Sturgill Simpson

Date: 2018-03-05 | Duration: 2h 55m

Episode Overview

Sturgill Simpson dives deep into his life as a musician and the realities of touring, sharing candid reflections on the physical and mental toll of life on the road. He discusses his preference for short tours, usually just a few days, to maintain balance and avoid burnout, emphasizing the importance of being home with friends and recharging after intense stretches of performing. Sturgill also touches on his hands-on approach to music gear, revealing how he builds and customizes his own guitars, and highlights the complexity and artistry behind guitar playing, including styles like flamenco and chicken picking. The conversation shifts to broader cultural and historical topics, including the history and potential of hemp as a sustainable resource, which Sturgill finds fascinating given its versatility and past prominence in places like Kentucky. He critiques the music industry’s challenges, especially in Nashville, where rising costs threaten the livelihood of musicians. Sturgill also shares his thoughts on creativity, the songwriting process, and the pressures artists face in the modern music landscape. Throughout, he peppers the discussion with personal anecdotes, from his experiences with health and sobriety to his appreciation for classic rock influences and storytelling, offering a thoughtful and unfiltered glimpse into his world.

About Sturgill Simpson

Sturgill Simpson is an acclaimed American country music singer-songwriter known for his innovative approach to the genre. He gained widespread recognition with his breakthrough albums, "High Top Mountain" and "Metamodern Sounds in Country Music," which have been praised for their authentic storytelling and genre-blurring sound. Simpson's unique blend of traditional country with psychedelic and rock influences sets him apart in the music industry, earning him Grammy nominations and a devoted fan base. His candid discussions on topics like mental health, authenticity in art, and the music business have made him a compelling figure beyond just music, captivating audiences on platforms like the Joe Rogan Experience.

Key Moments

– Cannabis Legalization
– Music Production
– Historical Hemp Uses
– Ancient Human History
– Stand-up Comedy
– Mental Health
– Technology in Music
– Nashville Music Scene
– Rock Music History
– Album Creation Process
– Live Performance
– Viking Culture
– Food and Health
– Science Fiction Films
– Personal Growth
– Music Equipment
– Drug Use and Creativity
– Touring Life
– Guitar Techniques
– Music Industry
0:00:00 – Discussing travel logistics to LAX
0:02:08 – Driving and thinking about music
0:04:15 – Complexity of flamenco and classical guitar
0:07:09 – Early passion for learning guitar
0:08:39 – Preferring short tours and being home
0:11:39 – Energy balance after live shows
0:13:36 – Dislike of hotel rooms on tour
0:16:26 – Historical hemp production in Kentucky
0:20:01 – Uses and benefits of hemp
0:21:08 – Cannabis for medical comfort
0:23:07 – Concerns about accidents and responsibility
0:24:36 – Discussion on nuclear weapons and society
0:26:30 – Critique of political systems and royalty
0:28:58 – Steel manufacturing and economic changes
0:33:05 – Technology use: phones vs. watches
0:36:09 – Military leadership and technology
0:40:50 – Impact of Adderall on culture
0:42:44 – Hunter S. Thompson's writing habits
0:46:21 – 60s counterculture and psychedelia
0:53:43 – Viking TV show impressions
0:59:01 – Star Wars samurai film influences
1:06:35 – Human migration and ancient history
1:14:27 – Connection to Scottish heritage
1:19:19 – Music scene in Nashville in the 70s and 80s
1:21:45 – Rock stars of the 70s and their impact
1:27:44 – Challenges of growing up in the spotlight
1:36:02 – Road experience carving out songs
1:41:07 – Personal identity and artistic growth
1:43:10 – Unexpected record label signing
1:46:40 – Music publishing and financial realities
1:49:56 – Work-life balance in entertainment
1:53:12 – Emotional impact of finishing an album
2:00:28 – Hypnotherapy and mental health
2:04:17 – Symmetry in nature and calendars
2:05:27 – Psychedelic culture and spirituality
2:10:51 – Avoiding opioids after injury
2:15:56 – Alcohol consumption and social perceptions
2:21:23 – Personal story about a Bronco and lightsaber
2:23:14 – Rising living costs threatening Nashville music
2:28:03 – Live show experiences and material development
2:32:40 – Creative process compared to jazz improvisation
2:37:30 – Effects of cannabis on memory and creativity
2:41:34 – Severe food poisoning experience
2:44:47 – Concerns about food quality and health
2:48:23 – Hunting and cooking elk
2:49:19 – Scorpion presence in Tennessee
2:51:07 – Closing remarks and goodbyes

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 How long is it going to take me to get to LAX and what time should I be there? Starting point is 00:00:19 When I moved to Colorado for just a few months and then came back here, Starting point is 00:00:58 Yeah, for sure. Starting point is 00:01:21 I don't know. Starting point is 00:01:29 living in downtown LA Starting point is 00:01:36 I have to come out Starting point is 00:01:43 most of the time Starting point is 00:02:08 I think about your song when I drive my Bronco. Starting point is 00:02:28 I understand. Starting point is 00:02:46 I don't really need all these guitars. Starting point is 00:03:10 always made my own out of parts like at least telecasters and stuff you can buy parts and Starting point is 00:03:34 I guess if you know guitars as well as you know them and you've been around Starting point is 00:03:47 It's hard to fuck that up. Starting point is 00:04:15 guitarist that's an art that's yeah he's uh he always had his nails grow long when he'd do jujitsu Starting point is 00:05:00 no flamenco and classical guitar players that's that's highly complex musicianship yeah and Starting point is 00:05:34 That's like... Starting point is 00:05:48 That's what we call chicken picking. Starting point is 00:06:02 I like that. Starting point is 00:06:19 Like, the big Ukrainian rock people. Starting point is 00:06:35 When you were kids, okay. Starting point is 00:07:09 especially as a kid when you're really learning you like when it gets you and you hook into it Starting point is 00:07:39 So when I really found guitar and got into it, Starting point is 00:07:56 Yeah, that's what I always thought about bands. Starting point is 00:08:17 actually friends and you go out every night we're just like you know yeah if you could pull that off Starting point is 00:08:39 I never go on the road for more than a Thursday, Friday, Saturday anymore. Starting point is 00:08:48 I like being home. Starting point is 00:09:02 I like being around my friends. St...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1087?

Sturgill Simpson was the guest on JRE #1087. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1087?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1087 with Sturgill Simpson, topics include Cannabis Legalization, Music Production, Historical Hemp Uses, and Ancient Human History.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1087?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1087 with Sturgill Simpson is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.