Chris Stapleton
Timestamps are as accurate as they can be but may be slightly off. We encourage you to listen to the full context.
Podcast Summary
Grammy award-winning country music superstar Chris Stapleton joins the Armchair Expert to discuss his journey from a small Kentucky town to Nashville stardom. (03:00) The conversation explores Stapleton's early years as a songwriter for other artists, his time with the bluegrass band The SteelDrivers, and his eventual breakthrough as a solo artist. (39:30) Chris reflects on his collaborative writing process, the importance of silence and solitude in his creative work, and his philosophy that there's "no such thing as a country music emergency." (40:00)
- Main Theme: A deep dive into the mindset and creative process of one of country music's most respected artists, exploring themes of perfectionism, creative control, family legacy, and the difference between being a songwriter versus being a performer.
Speakers
Chris Stapleton
Chris Stapleton is a multiple Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose albums include Traveler, From a Room, Higher, and Starting Over. Before his solo career took off, he spent over a decade as one of Nashville's most successful songwriters, writing six number-one hits for major country artists including Kenny Chesney, George Strait, and Luke Bryan. He was also the lead vocalist for the bluegrass band The SteelDrivers before launching his solo career that has made him one of country music's most respected and universally acclaimed artists.
Dax Shepard
Actor, comedian, and podcast host best known for his roles in Parenthood and CHiPs, as well as co-hosting the Armchair Expert podcast with Monica Padman. A recovering addict and outspoken advocate for mental health awareness, Dax brings his curiosity about human psychology and personal growth to every interview.
Key Takeaways
Prioritize Process Over Outcomes
Stapleton reveals his philosophy that "there's no such thing as a country music emergency" and prefers "something to be right over it being done." (39:10) This approach has served him well throughout his career, allowing him to focus on the quality of his work rather than external pressures. His patience paid off dramatically when a song he wrote 21 years earlier, "Higher," finally found its place on his 2023 album. Practical Application: Rather than rushing to meet arbitrary deadlines, focus on delivering your best work when it's truly ready, understanding that excellence often requires patience and multiple iterations.
Embrace the Power of Silence for Creative Input
Unlike many people who constantly consume podcasts or music, Stapleton actively seeks silence because he's "looking for something outside to come down through the antenna." (07:00) He describes this practice as essential for receiving creative inspiration and even basic thoughts about what he needs to do each day. This runs counter to our culture's tendency to fill every moment with external stimulation. Practical Application: Build regular periods of complete silence into your day, whether during commutes, walks, or dedicated quiet time, to allow space for creative thoughts and insights to emerge naturally.
Value Terms Over Money in Negotiations
Stapleton shares his motto that "terms are better than money" when it comes to business deals. (29:40) Rather than focusing solely on upfront payment, he prioritized ownership, reversions, and long-term control of his work. This philosophy allowed him to build sustainable career equity rather than just immediate income. He chose publishers based on who believed in his work rather than who offered the highest advance, understanding that the right partnership would pay dividends over time. Practical Application: In any negotiation or career decision, evaluate the long-term implications and control aspects of a deal, not just the immediate financial benefit, as building equity and maintaining creative control often proves more valuable over time.
Know Your Role While Maintaining Confidence
Drawing from his experience as a little brother and working with established songwriters, Stapleton learned to assess what he could contribute to any collaborative situation while never feeling "less than or unequal to those tasks." (11:30) When entering rooms with veteran writers, he would determine his unique value—whether making coffee or bringing a fresh perspective—without diminishing his own worth. This skill allowed him to work successfully with major artists and established writers throughout Nashville. Practical Application: In professional situations where you may feel outranked, focus on identifying your unique contribution while maintaining confidence in your abilities, understanding that value comes in many forms beyond seniority or experience.
Trust the Creative Process Without Fear
When asked about fear in his songwriting process, Stapleton responded with zero hesitation: "I don't have any fear. Zero." (38:00) His confidence comes from deep trust in his ability to create, knowing that "I know it's gonna happen" when he sits down to write. This fearless approach to creativity stems from years of practice and understanding that his core skill—songwriting—is something he can always rely on, regardless of external circumstances. Practical Application: Develop such mastery in your core competency that you approach it without fear of failure, understanding that consistent practice builds unshakeable confidence in your ability to deliver when it matters most.
Statistics & Facts
- Stapleton secured a publishing deal in just seven days after moving to Nashville, which he notes is "not anybody's story, but that's mine." (25:30) This remarkably fast trajectory into the music industry highlights how sometimes talent meets opportunity at exactly the right moment.
- During his ten years as a songwriter, Stapleton wrote approximately 1,000 songs and achieved six number-one hits for major country artists. This prolific output demonstrates the intense work ethic required to succeed in Nashville's competitive songwriting community.
- His album "Traveler" sold 2 million copies following his breakthrough CMA performance with Justin Timberlake, transforming him from successful songwriter to major recording artist virtually overnight. (71:00)
