- June 5, 2024
Sturgill Simpson is gearing up for an exciting new chapter in his career, embracing a fresh persona and musical direction. The acclaimed country artist has unveiled plans for a new album, “Passage Du Desir,” and an extensive North American tour, both under the alias Johnny Blue Skies. This announcement has generated a buzz among fans and music enthusiasts eager to see what this new project will bring.
New Persona, New Album: Johnny Blue Skies and “Passage Du Desir”
Simpson’s decision to adopt the moniker Johnny Blue Skies aligns with his earlier vow to limit his releases under his original name to five studio albums. With “Passage Du Desir,” set to drop on July 12th via his own label, High Top Mountain Records, he embarks on a novel artistic journey. The album, featuring eight tracks, was crafted with the expertise of producer David Ferguson at Clement House Recording Studio in Nashville and the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London.
This shift to Johnny Blue Skies represents a creative rebirth for Simpson. He remarked, “Reinventing myself as Johnny Blue Skies has given me a new perspective and a chance to explore different musical landscapes.” The album’s tracklist promises a blend of introspective lyrics and diverse musical styles, with songs like “Mint Tea,” “If the Sun Never Rises Again,” “Swamp of Sadness,” and “Jupiter’s Faerie.”
The Making of “Passage Du Desir”
Recording “Passage Du Desir” at both Clement House and Abbey Road Studios allowed Simpson to blend the rich musical heritage of Nashville with the iconic history of London’s premier recording venue. “Working at Abbey Road was a dream come true,” Simpson shared. “The atmosphere there is charged with the energy of so many great recordings.”
This album marks Simpson’s first major release since “The Ballad of Dood and Juanita” in 2021, a project that delved deep into traditional bluegrass and mountain music. In contrast, “Passage Du Desir” promises to traverse a broader musical terrain, reflecting the multifaceted nature of Simpson’s evolving artistry.
The “Why Not? Tour”: A Long-Awaited Return to the Stage
Supporting the release of “Passage Du Desir,” Simpson and his band—comprising Kevin Black on bass, Robbie Crowell on keys, Laur Joamets on guitar, and Miles Miller on drums—will embark on the “Why Not? Tour.” This marks their first comprehensive tour in over four years, kicking off on August 11th at the Outside Lands festival in San Francisco and continuing through major cities across North America.
Highlights of the tour include performances at prestigious venues such as Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, Detroit’s Fox Theatre, The Gorge Amphitheater in Washington, and double shows at Toronto’s Massey Hall and Chicago’s The Salt Shed. “I can’t wait to bring Johnny Blue Skies to life on stage,” Simpson enthused. “This tour is all about reconnecting with fans and sharing this new music journey with them.”
Fan Engagement and Ticket Sales
Fans eagerly anticipating the tour can register for the pre-sale tickets starting June 12th, with general sales launching on June 14th via Ticketmaster. Importantly, tickets will be non-transferable outside of Ticketmaster, except in Virginia, Illinois, and Utah, where they must be sold at face value. This measure aims to combat scalping and ensure fair ticket access for all fans.
Sturgill Simpson (as Johnny Blue Skies) 2024 Tour Dates
- 08/11 — San Francisco, CA @ Outside Lands
- 09/14 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Greek Theatre
- 09/15 — Santa Barbara, CA @ Santa Barbara Bowl
- 09/17 — West Valley City, UT @ Maverik Center
- 09/19 — Bend, OR @ Hayden Homes Amphitheater
- 09/20 — George, WA @ The Gorge Amphitheatre
- 09/22 — Missoula, MT @ KettleHouse Amphitheater
- 09/24 — Moorhead, MN @ Bluestem Center for the Arts Amphitheater
- 09/25 — Minneapolis, MN @ Roy Wilkins Auditorium
- 09/27 — Lexington, KY @ Rupp Arena
- 09/28 — Detroit, MI @ Fox Theatre
- 10/01 — Chicago, IL @ Salt Shed
- 10/02 — Chicago, IL @ Salt Shed
- 10/04 — Brandon, MS @ The Brandon Amphitheater
- 10/06 — Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits Music Festival
- 10/08 — Oklahoma City, OK @ Criterion
- 10/09 — Rogers, AR @ Walmart AMP
- 10/13 — Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits Music Festival
- 10/15 — St. Louis, MO @ Fabulous Fox Theatre
- 10/18 — Pittsburgh, PA @ Petersen Events Center
- 10/19 — Forest Hills, NY @ Forest Hills Stadium
- 10/21 — Asheville, NC @ ExploreAsheville.com Arena
- 10/22 — Cary, NC @ Koka Booth Amphitheatre
- 10/24 — Duluth, GA @ Gas South Arena
- 10/25 — Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena
- 11/12 — Philadelphia, PA @ The Met
- 11/15 — Hampton, VA @ Hampton Coliseum
- 11/18 — Washington, DC @ The Anthem
- 11/20 — Toronto, ON @ Massey Hall
- 11/21 — Toronto, ON @ Massey Hall
- 11/23 — Boston, MA @ MGM Music Hall at Fenway
The Evolution of Sturgill Simpson
Simpson’s transformation into Johnny Blue Skies isn’t just a marketing move; it reflects a deeper evolution in his musical identity. Over the years, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of country music, incorporating elements of rock, soul, and psychedelia. His previous albums, including “A Sailor’s Guide to Earth” and “Sound & Fury,” have garnered critical acclaim for their innovative soundscapes and profound lyrics.
In an interview, Simpson explained, “Every artist needs to evolve, to keep their creative spirit alive. Johnny Blue Skies is my way of exploring new territories while staying true to my roots.” This philosophy is evident in the diverse range of tracks on “Passage Du Desir,” which promises to offer listeners a rich, immersive experience.
Tracklist for “Passage Du Desir”
- Swamp of Sadness
- If the Sun Never Rises Again
- Scooter Blues
- Jupiter’s Faerie
- Who I Am
- Right Kind of Dream
- Mint Tea
- One for the Road
Sturgill Simpson’s Journey and Impact
Since his debut, Sturgill Simpson has carved out a unique niche in the music industry. Known for his distinctive voice and genre-blending sound, he has garnered a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. His music often reflects his life experiences and philosophical musings, resonating deeply with listeners.
“Music is a universal language,” Simpson once said. “It has the power to connect people across different backgrounds and experiences.” This ethos has guided his career, from his early days in Kentucky to his rise as a celebrated artist on the global stage.
Simpson’s influence extends beyond music. He has been an outspoken advocate for various social and political issues, using his platform to raise awareness and inspire change. His authenticity and willingness to tackle difficult subjects have endeared him to fans and critics alike.
A Look Ahead
As Johnny Blue Skies, Sturgill Simpson is poised to continue his legacy of innovation and artistic exploration. The upcoming album and tour represent a bold new chapter in his career, one that promises to captivate audiences and expand his musical horizons.
Fans and newcomers alike can look forward to experiencing the magic of Johnny Blue Skies live on the “Why Not? Tour” and through the evocative tracks of “Passage Du Desir.” As Simpson himself puts it, “This is just the beginning of an exciting journey. I’m thrilled to share it with everyone.”
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