In a recent interview, Chris Stapleton shed light on his journey as a songwriter and musician, reflecting on the complexities of his artistic identity. The Kentucky native, known for his soulful blend of country, rock, and southern-gothic storytelling, has made significant waves in the music scene, particularly with his unique sound and powerful lyrics.
Stapleton recently completed a series of performances in the UK as part of his All-American Road Show tour. The promotional posters showcased his signature cowboy hat and beard, set against a backdrop of vibrant red, white, and blue—a perfect visual for a true American artist. With over 20 years of experience writing and performing songs about love, heartbreak, and, of course, whiskey—his passion for the drink not only inspired songs like “Tennessee Whiskey” and “Whiskey River,” but also led him to launch his own whisky brand, Traveller. As he reflects on the upcoming election, he humorously proclaims, “I’m voting for America and a good glass of whiskey.”
Despite his stature as a 10-time Grammy winner with 22 million monthly Spotify listeners, Stapleton’s artistry transcends the typical country music mold. His song “Hillbilly Blood” showcases his roots yet departs from conventional country themes, weaving southern-gothic vignettes that tackle societal stereotypes. “Where I’m from, people can often be looked down upon as uneducated,” he explains, emphasizing the complexity of his heritage.
His most recent hit, “White Horse,” presents a twist on the classic cowboy narrative, depicting a man who runs away from love rather than riding off into the sunset as a heroic figure. Collaborating with diverse artists— from Taylor Swift to Metallica—Stapleton is redefining what it means to be a country musician in today’s music landscape. He comments on the responsibility of songwriters to address significant societal issues, as reflected in “Watch You Burn,” a poignant response to the tragic 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting. “It’s part of our duty to connect with people through our music,” he states.
Growing up in a small Kentucky town as the son of a coal miner, Stapleton’s early encounters with music came from family—a combination of jamming with his uncle and his father’s eclectic tastes in outlaw country and R&B. After initially pursuing a biomedical engineering degree at Vanderbilt University, Stapleton quickly recognized that his true calling lay in music. Discovering the world of professional songwriting opened his eyes to possibilities he never imagined. “I had no idea that songwriting was a job,” he shares, revealing how he developed a passion for creating music.
Over the years, Stapleton established himself as a sought-after songwriter in Nashville, crafting hits for both legendary and contemporary country artists. Yet, he never felt like “a cog in a machine.” In pursuit of his own musical expression, he ventured to perform with groups like the SteelDrivers and the Jompson Brothers before stepping out on his own. “It was a risk, and I probably lost 40% of my income at that time,” he admits, echoing the sacrifices that often accompany artistic aspirations.
His debut album, “Traveller,” was mostly written during a cathartic road trip with his wife Morgane, following the loss of his father. “That whole record is dedicated to him,” Stapleton reflects. The breakthrough moment for his music came at the 2015 Country Music Association Awards when one powerful performance alongside Justin Timberlake catapulted him into the spotlight, turning his half-filled concert gigs into sold-out shows overnight.
As country music evolved, Stapleton emerged as a crossover star appealing to a broad audience—a stark contrast to the bro-country trend that dominated the scene. He champions storytelling in his music as a cornerstone of the genre, with “You Should Probably Leave” serving as an example of his ability to capture emotional complexity.
With the upcoming election adding tension to public discourse, Stapleton remains unbothered by celebrity political endorsements. He argues for the importance of keeping personal beliefs and political views private, allowing politicians to make their case while respecting individual perspectives. His stance on country music’s challenges with intolerance and sexism is candid yet measured. “There’s intolerance and sexism everywhere… you’re kidding yourself if you think those things don’t exist,” he acknowledges.
Stapleton defines American values as rooted in fairness and understanding, stressing the importance of dialogue across different backgrounds. As tensions ramp up leading to next month’s election, he remains optimistic about the unifying power of music. “I think we need more things we can agree on,” he concludes, suggesting that his work aims to bridge divides rather than create them. In a world marked by division, Chris Stapleton stands as a reminder of the narratives that can still bring people together.
