#1049 - Chris Stapleton

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00:00

  Chris Stapleton's Musical Journey: From Unsung Songwriter to Chart-Topping Star

  • Chris Stapleton shares the joy of his recent album release and its success since coming out in December.
  • He reflects on his experiences opening for legendary musicians, particularly the thrill of performing at Wrigley Field with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
  • Stapleton emphasizes that his focus remains on music, not fame, discussing the balance of navigating the commercial music world.
• 00:08:00

  Chris Stapleton on Authenticity in Music: Avoiding the Corporate Trap of the Industry

  • Stapleton warns against losing one's identity in the music business, stressing the importance of staying true to oneself.
  • He recounts the story of Garth Brooks's alter ego, Chris Gaines, highlighting the pitfalls of compromising authenticity for commercial success.
  • The conversation touches on the inner conflict between artistic integrity and external pressures faced by musicians in the industry.
• 00:10:21

  Garth Brooks' Hilarious Missteps and His Unique Approach to Music

  • Discussion of Garth Brooks' career mistakes and the humorous acknowledgment of his past choices.
  • Comparison of Garth's strategy to Stephen King's pseudonym experience, highlighting the challenge of being overly successful.
  • Exploration of Garth's music distribution choices, including 'Ghost Tunes' and his desire for albums to be experienced as complete works.
• 00:13:37

  The Creative Process of Songwriting: Insights from a Nashville Singer-Songwriter

  • An inside look at the songwriting journey including the importance of collaboration and creative spontaneity.
  • Revelation of songwriting methods, including the balance between structured writing appointments and spontaneous inspiration.
  • Discussion of the wealth of written material amassed over the years and its role in shaping future albums.
• 00:20:30

  Musical Inspirations: Insights from Gary Clark Jr. and Amy Winehouse

  • Discussion on the tour lineup featuring artists like Brent Cobb, Margot Price, Anderson East, and Marty Stewart.
  • Exploration of the inspirational power of music and the importance of personal connection to songs.
  • Reflections on Amy Winehouse's 'Rehab' as a blend of tragedy and celebration, questioning the relationship between personal struggles and artistic expression.
• 00:25:55

  The Rawness of Musical Creation: A Tribute to Legends like Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan

  • Analysis of how addiction and personal demons can influence the creativity and authenticity in music.
  • Recognition of modern guitarists like Gary Clark Jr. as torchbearers of the blues tradition.
  • Discussion on the deep emotional engagement that artists must pursue for their work to resonate with audiences.
• 00:31:59

  Freddy King and the Soul of Blues: Reflections on Music and Luck

  • Discusses the influence of blues legend Freddy King and his iconic music.
  • Explores the emotional connection to music and the feeling of being 'the luckiest man in the world' for doing what they love.
  • Mentions collaboration with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, showcasing a blend of genres.
• 00:37:19

  The Complex World of Fishing: From Spin Casting to Fly Fishing Ethics

  • Contrasts spinning tackle with fly fishing, discussing the pride and art involved in each.
  • Explores the catch-and-release philosophy in fly fishing, questioning its ethics.
  • Highlights personal fishing experiences and the joy of catching fish as a primal instinct.
• 00:42:19

  Terrence McKenna's Insights on Butterfly Collecting and Human Evolution

  • Terrence McKenna discusses the connection between butterfly collecting and primal human behavior as insectivores.
  • The conversation examines the ethics of trophy hunting in butterfly collecting versus other animals, like pigs and cows.
  • The discussion touches on the popularity of cricket protein as a sustainable food source, reflecting on personal experiences with edible insects.
• 00:49:36

  Firefighting Heroes: The Harsh Reality of Los Angeles Fires

  • The hosts discuss the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, exacerbated by dry winds, and the potential for arson.
  • They express admiration for firefighters who risk their lives to protect communities during disasters.
  • The conversation explores the impact of wildfires on local residents and the critical role of emergency services in crisis situations.
• 00:53:07

  Chris Stapleton's Family Life and Balancing Fame: A Musician's Perspective

  • Chris Stapleton discusses homeschooling his children while touring, highlighting how they experience history firsthand like the Boston Tea Party.
  • He reflects on his transition from a singer-songwriter to a famous musician and how his kids perceive this lifestyle as normal.
  • Stapleton sets personal limits on touring and performance, citing three shows a week as his maximum to maintain vocal health.
• 00:56:35

  The Changing Landscape of Nashville: Chris Stapleton's Insight

  • Chris Stapleton shares his observations about Nashville evolving from a pure music environment to a more commercialized scene.
  • He describes Nashville's current energy and influx of new residents, along with the ongoing construction of condos downtown.
  • Stapleton contrasts the romanticized vision of Nashville with its reality, discussing the balance between artistic integrity and commercial pressures in the music industry.
• 01:04:03

  Mike Judge's Impact on Country Music and the Flaws of Award Contests

  • Discussion on the evolution of artists and the importance of maintaining integrity in creative work.
  • Critique of award systems like the Oscars and Grammys, suggesting they undermine true artistic expression.
  • Highlighting the role of Mike Judge's show that explores the folklore of country music and gives a platform to lesser-known artists.
• 01:12:38

  The Wisdom of an Experienced Musician: Advice on Kindness and Authenticity

  • Emphasis on the significance of being nice and authentic in the music industry.
  • Reflection on personal growth and the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive, kind individuals.
  • Encouragement for upcoming artists to stay true to themselves while being respectful to others in the community.
• 01:15:56

  The Songwriting Journey of Creative Minds: Personal Growth with Insightful Reflection

  • Songwriters learn from collaboration and personal experiences, evolving their craft over time.
  • The journey of becoming funny or creative often involves self-awareness and understanding how others perceive one's work.
  • The importance of introspection in enhancing one’s artistic expression and recognizing one's growth as an artist.
• 01:20:58

  Writing Songs with Clarity and Grit: Insights from a Master Songwriter

  • A successful songwriting process can include writing songs efficiently, often in just a few hours.
  • Different approaches to creativity, from being sober while writing to editing under the influence, impact the final product.
  • The necessity of practice, patience, and feedback in both songwriting and comedy to hone skills and enhance creativity.
• 01:13:47

  Chris Stapleton's Unlikely Friendship with Justin Timberlake at His Birthday Party

  • Chris Stapleton reflects on his first encounter with Justin Timberlake, where he was invited to play at Timberlake's birthday party.
  • Stapleton initially doubted the authenticity of the invitation, thinking he was being punked.
  • The unexpected meeting led to a genuine friendship between Stapleton and Timberlake, emphasizing the importance of pursuing interesting experiences.
• 01:56:12

  The Artistic Journey: Chris Stapleton on Growth and Mastery in Music

  • Stapleton discusses the importance of continuous practice and the journey of mastering the guitar.
  • He explains how personal struggles can lead to creativity and artistic growth.
  • The conversation emphasizes the idea that there is no perfection in art; it's about the ongoing pursuit of improvement.