Father John Misty - Interview

Josh Tillman sits down with guest host Rachel Giese to talk about the inception of his new persona and his latest record, "I Love You, Honeybear".
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[@brandonconsorti592]

“Trying to express yourself while trying to run a T-shirt company” is the best definition of being a musician I’ve ever heard

[@Lotrfan99]

The fact that the majority of people on here are perplexed and almost threatened by someone with an extensive diction is really a statement about the generations to come. He is not pretentious, he's just articulate.

[@nemo2327]

Exactly jaja

[@brockshriver1546]

Sorry mofos. He is smarter than you.

[@simontaylor2525]

That's not what diction means, old fruit. I think you're looking for "vocabulary" or "lexicon"

[@Mine4062]

@@simontaylor2525 It almost proved the point that they didn't know the right word themself. 😄

[@johnkenney5183]

" you made a record about love without romanticizing it" what a great interviewer

[@SaschaHusenbeth]

oh how i hate reading these comments about him being 'pretentious'. he's intelligent, self-aware, honest, expressive and good with words, and if that comes across to anyone as pretentious, then maybe because these people are the exact opposite of all that...

[@mikewazowski8428]

Sascha Husenbeth sounds like someone is quite enthralled with his charlatan bullshit

[@jamesrawlings5781]

Sascha: Being intelligent and articulate is expressing difficult concepts and deep insights clearly. Stating straight-forward ideas as though you were revealing profound wisdom is pretentious. He also doesn't seem to know what a bellwether is.

[@frankstared]

@@mikewazowski8428 Charlatan? He describes some of his work as 'garbage' and later admits he is a narcissist.

[@gc8972b]

those who call him pretentious are intelligent people who haven't done anything as useful or sexy with their own abilities and that makes them bitter

[@qussaimadani8865]

@@frankstared where does he admit that he's a narcissist?

[@thegerams]

Amazing interview. She did her research - and she gets him.

[@Paperbagman555]

Haters in the comments need to chill. He's real and vulnerable here. He's self-aware. Sure, he uses some flowery words, has casual bravado here and there - but who cares? All that stuff people label him as is part of what makes him a strong songwriter. Seems like these days if you have a unique way of seeing or explaining a feeling, you're vilified as a pretentious hipster. So is the goal just to be mundane, straightforward as possible with your speech and always hold back your feelings?

[@gregdawe2786]

I won't lie , as an interviewer i really liked Jian and i really loved the q before... BUT the re branding has been amazing in my opinion. This interviewer was fantastic. This was just a great conversation. Shad is amazing too.

[@SunnyBear]

I fully agree. Jian was evedently both a misogynistic asshole and a great journalist so I was worried about Q at first but I'm really proud of how well they have reinvented themselves. :)

[@TheseOpenRoads]

agree.

[@kerisnakimsey9273]

I agree! Interview went great!

[@BWatsy]

"She just has this grace and intelligence where she can control the flow of information while also letting me have my process." Snaps Josh, well put

[@MicsG]

Just when I thought I couldn't love Josh anymore, I find out he has the same fears and insecurities as me in relationships. This man is so inspirational to me in every sense. So grateful.

[@honjabee]

Myx I am so grateful for him as well! His music has really helped me mature as a partner and person. I couldn’t live with myself singing along to his lyrics when I wasn’t completely honest in my life. I made those changes and I feel liberated as he must of felt when writing so many of his lyrics.

[@inadequategrass9327]

This guy is the most self aware musician of our generation. People who call pretentious don't understand what he's saying. I started with fear fun and have been a die hard fan since. His albums sheds light on the subjects that aren't seen as a talking point for everyday people. This common misconception that we as humans can't civilly have opinions opposing the cultural grain without being harassed and shot down. Just my opinion! Amazing interview much love for papa John. Keep up the great work!

[@cl8822]

This interviewer is incredible, really does a great job with an otherwise difficult (yet genius) guest. I would love to see more of her

[@QwithTomPower]

She's Rachel Giese, and she's brilliant.

[@bewarebear22]

Kudos to the interviewer, she did a fantastic job. Wow, what an interview.

[@Abrahamhamham]

How can someone be annoyed by how he talks? So what if he uses so many big words? That's how you train your speech and vocabulary, if you want to develop it, that is. He is a musician and a great lyricist. Of course it's natural to be like that. Especially him, even if it seems forced.

[@miker7795]

I imagine that if you're "threatened" by his wordplay, then there's an ever so slight chance that it's coming straight from your insecurity of being dumb as fencepost.

[@audioisgood]

It's great to hear his thoughts after living with the record for over year.

[@suportyourlocalDJ84]

Exactly how I feel about this interview. He's a great talker - half bullshit or not, but this is one of the better of his that I've seen

[@humaninterface7153]

great interview, dont think he is pretentious at all, maybe in his older interviews, but on this one he is honest & vulnerable.

[@RedPlayerOne]

One of the best interviews of FJM ever!! Great work interviewer, you rock!

[@QwithTomPower]

Rachel Giese is indeed the best! Cheers!

[@raymondruiz2522]

Saw him in concert last night and I was absolutely wow'd !!! Great singer with an amazing delivery!!!! 👍👍 fan for life!

[@shawnbay2211]

I feel like I didn’t understand anything, but I really like hearing him talk.

[@ry6306]

Just saw FJM at Lincoln Theatre on the 26th. I've seen a lot of good shows, but the energy of Josh Tillman is unlike any I've ever seen. It was amazing, and I can't wait to get the opportunity to see him again. All Hail Father John Misty

[@tylergady2019]

It's funny he mentions the line he changed in Chateau Lobby. I think it was "we'll casually take ecstacy" instead of "celebrate satanic christmas eve". He used to sing it before the album came out. Every time I hear it, I wish he hadn't changed it. But like he says, it would probably cause more trouble than it's worth

[@gmgab23]

Interesting! I didn’t know that. I’d love to hear the song with the original lyrics sometime.

[@tylergady2019]

@@gmgab23 kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4LKm2trob96pcksi=3Vu-a5r313jAee5e. This was it before the album came out ❤️

[@j9andphoenix]

This is a fabulous interview and provides a lot of food for thought -great rapport brought out really fascinating discussion

[@christophermaxieii8727]

One of the better interviews I've seen in a while.

[@spiderwomanone]

What an awesome interview! Loving the details of his lyrics.

[@thechazdarby]

Rachel is such an amazing interviewer. Very fun to listen to this interview.

[@JamesGrady2]

Sincere and self aware - no bullshit - Can’t really ask any more of an artist than that really

[@RikoScouse]

He is so interesting in ways that I cannot even articulate. He seems so mysterious to me somehow

[@jonr7207]

He intends to be

[@Amy-nz3th]

Keep doing you, man. Its helping me figure out myself.

[@JonasB1]

Saw his show in Copenhagen recently. Was absolutely amazing!

[@MeghanMcDonald]

He's is very smart - i appreciate his thoughts. And I always think it's hilarious when people say "stop trying to sound smart." That ends up being a dead giveaway that you're not following what the person is saying... hahahah

[@rutherfordthom]

Mr Tillman thank your music. You speak the words that are in my dreams

[@samanthatrowbridge9666]

Really great interviewer! Gained a lot of info I hadn't thought about listening to the album originally

[@boscofan]

she nailed the interview

[@John-vm1ou]

Rachel G nails it. Great interview.

[@mikewazowski8428]

"I'm trapped by my desire for liberation" father john i can always count on u to enlighten my plebeian mind to all the paradoxes and contradictions that have become so ensconced within the very foundation of the modern episteme.

[@HUNTER-pq7uh]

Hah

[@blahblahblahblahbla2705]

You mean you didn't/don't always know everything? ;(

[@joelybarish4618]

I know a few 10 cent words, I can break out to keep up with her...

[@yeahohright3097]

You're a moron. He's just saying that wanting liberation so badly is a trap in itself, because when you don't get it you torture yourself over how you're a failure.

[@rudiesan_89]

Thank you for deciding 2 go ahead with the show J.

[@rudiesan_89]

In Charlotte.. of course. Thx.

[@christiangastelum7035]

As someone with the tendency to speak at a higher dialect myself, I can vouch that it is more likely a defense mechanism than a self-inflated fishing for approval.

[@frankstared]

He indicated that he is a narcissist and narcissists by definition overcompensate for the absence of feelings of self-worth (perhaps because of the controlling Christian upbringing?).

[@_CoasterNinja]

Rachel is an amazing interviewer. Great laugh too!

[@RubenGarciaCS]

Great interview. I appreciate FJM's music more now.

[@jakenewcomb8897]

He is keeping it real.

[@jasonthefates7311]

grown up and the blinders came off & eyes witnessed the duality of mans ideology. Genius some would say which i would but really he seems to be expressing what he sees. least thats my wooden nickel i could be completely wrong and he just duct taped together all these lazy words only to speak to his mommy drifting issues!! much love and respect awesome interview

[@ShanesSquirrelShack]

Love this guy.

[@SamuelAbelow]

only 750 views... wow people need to wake up to true artists like FJM. Where is the link to the actual performance!!!!? The interview is great, but I wanna hear what he performed at CBC

[@QwithTomPower]

+Triple Three Crew You can find FJM's performances here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqXal6yditinj68 and here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l561eXeMg5dqorM

[@hoibsh21]

He's like a sober Jim Morrison!

[@TheseBitchesWantNikes]

He so does not want to take himself seriously at all. A real artist.

[@Youcantleavethisempty01]

NO ONE CAN WITHSTAND HIS CHARMS

[@MrMp3sponge]

Never seen him speak before. I could tell that he was pretty intelligent from his music. Great interviewer as well, did some homework.

[@clarkb5137]

this is as real as it gets

[@ishyaboy]

Whenever I close my eyes I constantly see Father Johns' purple headed womb feret. I haven't slept in years.

[@jdemocrat]

Hmm... This interview looks like it was actually recorded in 2015, but it is still a great interview.

[@GizaSantu]

I miss hearing his way of thinking. We didn’t know how lucky we were before he went offline.

[@Darren-D.C-Cross]

I like him now.

[@gullypop]

If I close my eyes, I just hear Jason Segel.

[@user-ls2vj9bp7r]

true!

[@hayaakhurshid8209]

OMG...thats what it reminded me of! Shit :P

[@jadeherrera4928]

Ahhhhh so true!!!

[@jonr7207]

Mind is broken now, thank you

[@cecilcharlesofficial]

"I'm trapped by my desire for liberation." Ahh, welcome to any Alan Watts lecture, and I don't mean that in a snide way. It's the only problem we have.

[@Syoisthategodrivenboi]

If your wondering what line he changed, it was originally "we'll casually take ecstasy, and play piano in the chateau lobby," which became "we'll have satanic Christmas eve , and play piano in the chateau lobby"

[@lilfubz]

How do you know that?

[@Syoisthategodrivenboi]

+Anna Porter there are a few live show clips where he sings the original lyric. I also heard him mention it once, though I can't remember where.

[@collinmc90]

it can also be heard on the i love you honey bear demo tape

[@bobdevon7631]

this one the only comment i was looking for. thanks my guy

[@jakeelliott9636]

"Like making out with my brother in a dream" I don't know if I could say that in an interview

[@ryhisner]

What's the name he says at 24:09? Sounds like Joe Durovsky.

[@falconhoof6]

Alejandro Jodorowsky

[@ryhisner]

+willow Thanks

[@stefanopellegrini7094]

So he already had Pure Comedy songs before this album came out

[@troygaspard6732]

Falling in love again, what am I to do?

[@zegwaypop111]

Father John Misty can just rest his case if you're hating on him

[@twilight4192]

Saw him in New Orleans awhile back, as J. Tillman - a poorly attended show, even though he, and his band were really good...talked with him briefly after the show, and he seemed miserable, and was kind of a jerk. I think his "Re-invention" is pretty authentic. He gets a lot of shit about being pretentious, and an anti-hipster Hipster, but the truth is - his musical-flower has blossomed, and the new record - "Pure Fun" is going to be awesome, from the few tracks I've heard. Any "Pop" star who has Gavin Bryars arranging his songs has have to have something pretty fucking strong going on intellectually!

[@ajsledzep]

Mark Darnell You saw him when he was using the J. Tillman moniker? What year was that?

[@ijustino3547]

He’s pretentious, but he knows that and might be the most honest person I’ve ever seen interviewed which is so cool. 100% the most interesting personality in modern music

[@dcarroll_86]

he knows words better than you. chill out. he can be both pretentious and honest and just because you're offended doesn't make him wrong.

[@Aydoz123]

the holy mountain

[@mark-jensbarton8363]

Aidan CC Such a wonderful movie

[@SunnyBear]

Haha, I love hearing him trash his own scrapped material!

[@paulheart3593]

Is he a real church minister ?

[@Gillty101]

This interview's different. You can see it in his eyes and body language. Theres no 'holier than thou' pretentiousness to even falsely identify. This is the man behind the moniker, at his most exposed.

[@copperjane422]

Lol

[@frankstared]

Personally, I think that much of the criticism of FJM is quite transparent and superficial, and seems to merely be a lightning rod for those who really yearn for, whether consciously or not, their right to a world defined by acceptance, openness, celebration of diversity, equity, and humanism. Play on, Father John!

[@chesterpuffington8368]

So many fancy words to make one feel removed from the mundane. A wordsmith searching for a fix like a junkie to the substance. I just like your fucking music.

[@pyoon0504]

what could've roused such music otherwise?

[@user-vh7zy8kr4v]

I think he's stoned or it's a hangover) but... fly like a butterfly, drink like a fish, right?

[@josephbrocato6693]

I think he’s on the spectrum personally. Relating to myself

[@stefanroodt1981able]

Is he an ENTP?

[@tangerinesarebetterthanora7060]

Probably. High Ne+Ti users like to use big words in interesting ways.

[@mountaingal5583]

Yes! I am an ENTP and I relate

[@mikeg1745]

yes i was the onethousandth ‘like’ your welcome

[@garethporter1554]

He's such a weirdo lol but love the album.

[@garrettgood1848]

I can't follow anything he's saying..

[@frankstared]

He's written some telling social, political, and cultural criticism and absolutely none of that was touched or even mentioned. What a missed opportunity. Methinks Q and its listeners would have benefited from some better preparation on this one.

[@mountaingal5583]

Typical ENTP, this guy.

[@yeahrightbear8883]

I think he is intentionally being pretentious. If you listen to what he is talking about you will notice that he tends to do things because he thinks it's funny. He talks about alter egos and personas and not taking things so seriously. I believe he is purposely trying to come off as pretentious just for amusement. The reason I think this is because I do the exact same thing. A lot of times people don't understand that I'm joking about something because I say it like I'm dead serious and that's what I think is going on here.

[@Mine4062]

How can I hang on his every lyric and yet cringe at his every word? Maybe he should set all his interviews to music.

[@SpykerZaggato84]

Stop trying so hard to sound intelligent Josh.

[@jenrockxoxo]

Would you prefer ignorance?

[@SpykerZaggato84]

I would prefer if he didn't sound like a pretentious tool.

[@jenrockxoxo]

+Clarence VonDusenberg Ok, well that's different. I get what you're saying and why. I think he must be EXTREMELY sick of being asked these same questions over and over again. I enjoy it when he goes completely off subject and starts talking about things to mess with the interviewer only to have them be totally confused by it. Take care. :)

[@jesusthemillionaire]

i used to think this but then i stopped being little bitch. i think he really is intelligent. little pretentious, but hes not "trying"

[@SpykerZaggato84]

+Samuel Keefe he is smart but the whole intellectual hipster persona is played out.

[@MynorGramajo]

weirdest interview ever...!wtf are they talking about ..just a bunch of random smart word battle.