Ep 506 - King Marcus (feat. Marcus King)

At a Glance

• Physical Labor and Flow State - “Dude, you really do, you can’t hit a flow state.” Discusses the satisfaction and healing aspect of physical labor and being in a flow state.

• Transition from Band to Solo - “I did a record called El Dorado and it wasn’t my guys. It was the first album I did without my band.” Talks about the transition from being in a band to going solo and the challenges that come with it.

• News Consumption - “He’s like stop taking in this shit like you don’t need to read the news.” Reflects on the negative impact of consuming news and the importance of choosing what information to take in.

• Touring and Music Creation - “I try to keep the guitar fresh you know so when I’m home. I’m like playing banjo or piano.” Discusses the importance of taking breaks from music to keep creativity fresh and maintain a connection with the instrument.

• Music Listening Habits - “I try to just listen to it in albums more because I would like just do song song like in my car.” Talks about the shift from listening to individual songs to full albums for a more immersive music experience.

What to Do

• ‘Focus on making the audience have a good time’ - By shifting the focus from oneself to the audience, it can alleviate performance anxiety and lead to a more enjoyable experience for both the performer and the audience.

• ‘Stop taking in unnecessary information’ - Limiting exposure to negative or irrelevant news and media can help reduce stress and improve mental well-being, allowing for a more peaceful inner world.

• ‘Lean into the process of professionals’ - Trusting and following the process of experienced professionals, even if it may seem unconventional, can lead to successful outcomes and growth in one’s own work.

• ‘Find a creative outlet’ - Engaging in creative activities, whether it’s building something, drawing, or any form of self-expression, can provide a sense of fulfillment and prevent feelings of stagnation or dissatisfaction in daily life.

What to Get

• Tie Fisherman Pants - The speaker expresses a desire to wear tie fisherman pants, describing them as huge pants that they want to wear.

• Aura Ring - The speaker mentions wearing an aura ring, which they have been hiding under the table.

• Classic Novels - The speaker mentions reading classic novels as recommended by someone, suggesting to stop taking in “bullshit information” and read classic novels instead.

• Born Again by Chuck Colson - The speaker mentions reading a book called “Born Again” by Chuck Colson, who was Richard Nixon’s “hatchet man.”

Summary

In this podcast episode transcript, the conversation revolves around the experiences and insights of a musician named Marcus King. He discusses his touring schedule, the importance of taking breaks, and the creative process behind his music. King also shares his transition from working with his band to pursuing solo projects, highlighting the challenges and growth that come with such changes in the music industry.

One interesting point raised in the conversation is King’s reflection on the news media. He expresses skepticism towards traditional news sources, describing them as fake and pageantry. This perspective stems from his personal experiences and observations, leading him to prioritize consuming content that aligns with his interests and values. Additionally, King shares his admiration for a mentor who encouraged him to focus on creating music and not be swayed by external influences, emphasizing the importance of staying true to one’s artistic vision.

Another intriguing aspect of the conversation is King’s collaboration with renowned producers such as Dan Auerbach and Dave Cobb. He discusses the different approaches and quirks of each producer, highlighting the importance of trusting the creative process and allowing room for experimentation. King also touches on the influence of literature and personal experiences on his music, showcasing a holistic approach to songwriting that draws inspiration from various sources.

Overall, the episode delves into King’s journey as a musician, from touring and recording albums to navigating the complexities of the music industry. Through his candid reflections and anecdotes, King provides valuable insights into the creative process, the challenges of artistic growth, and the importance of staying authentic in a constantly evolving industry.