Joe Rogan Experience #757 - Gary Clark, Jr.

Episode Summary

Main Topics Discussed

• Gary Clark Jr.'s move from Austin to Los Angeles: The initial conversation centered on Clark Jr.'s recent relocation to LA from Austin, Texas, and the differences between the two cities, particularly concerning traffic, ego, and the general environment.
• Wildlife in California: Rogan and Clark Jr. discussed mountain lions (their lack of natural predators in California, impact on deer population and Lyme disease), and sharks near the Malibu coast, with Rogan humorously expressing his aversion to dangerous animals.
• Gary Clark Jr.'s musical journey and self-taught approach: Clark Jr. shared how he started playing guitar in 1996, his early influences from Austin City Limits, and his self-taught method, emphasizing the guitar's versatility and his enduring passion for the instrument.
• Critique of traditional schooling and ADHD: Rogan and Clark Jr. bonded over their shared experience of being "terrible" in school, with Rogan arguing that what's often labeled as ADHD is often just boredom, and that school can stifle creativity by forcing attention on uninteresting subjects.
• Classic Cadillac vs. personal car: A humorous segment about a slick 1966 Cadillac featured in one of Clark Jr.'s music videos, contrasted with his actual, cherished 1994 Cadillac DeVille, leading to a discussion about authenticity and appearance.
• New album and musical experimentation: Clark Jr. spoke about his latest album, highlighting a more experimental approach where he played most of the instruments himself, aiming to challenge his musical limits and get back to his demo-making roots.
• Jimi Hendrix conspiracy theories: Rogan brought up a book alleging that Jimi Hendrix's manager, Mike Jeffrey, was responsible for Hendrix's kidnapping and murder, as well as the death of Hendrix's girlfriend, revealing Jeffrey's alleged past as an MI6 demolition expert.
• Jimi Hendrix comparisons and influences: The two discussed the frequent comparisons between Gary Clark Jr. and Jimi Hendrix, with Clark Jr. expressing a positive attitude towards being mentioned alongside such a legend.
• Gary Clark Jr.'s current music preferences: Clark Jr. mentioned his current interest in Southern hip-hop, specifically "Chopped and Screwed" music from Texas artists like DJ Screw, Paul Wall, Slim Thug, and Big K.R.I.T.
• Marijuana legalization: A brief mention of the financial benefits of medical marijuana and the changing legal landscape, particularly in Denver.

Key Insights & Memorable Moments

• Gary Clark Jr.'s move to LA was a decision to simply "figure out what it's like" and seek new experiences, rather than a specific career-driven pull.
• Rogan's humorous but firm stance on "not [expletive] with nature," imagining shark-proof suits and knives for surfing.
• Clark Jr.'s lifelong commitment to music, emphasizing how it was the one thing that truly "clicked" after many other activities failed to hold his interest.
• Rogan's compelling argument that traditional schooling often stifles creativity and makes kids feel like "outsiders" by forcing them to learn uninteresting material.
• The distinction between the "poser" classic car in the video and Clark Jr.'s authentic, long-owned 1994 Cadillac DeVille, highlighting genuine passion over staged image.
• Clark Jr.'s revelation that he does not read music despite being a highly successful, professional musician, prompting Rogan to draw analogies about not reading books as an author.
• The startling and dark allegations surrounding Jimi Hendrix's manager, Mike Jeffrey, painting a picture of the dangerous, organized crime-infused music industry of the past.
• Clark Jr.'s mature perspective on being compared to Jimi Hendrix: accepting it as a compliment and motivation to continue striving for greatness.
• Clark Jr. describes his creative process for his new album as a "double bubble" – combining the "birth" of an album with the experience of having two young children.

Notable Quotes or Revelations

• Gary Clark Jr. on moving to LA: "I spent my whole life in Austin always wanted to come out west and figure out what it's like."
• Joe Rogan's memorable phrase: "I don't [ __ ] with nature."
• Gary Clark Jr. on the guitar's appeal: "I mean the guitar for me was the instrument that could it could paint so many different colors it was very versatile."
• Joe Rogan on the pitfalls of schooling: "I don't believe in add in a lot of senses in a lot of ways I think there's obviously some people that have like a mental issue but I think for most people what they're calling add is being bored... what school does is teaches you that the future is bleak in a lot of ways..."
• Gary Clark Jr. on not reading music (Rogan's analogy): "I don't read music. I know but it's like me being a comedian that doesn't write no. It's worse it's like me being an author who doesn't read books who can't read books."
• Startling revelation about Jimi Hendrix: Rogan recounts allegations that Hendrix's manager, Mike Jeffrey, was a former MI6 demolition expert and assassin who orchestrated Hendrix's kidnapping and murder, and also killed Hendrix's girlfriend.
• Gary Clark Jr. on Hendrix comparisons: "It used to bother me but I'm not mad at it I mean it's like he's great yeah I want to be great you know and if people are throwing your name in the same sentence is greates in a positive way I'll take it and just keep practicing."

Overall Themes

• Exploration and Personal Growth: The episode highlights the theme of seeking new experiences, whether through a geographical move (Clark Jr. to LA), musical experimentation (his new album), or intellectual curiosity (Rogan's discussions on various topics).
• Passion, Authenticity, and Self-Discovery: A central theme is the importance of finding one's true passion and sticking with it, exemplified by Clark Jr.'s dedication to music from a young age. This extends to discussions about authenticity, whether in music, cars, or personal expression.
• The Nature of Creativity and Learning: The conversation delves into the origins of musical talent, the value of being self-taught, and a critical look at traditional educational systems that may stifle creativity in favor of conformity.
• Humanity's Relationship with Nature: Both serious and humorous discussions about dangerous wildlife underscore a cautious respect and occasional fear of the untamed natural world, contrasting with urban living.
• The Complexities of the Music Industry: The intriguing and dark historical allegations surrounding Jimi Hendrix's management reveal a potentially dangerous and ruthless side of the music business in past eras.