acknowledges the enduring impact of art, discussing how music can connect with people long after its creation, offering comfort and meaning in unexpected moments.
He shares a story of a friend whose grandmother found solace in Simpson’s music in her final days, illustrating the power of art to touch hearts and leave a lasting impression.
He emphasizes the importance of creating art that resonates with people on a deeper level, transcending time and circumstance.
This discussion highlights the enduring power of art, its ability to connect people across time and offer comfort, meaning, and a sense of shared humanity.

17. The Perils of Political Corruption:

Simpson discusses his growing disillusionment with political systems, expressing skepticism towards government institutions and highlighting perceived corruption.
He discusses the “Panama Papers” leak, a massive exposé of financial secrecy and corruption among world leaders, suggesting a widespread problem of political manipulation.
He advocates for radical reform, calling for greater transparency and accountability from elected officials.
This conversation delves into the perceived shortcomings of political systems, highlighting the need for change and a renewed focus on ethical leadership and the public good.

18. The Ongoing Struggle for Social Justice:

Simpson addresses the ongoing struggle for social justice, discussing the war on drugs and its disproportionate impact on Black communities.
He highlights the revelations from Richard Nixon’s former advisor, John Ehrlichman, who admitted that the war on drugs was strategically used to target and suppress Black communities.
He criticizes the hypocrisy and systemic racism inherent in the drug war, calling for justice and equality for all.
This conversation delves into the complex history of race relations in America, highlighting the ongoing need for social justice and the importance of challenging systemic inequities.

19. The Perils of Power and Authority:

Simpson discusses the dangers of unchecked power, highlighting the actions of Dick Cheney, former Vice President, who was known for his aggressive foreign policy and controversial decisions.
He highlights the allegations of corruption, including Cheney’s role in the Iraq War and his close ties to the military-industrial complex.
He expresses concern over the lack of transparency and accountability in government, suggesting that power can be easily abused.
This conversation delves into the perils of power, highlighting the need for checks and balances, transparency, and a stronger focus on ethical leadership.

20. The Elusive Nature of Truth:

Simpson explores the elusive nature of truth, highlighting the difficulty of separating fact from fiction in a world saturated with information.
He acknowledges the impact of social media and the rise of “fake news,” questioning the reliability of information sources.
He suggests that critical thinking and a healthy skepticism are essential for navigating a world filled with misinformation.
This conversation encourages a more cautious approach to information consumption, emphasizing the importance of discernment and the need for a more nuanced understanding of truth in a rapidly evolving information landscape.

5 Memorable Quotes:

“For me, it was a slow one. It was a slow burn. It took a long time, a lot of different shows till it started getting really weird.”
“I think if you’re a fucking Justin Bieber type character, boy, you’re almost guaranteed to be fucked. Like, that kind of scrutiny, you do I don’t how old was he when that all started? He said baby. I mean, like, it was a baby.”
“That’s a good way to look at it, but it’s some well, I mean, what’s the beginning? What’s the, you know, what’s the what’s the top? I don’t I don’t know exactly. What I do know is that there’s a lot of people that, like, will text me. Dude, have you heard of Sturgel Simpson? Holy shit. You know? You’re right now.”
“I think you could absolutely have a fulfilled life and never procreate. A lot of people shouldn’t be a parent, man. For sure. For sure. Almost every girl I ever dated. Stay out of the business. That’s not true. But they changed too, man.”
“You’re not supposed to be in control of Jamie. Jamie’s not supposed to be in control of me, and the government’s not supposed to be in control of you. There’s supposed to be some operating principles that we all commune under. And our community should be established in a way that benefits us, not the big banks, not the politicians, not fucking Hillary Clinton giving $250,000 speak speeches to a bunch of Wall Street people.”

JRE #780 – Sturgill Simpson