In a rare crossover that brought together two seemingly distant worlds, legendary country musician Chris Stapleton recently joined former cycling champion Lance Armstrong on Armstrong’s podcast, *The Forward*. The two icons, each a master of his domain, engaged in a candid conversation that ranged from Stapleton’s songwriting journey and competitive drive to his thoughts on what defines “real country music” in 2024. With Armstrong’s distinctive interview style, known for digging deep into personal and professional motivations, the discussion gave listeners a unique glimpse into Stapleton’s life and artistic principles.
The combination of Armstrong’s probing questions and Stapleton’s reflective, grounded answers proved compelling for audiences. The episode offered far more than a typical interview—it explored two individuals who have faced enormous pressure in their respective fields, dealt with controversy, and carved their paths to success. This blog post delves into the key takeaways from the interview, unpacking Stapleton’s insights on creativity, competition, and his love for the traditional sounds of country music.
A Meeting of Minds: Armstrong’s Unique Interview Style and Stapleton’s Candid Reflections
When Lance Armstrong sat down with Chris Stapleton, it quickly became clear that this would not be a typical music interview. Armstrong, known for his unfiltered style and straightforward approach, was curious to learn about what drives Stapleton as an artist and a performer. Having been through both triumphs and tribulations in his career, Armstrong has developed a keen ability to draw out his guests’ deepest motivations, probing into the areas of their lives that shape who they are today.
For Stapleton, this meant diving into the roots of his creativity, exploring the essence of his competitive spirit, and revealing his evolving perspective on country music in today’s world. As a musician who rose to fame on the back of his songwriting abilities and authentic vocal style, Stapleton seemed more than willing to share his journey, offering thoughtful responses that gave listeners insight into his approach to his craft. With Armstrong’s probing questions, Stapleton opened up in a way that fans rarely get to witness, discussing the highs and the challenges of his career.
Stapleton’s Journey: From Songwriter to Star
One of the key topics of the interview was Stapleton’s path from a behind-the-scenes songwriter to a widely celebrated performer in his own right. Before Stapleton became a household name with his debut solo album, *Traveller, he spent years working as a songwriter in Nashville, penning hits for major artists across genres. This experience, he explained, taught him the ins and outs of the music industry and allowed him to hone his craft before stepping into the spotlight himself.
Stapleton revealed that his years as a songwriter were invaluable, giving him a strong foundation that has guided his approach as a solo artist. “Songwriting was my apprenticeship,” he told Armstrong, emphasising how the time he spent crafting lyrics and melodies for other artists shaped his understanding of storytelling and structure in music. For Stapleton, songwriting isn’t just a job; it’s a form of self-expression, and he takes pride in creating songs that connect deeply with audiences. His dedication to authenticity and honest storytelling has become a hallmark of his music, resonating with fans who seek raw, unfiltered emotion in their country music.
Armstrong, intrigued by Stapleton’s journey, pressed further, asking if the transition from songwriter to performer had come naturally. Stapleton admitted that stepping into the limelight had its challenges, but he embraced the opportunity to perform his material, saying that the experience has made him more aware of his responsibility as an artist. He explained how performing his songs allows him to connect with his fans on a deeper level, creating a shared experience that he finds both humbling and inspiring.
The Competitive Drive: A Shared Quality with Armstrong
While Stapleton and Armstrong come from different fields, the two bonded over their shared competitive spirit. Stapleton, known for his calm and grounded demeanour, acknowledged that he, too, possesses a fierce drive that propels him forward. However, unlike Armstrong’s competitive pursuits in the world of sports, Stapleton’s competition is more introspective—it’s about striving to be better with each song, each album, and each performance.
Armstrong, whose life and career have been defined by an intense pursuit of victory, was particularly interested in how this competitive instinct plays out in Stapleton’s creative process. Stapleton shared that while he doesn’t compete against other artists, he constantly pushes himself to evolve and grow as a musician. He spoke about the internal pressure he feels to create music that is true to his roots while still being innovative. This balance of authenticity and growth, he explained, is what keeps him engaged and passionate about his craft.
Stapleton also discussed how the country music industry itself has become more competitive, with artists facing increasing pressure to produce chart-topping hits and viral songs. Despite this, he remains focused on making music that he believes in, rather than chasing trends or commercial success. For Stapleton, success isn’t defined by awards or sales numbers but by the quality and impact of his work. This mindset, he told Armstrong, is what keeps him grounded and motivated, allowing him to create music that resonates with his fans.
Defining Real Country Music in 2024: Stapleton’s Perspective
One of the most intriguing parts of the interview was Stapleton’s take on the state of country music in 2024. Known for his traditional sound and commitment to the genre’s roots, Stapleton has often been seen as a torchbearer for “real” country music. When Armstrong asked him what defines country music today, Stapleton’s answer was both thoughtful and revealing.
Stapleton shared that, in his view, “real” country music isn’t defined by a specific sound or style but by a commitment to storytelling, authenticity, and emotional depth. He expressed concern over the growing commercialisation of country music, where many songs prioritise catchy hooks and pop production over genuine expression. For Stapleton, the genre’s power lies in its ability to convey real-life experiences, whether that’s through tales of hardship, love, or personal growth.
Stapleton’s comments highlight a sentiment shared by many traditionalists within the country music community who feel that the genre has lost some of its essence in the race for mainstream appeal. However, he also acknowledged that music must evolve to stay relevant and that there’s room for diverse sounds within the genre. The challenge, he suggested, is finding a balance between honouring the genre’s roots and embracing innovation.
Stapleton’s vision of country music is one that respects the past while remaining open to new interpretations. His own music exemplifies this balance, blending classic country elements with blues, rock, and soul influences. This commitment to authenticity, he explained, is what he believes will keep country music alive and relevant for future generations.
Bridging Two Worlds: Music and Sports
The conversation between Armstrong and Stapleton was a fascinating intersection of music and sports, two fields that may seem worlds apart but share common themes of passion, resilience, and dedication. Armstrong, whose career has been defined by extreme highs and lows, seemed to relate to Stapleton’s pursuit of authenticity and excellence. The two men shared a mutual respect, recognising the demands and challenges that come with being at the top of one’s field.
Throughout the interview, Armstrong’s questions were probing and genuine, encouraging Stapleton to dig deep into his motivations and philosophy. Stapleton, in turn, was reflective and open, offering fans a rare look into the mindset that drives his music. Their conversation transcended typical celebrity interviews, providing insight into what it means to pursue greatness in a world that often prioritises commercial success over artistic integrity.
A Memorable Dialogue on Legacy, Art, and Authenticity
In the end, the podcast episode offered fans a compelling dialogue that revealed much about both men. Armstrong’s interview style brought out Stapleton’s candid thoughts on music, competition, and staying true to one’s values. For Stapleton, it was a chance to reflect on the journey that has taken him from Nashville’s songwriter rooms to the global stage, as well as the guiding principles that shape his work.
Listeners were left with a deeper appreciation for Stapleton’s artistry and a greater understanding of the competitive spirit that drives him. His reflections on the state of country music in 2024 provided valuable insights into the genre’s evolution, and his commitment to authenticity resonated with fans who value realness in their artists.
For Armstrong, the conversation was yet another example of his ability to connect with guests from all walks of life, exploring the human qualities that fuel their success. Together, Armstrong and Stapleton demonstrated that while their worlds may differ, the desire to create, inspire, and leave a meaningful legacy is a universal pursuit. As fans continue to digest the insights shared in this memorable interview, one thing is clear: both men have left an indelible mark on their fields, and their conversation serves as a reminder of the power of authenticity, dedication, and a relentless commitment to one’s craft.