Chris Thile - How To Create Art That Is Authentically Yourself

Today’s guest is mandolinist, singer, and songwriter, Chris Thile. You’ll know him from his work with the acoustic trio Nickel Creek, the bluegrass group, Punch Brothers, as well as his solo album, Laysongs, released this year. On this episode we talk about how the meaning of folk music changes with cultures, growing up in a musical household, showcasing both work that you worked hard on as well as work that is most authentically yourself. We also talk about what it means to be a weak agnostic, and a performance so good you forget it is an audition.
You can submit your questions to Ben here: www.speakpipe.com/BenFolds

[@austenrobinson2747]

Not a lot of people understand these guys talking about music but if you do it’s AWESOME

[@bramblerose42]

What an incredible conversation! As a musician, seeing two of the most influential artists in my life, together, has been like therapy. You are both inimitable and our world is so much richer for having you in it!

[@jackkaczmarski]

CHRIS THILE X BEN FOLDS. TWO GENIUSES OF THEIR CRAFT.

[@DungeonTracks]

Oh my gosh. This is incredible. Ben Folds and Chris Thile together. Insane.

[@gracestokes3288]

I love the ride you as an Artist take us on. It’s deeply sensitive to the point of exhilaration and often feels like an invitation to participation. This is a facet of creativity that enfolds it’s audience. Not to be good, or bad, or separate or indifferent but to be captivating on multiple levels, enveloping multiple senses and emotions, and sharing the adventure. So interesting to get inside the creative process……..pathways of that process, as well as the multiple possibilities of reactions. This artist not only performs for you, he dances in your head while dancing in his own. It’s oddly collaborative.

[@mariocatanese1011]

Great interview! Chris is my favorite musician to listen to, and to watch play. His playing is mind blowing and he seems so happy and onto the groove of the music. (I play mandolin as well, but as a hobbyist) Chris is a great inspiration!

[@cmlogan7094]

Two of my favorite musicians in one podcast? Yes please.

[@bentth1]

Holy crap dude!!!! How did I miss this 2 years ago?!

[@gracestokes3288]

“Human life is not in 4-bar phrases”……perfect. This interview is the intellectual affirmation of what I hear and feel when I listen to Chris Thile perform. I recognize words are not adequate to find the passion and heartbeat of a piece of music but they can and do add a level of appreciation and discovery. Great interview!

[@im1385]

That was exactly the quote that stuck with me through this whole thing.

[@Coocoocachoo809]

How are there not more comments or views for such a fantastic discussion between these two prolific musicians?? The work of these two has immensely influenced my musical tastes and I continue to appreciate new aspects of their work with each listen.

[@UkuleleWineTime]

Same RH! I agree - both of these awesome artists have seriously influenced my entire musical experience. Very thankful for this conversation.

[@KalebPeters99]

I can't believe I just discovered this. These conversations are absolute gold for creatively minded people. And some of my favourite musicians ever are on here! Thank you so much for your generosity in sharing these, Ben. I'm off to binge the whole series 😆

[@Drewdrewdrewdr]

CHRIS WE WANT MORE OF YOU IN THIS FORMAT PLEEEEAASSEEE

[@rachelmoody7705]

2 of my favorite creators... such a wonderful, meandering exchange - thank you for sharing this conversation and sparking inspiration! 😊👊🏻

[@UkuleleWineTime]

Two of my favorite artists of all time - this is fantastic, thank you Ben! (I sang with you in one of your student/orchestra concerts in Texas many years ago!!) I just discovered that you have a podcast, excuse me while I go catch up on every single episode. 🤗

[@thuggfrogg]

WOW, just realized Ben Folds is the interviewer (despite that information being all over the video and page :p). Wonderful conversation :) ! Thanks for having it. I agree what Ben is saying about cultivating an audience. I've been following Chris since I was 14 (I'm 34 now), and he's been my favorite this entire time. I love seeing him do new things and taking new risks - Deceiver back then, and Laysongs now. I love how new and refreshing the new Nickel Creek album is, too. It's incredible how they can all reunite and be even better than they were when they broke up. That pickup between tracks 1 and 2 (the snare/clap on the 4) leading into the next track, WOW - I didn't see it coming at all, and it hit with all the energy I get from dancefloor bangers.

[@charlesbolton8471]

I’m a huge fan of Chris Thile as well. Deceiver is one of my all time favorite albums regardless of artist or genre. Do you think if enough Deceiver fans band together to get Chris’ attention that we could convince him to do a tour supporting the 20th Anniversary of Deceiver next year?

[@teledude9663]

Life is A-synchronous! I get the whole math rock thing...music is like your heartbeat, it's never dead on, but it's what keeps everything alive and moving while not having to stick to the plan. I've always like music and musicians and especially singers who AREN'T perfect! Give me some breathing room! Give me a hiccup in there, or a slight cough or a rasp...just keep it REAL!

[@mountainmusic77]

Generous, humble, and inspiring thoughts toward creativity. Beethoven might be musically unmatchable, but the generosity and inspiration here is gold for any artist, and offered while also taking seriously the role of "Daddy" (41:08). Thank you!

[@bendelliott]

What a treat

[@crown1993]

Oh boy. Imagine these two collaborating MUSICALLY.....🤯

[@RobbyMacPhee]

Chris is probably the only person walking the planet that I would actually compare to Mark O'Connor. Both are so many levels above being humblers, they make you enjoy watching the possibilities of human beings, if you can call those 2 specifically, human. I'm not entirely convinced.........

[@maryannleun36]

Yes! It’s living from your heart not your head! ❤️ Love y’all!! 2:20

[@matthewwilson5302]

"but now everyone is born with a midi cable stuck their asshole.." 😂 That killed me! Great conversation.

[@jeremyrhoads6899]

So badass.

[@chefpaddy]

Excellent series Ben, I loved Collier and Batist, both great interviews ! Bobby McFerrin or Sierra Hull would be awesome too

[@faceglider]

love this. could you talk with Brad Mehldau?

[@ronnieblanchet4072]

Soli Deo Gloria (To The Glory of God Alone) -Ronnie

[@chefpaddy]

Ooo... I just thought of another one to interview Matteo Mancuso, talk about creative!

[@Ilgenfixit80]

Y'all were great together on Live From Here - hearing a mandolin play the horn and sax section on Army was a unique twist. I'd love to see more! kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3jUcmaVfdaGjLc

[@gflow7501]

Absolutely phenomenal. Thanks, Ben. Pulling the MIDI cable out of my asshole now.

[@TheCurtainLift]

23:50

[@bastienlucasfr]

But... What about the song at the end ??