Grammy-winning artist Jason Isbell talks about the craft of songwriting and his latest music

Рет қаралды 92,036

8 ай бұрын

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Jason Isbell sits down with CBS News anchor John Dickerson to discuss inspiration, gratitude and the craft of songwriting. Isbell talks about his latest music and performs an acoustic version of "Cast Iron Skillet."

Пікірлер: 215

@jdavidsavage 8 ай бұрын

That was hands down the best interview of a musician/songwriter/artist I’ve ever seen. John is obviously a fan, a student of Jason’s work, but he really did his homework and was insightful with his questions. Hats off.

@sotampacane 7 ай бұрын

If you love this one, and it is really good, check out the MSNBC hour he did with Ari Melber (Mavericks)

@jdavidsavage 7 ай бұрын

@@sotampacane That’s a good interview as well, but it’s more “slick”, I prefer the warmer approach, seems more genuine.

@kristinemunholland8980 7 ай бұрын

Agreed. I almost didn't watch figuring there's nothing new I'd get from another Isbell interview, but this was lovely.

@lilmcgill2618 6 ай бұрын

Funny, my take was just the opposite. It felt like a big fan trying to wanting to impress an idol. Sometimes it felt like he was leading and looking for an answer. I prefer when there is more natural chemistry and the interviewer can bounce off the answers for the next question.

@daedalusjones4228 8 ай бұрын

Kudos to John Dickerson. Dickerson says to Isbell "There's a line in the song where you say -- I'm sorry; where the NARRATOR says -- " Dickerson is the ONLY interviewer (or person, at all) who I have heard (rightfully) correct himself in this way.

@joshmcdevitt137 7 ай бұрын

He is literally one of the greatest song writers ever

@lnhislmage 3 ай бұрын

If you like one or two chord songs. Personally I’d call him a good lyricist. Maybe even an excellent lyricist and artist because his delivery is really great but take the lyrics out listen to the music, the song and he’s no Elton John. I use Elton because he doesn’t write lyrics. But he writes songs.

@lnhislmage 3 ай бұрын

No. Literally really?😱. How underrated is he ?

@the1stime 7 ай бұрын

There’s only a few interviews where the interviewer is moved emotionally. You can feel John’s admiration and that makes all the difference.

@ozgirl913 Ай бұрын

I wholeheartedly agree. His interview is truly heartfelt, respectful, and full of his own deep vulnerability, not afraid to let his own true emotions be felt and seen by the captive audience of his interview. I came away from their interaction almost tearful. This was not a man with a written script or list of questions that would cause one to feel this was just another cold meeting for the sake of landing another banal interview under his belt. I sincerely feel both Jason and John walked away from this experience deeply affected and knowing that THIS interview was raw, sincere, and felt that the viewers had a deeper understanding of the process of what makes a REAL story come to life. The first KZfaq video of Jason I saw was a beautiful acoustic interpretation of Wet Willie’s iconic hit Keep On Smilin’. Worth watching ❤

@tedperry7085 8 ай бұрын

I'm a hug fan of John Dickerson so I'd probably watch him interview a mime but I'm an insanely huge fan of Jason Isbell so to listen to these two talk music, politics and life was a treat. Between Dickerson and Anthony Mason, CBS really knows how to cover good musicians.

@JS-nf1sn 8 ай бұрын

He is the world's best song writer, hands down. His songs are like movies in your head.

@dalailalai6335 7 ай бұрын

Absolutely. So well said. I truly go places when I listen.

@marientwistle2797 4 ай бұрын

Beautifully said!

@strychen 8 ай бұрын

I've been a fan of Isbell since he was in the Drive-by Truckers. He is easily one of the most underrated artists out there today.

@dfareyes87 8 ай бұрын

And for selfish reasons, I’d like for him to stay underrated like that. Still seeing him live in 2,000-3,500 capacity venues for the last decade has been amazing. Now he’s going on a stadium tour opening for zach bryan in front of 72,000 ppl who are likely only even at the show for tiktok content or ig likes.

@strychen 8 ай бұрын

@@dfareyes87 for those amongst them who would lend an ear, Jason will be a treat if they don't already know him.

@dfareyes87 8 ай бұрын

@@strychen very true. But there also happens to be another stadium country act who hit it big using a cover of one of Jason’s most intimate and heartfelt songs. I think he won a TV talent show as well. I would imagine there would be some fan overlap in those stadium act circles.

@tompatchak8706 7 ай бұрын

@@dfareyes87I’ve seen JI with DBT a bunch, then solo BEFORE southeastern. Those tickets were affordable. Now I can’t seen his show without selling a kidney.

@BlakeBurton-wy5zh 7 ай бұрын

@@tompatchak8706 I’m fortunate enough to be born and live in Nashville where Jason does his 8 day residency every year at the Mother Church. This year I got two tickets (good seats) for $46 a piece. It’s the Ticketmaster fees that get you. I blame it on corporate greed. I feel like he tries to make his shows as affordable as possible. I think $46 a pop to see Jason and the 400 Unit at the best venue in Nashville, arguably one of the best venues in the world, is a steal. Don’t know what his prices are like in other cites though.

@markrationalthinker 3 ай бұрын

This interview has such a great message that I think a lot of people today don't really consider: It's ok to bored and by yourself. You need those quiet spaces to really get your head clear and just practice your craft. There's a reason why this guy is one of the best guitar players and song writers around today.

@hamburgerdan101 3 ай бұрын

Been doing this a lot recently i feel ive improved levels of musicianship in a short time i hope to keep this going

@EZGrace 2 ай бұрын

Jason Isbell and his writings are great, hands down. But John Dickerson may have conducted the best interview with some of the most relevant questions I’ve ever heard. Questions and approach was so spot on! Wow!

@alansorrells5090 7 ай бұрын

what an insightful interview from John Dickerson. His questions evolved into more of a dialogue as his introspection seemed to affirm that he is a genuine listener of Jason's music. Also, his reaction when Jason played "Cast Iron Skillet" represented, I would think, the reaction any fan of authentic, honest songwriting would have. thanks for this.

@davidburne9477 8 ай бұрын

Wow, that hour passed quickly! Isbell is, by my reckoning, the finest songwriter of his era. Who else writes such achingly beautiful songs of love and tragedy? I’ve been lucky enough to see him and the 400 Unit in a small Australian Festival (Silver Raven, in the Barossa Valley wine region) and I have the set list to prove it (April 2, 2016). It was a privilege. Eileen Jewell was on the bill as well, so quite a fine night of Americana. Thanks for the interview.

@johnsierramusic 6 ай бұрын

I really love the authenticity, curiosity, thoughtfulness, that John interviewed Jason with. I’d love to see him interviewing more, Americana, folk artists.

@lacyjc2183 Ай бұрын

So glad to be on the Jason Isbel side of country music.

@Cuemom 7 ай бұрын

What a wonderful interview. Nice to hear some questions that haven’t been asked by others. And love hearing interviewer who is clearly a big fan himself.

@cianelliott2947 7 ай бұрын

Simply incredible. Great questions, great explanations. Everyone who made an effort to get this to such a high standard should be very proud. Isbell is the Springsteen of this era.

@scottlocke7945 8 ай бұрын

And that is how an interview should be conducted. Bravo!

@ozgirl913 Ай бұрын

I feel a deep connection with Jason on many levels - we both share sobriety - what he says about having regrets, yet realizing after a period of sobriety he realizes how those years of self-destructive behavior made him who he is today. I always try to remember my drinking and drugging days were necessary for me to become the person I was always intended to be. His lyrics take me back to a lifetime of visiting my aunt and her family in his hometown of Greenhill, Alabama and truly understanding the core values that little town taught me. It’s also surreal that he’s friends with my dear friend Jimmy Hall and seeing their mutual respect for each other’s musicianship and as people in general. I know this is a long commentary but this guy just speaks from his experiences and his heart and weaves stories as he says can ask, how does he know me so deeply?

@celticfrostherbs 8 ай бұрын

What an amazing interview with one of my favorite singer, songwriters. Very moving

@Cookie-ri9pz 7 ай бұрын

He is incredible song writer with a incredible voice. ❤️ & ✌️ to Jason and his family.

@elmoblatch9787 8 ай бұрын

Only discovering Isbell this year and I'm shocked at what I have missed. I'm blown away by his lyrics. I thought he was "just a country singer" but he really spans Americana and rock. He is no hick. I saw that he has a college degree in English and he knows what he is doing.

@mikelawler7089 8 ай бұрын

He got his degree this year after stopping oh so close to it back then

@DS-nw4eq 8 ай бұрын

You’re really judgemental. That’s dangerous to society.

@dalailalai6335 7 ай бұрын

The best part about becoming a new fan of his work is that there’s a pretty big back catalogue. So much to enjoy.

@tompatchak8706 7 ай бұрын

Start with his DBT stuff and go into his earlier work. You can’t see where a man is going until your seen where he’s been.

@arbiehill68 7 ай бұрын

What a complicated well spoken guy. I am glad he looks so healthy. Just watched his performance on ACL and was blown away. He is an amazing talent, only getting better. Add to that managing a band full of incredibly talented people, he seems to have it all, including a hugely talented wife and his daughter. His rig rundown interviews are great too. Guy loves his guitars. His story of the '59 LP is awesome.

@TjBruce817 7 ай бұрын

I'm glad this was a 40 min interview. He is cerebral and honest and his work really reflects that. Can't get enough of this guy's music and my fear of what some in country music would like to see it become subsides, he makes me think country music is going to be ok.

@TjBruce817 7 ай бұрын

I love he rips that 59 Les Paul and doesn't put it in a vault to just gain value. 🤟

@tompatchak8706 7 ай бұрын

He was on the Daily Show a few years ago. I could watch he and Trevor Noah discuss anything

@finnfan33 8 ай бұрын

Love Jason Isbell, thank you for the interview!

@AHamSandwich516 8 ай бұрын

What songs did he write??

@Caperhere 8 ай бұрын

@@AHamSandwich516Are you being serious? Isbell writes his own songs . I have 6 albums worth, and he’s written more than that. His songs, a lot of them, require a little thinking time before you completely understand them. He’s a very good songsmith. He’s travelled a long distance in his personal life, and has written about where he is at any given time. Cover Me Up, God Damn Lonely Love, Yvette, Elephant, Alabama Pines are some good ones to start with.

@kimhoitomt8527 25 күн бұрын

@A ham sandwich516 If we were vampires

@jthompson133 4 ай бұрын

Best interview I’ve ever seen about music and Howard stern is the king of talking to great musicians. Isbell is a national treasure and the interviewer was a fan, prepared, and kept up. That song at the end brought me to tears.

@jacobvieira1338 5 ай бұрын

It's not just that isbell is an amazing songwriter but he's a guitarists guitarist, a true working band musician that's put in the years. He's solid all the way around

@dgayle17 7 ай бұрын

"It's not his descriptions, it's the song writer's." I love it hahaha. This was a great interview, thanks John Dickerson

@Cuemom 7 ай бұрын

His burns are sick and fast. 👏

@EmilyFShockley 7 ай бұрын

He has a gift for writing songs that speak to so many people, in so many situations, and a gamut of emotions for each individual. I love hearing him talk about the process. I don't know if I'll ever see a better songwriter in my lifetime.

@zaneshredz 7 ай бұрын

the more i listen to JI the more I realize he is the greatest songwriter since bob dylan and he is a national treasure

@dr.jerilynvogelsang3922 7 ай бұрын

Fabulous! As a singer/songwriter, I enjoyed every word and every note!

@jaygallamore562 7 ай бұрын

Great interview! I’ve only recently started seriously listening to Jason Isbell. It is safe to say no one else’s songs move me as deeply as his do.

@StephenEvansmusic 7 ай бұрын

Jason is an inspiration to me and so many other songwriters out there. Many of them are already famous too. Great interview, John!

@MatthewRMacKinnon 8 ай бұрын

John gets it. What a fantastic interview, thanks John

@kindking8009 3 ай бұрын

Great interview. Great questions, even greater answers. It's obvious John Dickerson is a real fan, especially when Jason plays at the end. You can tell he had butterflies, getting to sit right next to him and listen to him play. I could never interview someone I'm a fan of. I'd be far too starstruck and self conscious. I just saw Jason play in Chicago a few days ago and he and his band were fantastic! He's looking more fit, healthy and happy than I've ever seen him. I hate to hear that he and Amanda are getting divorced, but he seems to be in a good place, with his star on the rise, so I'm happy for him.

@chrisharper835 6 ай бұрын

Bravo John Dickerson! An absolutely amazing discussion! Two intellectuals at the top of their game!

@GregBurnett 8 ай бұрын

What a terrific interview. Provocative and respectful in the same questions. Takes us from Isbells front porch to his back porch a good bit. Thank you, John and Jason.

@hovelbunker713 8 ай бұрын

What a thoughtful fellow.

@createone100 7 ай бұрын

Love, love, love Jason Isbell. What a great songwriter and singer. I was lucky enough to see him in person on stage at Winnipeg Folk Festival about five years . Terrific interview! ❤❤

@richardmoreland671 7 ай бұрын

Thank you. I’ve been a fan of Jason for some time and you shone a light on him as he deserves.

@kylematthiesen4816 7 ай бұрын

Jason was fantastic in KOTFM. He deserves continued acting opportunities

@mitchweber2423 7 ай бұрын

I love how Dickerson sits there and just soaks in Jason singing to him.

@MattGodfrey 7 ай бұрын

Jason is obviously one of the best, but hats off to John for asking such specific and insightful questions here. That was a GREAT interview.

@BallparkGuide 8 ай бұрын

Outstanding! Sincere kudos to both men.

@BlacqueJacqueShellacque_ 7 ай бұрын

As a music fan, it's always nice to "discover" an artist early in their career. I was lucky enough to catch Jason with Drive By Truckers, and even luckier to see him play shows in many bar sized venues. I grew up in NJ and always dreamed what it would have been able to see Springsteen before his success. I feel like Jason Isbell is my Bruce Springsteen. Certainly the most talented artist I was lucky enough to see in the smallest venues. He deserves all of his success.

@richardpenhardt6100 8 ай бұрын

insightful understanding of someone you respect ... no crap but honest bounty. thank you both

@davewiseman2739 7 ай бұрын

It doesn’t get better than this. Thank you

@94cruicky 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for this! Love Jason ❤️

@michaelsongs 7 ай бұрын

Loved this so much @jasonisbellmusic is amazing! Grateful for his honesty, vulnerability & perspective… in songwriting, performing & life! 🎶❤️🎶

@deewaunder722 6 ай бұрын

Jason’s ability to write such evocative lyrics is unparalleled. Wrapping those lyrics around the music is something he does with sublime perfection, and his unique cadence and tone… I hope to see him live one day.

@marksellers2499 7 ай бұрын

Very impressed with john Dickersons apparent level of study of Isbels music, smart relevant questions. You could tell isbel appreciated it

@tomokra 7 ай бұрын

What a great fella to interview Jason that guy is. Wonderful.

@debiv7834 7 ай бұрын

Great interview! Enjoyed your questions and point of view! A different interview prospective than I have seen. Deep and thoughtful. Thank you! We have been huge fans of Jason for a long time❤! Great new album!

@klgood1 8 ай бұрын

Phenomenal interview. John really asked some great questions.

@marientwistle2797 4 ай бұрын

Watching this interview after reading that Jason and Amanda are getting divorced really hurts my heart. You could see their struggles on their Running With our Eyes Closed documentary but I prayed they’d make it through but apparently the divide was too wide for them to cross. Like a lot of other people, I discovered Jason with his Southeastern album and to me he’s the greatest songwriter I’ve ever heard. I listened to Reunions and Weathervane after reading about the divorce and there’s so much more meaning to the songs now. Some actually made me cry knowing what I know now. I pray they can both find peace without each other. At least I know they’ll do everything in their power to give their daughter Mercy all the love they can to help her get through it. 🙏🏻

@juanportley2816 7 ай бұрын

Hey John - nice to see a journalist focus on the content of creation and the source of honesty - you asked questions that delved into the depth of meaning - congrats - great interview!

@xunderoathx73 4 ай бұрын

This is an incredible interview, amazing

@unjaded912 29 күн бұрын

awe, for the artist *and* the interviewer❤️

@mikelawler7089 8 ай бұрын

Amazing interview from both participants. Jason lover & John fan before. Bigger in each case after, wow. Amazing insights

@ajfleming2121 7 ай бұрын

This was such a wonderful interview. Thank you.

@natet5959 8 ай бұрын

I love Isabell's honesty and he's not a bad songwriter either. Great interview!

@Michael777Simmons 3 ай бұрын

One of the most brilliant sall riders ever. Hope he comes back to our side because the side of cool is no side at all. Hell they eat their young over there. Come right songs for us, Jason. We need to change this world back to good.

@teresamason96 7 ай бұрын

Great questions, excellent answers. Respect all around.

@JohnNick72 7 ай бұрын

Great conversation with an extraordinarily talented man - Thanks!

@gbarge4 8 ай бұрын

Very moving. For everyone.

@Zavijava1 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for this, Jason really matters...

@juicefcmartinez4152 8 ай бұрын

I'm not crying.

@Bo-hb3eo 6 ай бұрын

This was a great interview! I thought Jason seemed very comfortable, honest and open. He seemed to enjoy it. I’ve got my tickets for a show in March. Can’t wait!

@828Phatty 7 ай бұрын

Incredible conversation...

@bobbyarchibald1255 7 ай бұрын

Simply put, nice job gentlemen.

@grahamjhalpin6152 6 ай бұрын

ALOT, and I mean ALOT of Journalists could learn from John Dickerson. A Brilliant interview.

@WhyTheHorseface 7 ай бұрын

Excellent interview.

@huckberry17 3 ай бұрын

Flagship by Jason was my wife and I's wedding song. Beautiful songwriter.

@ryanjohnson985 7 ай бұрын

Amazing interview with intelligent, out of the box questions. ❤

@shanefrank3281 7 ай бұрын

Wow. That interviewer was amazing. Great job.

@TimEldridgeLyrics 8 ай бұрын

Amazing interview

@periloustemple8290 7 ай бұрын

Loved it!!!

@melissahudson5182 2 ай бұрын

Cast Iron Skillet is a fantastic song. ❤

@brianwood7237 8 ай бұрын

Jason is one of my favorite modern artists I've got to start watching the regular news I guess?

@Caperhere 8 ай бұрын

No,lol, there are lots of interesting JI interviews on KZfaq. He plays Bill Smith in Killers Of The Flower Moon.

@johnharrison5901 7 ай бұрын

Excellent work- outstanding

@AnthonyPi1999 7 ай бұрын

Great interview!

@CANNIMAGINE 7 ай бұрын

Great interview of a really interesting musician who has become one of my favorite songwriters.

@bongledrot7760 6 ай бұрын

What a great interview

@kevinjenner9502 8 ай бұрын

I admire his guitar collection, worth millions upon millions.

@kristinemunholland8980 7 ай бұрын

is it really?

@amandakaye 7 ай бұрын

When you get specific, the tiny little weird stuff that’s how people relate to your work.

@kristinemunholland8980 7 ай бұрын

OMG, I'm only a few minutes in and I already LOVE that he said "I'm a RECOVERED alcoholic"! I hate when people constantly describe themselves degradingly as a disordered label despite the fact they have succeeded in transforming themselves. Way to go, Jason. One more reason to love your work.....also, my Dad saw the film and said you were quite good in it, so there's that - hanging with DiCaprio and DeNiro takes cojones.

@nonameronin1 6 ай бұрын

That kind of stuff comes from AA and other 12 step programs. If you go to AA meetings you're expected to always think of yourself as an alcoholic, no matter how long it's been since your last drink. Thinking that way works for some people but also underlines that AA is just one approach to sober living.

@noelbrian55 3 ай бұрын

Breathtaking.

@juneesser5153 4 ай бұрын

With Petty gone, thank God for Isbell. A true songwriter. Same club as Lucinda Williams

@druwk 8 ай бұрын

Johnny Cash’s, Rick Rubin recording CASH, was the straw, the support that got me through the door 26 years ago. Was a pleasure to hear this interview. Will have to get familiar with his music?

@benjammin7729 7 ай бұрын

Start with the Southeastern album and go forward.

@robr.3679 8 ай бұрын

Great interview! Was hoping for a quick play-a-long as in the interview with John Prine.... but alas, this was still a great conversation.

@carljohnson2700 8 ай бұрын

Best Songwriter out there right now

@coryclark2469 6 ай бұрын

Dickserson with the great questions!!

@We_are_the_light 7 ай бұрын

Jason is a beautiful human and a juggernaut song writrr

@bryanshirley3264 8 ай бұрын

Great Interview! Wow an Interviewer who not trying to one up an artist with all his knowledge.

@cdbrown30 7 ай бұрын

If you haven’t watched Killers of the Flower Moon, Jason is actually in it! Great movie

@paulfischer288 7 ай бұрын

In case you missed it--in the new Scorsese movie Jason has several scenes, and he even has a big scene going one on one with Leo!

@alienzardsketter.9076 8 ай бұрын

I enjoy being alone ,, People are distracting I like to study them ,, but dont like to get all caught up with someone ,,,, I Love my wife and what Little family I have left ,,and I Love art music and a good nights sleep.

@JamisonOfficial Ай бұрын

I love that John calls him out for take Joan’s line 😂

@Theantichryst 8 ай бұрын

❤

@johngurthet8952 7 ай бұрын

I was at one of the Ryman shows he did last month and about half way through he told the audience the rest of the show would be sad songs. I thought it was kinda funny because I feel all of his songs are sad songs.