Jason Isbell and George Saunders Have an Epic Conversation | GQ Style

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Jason Isbell and Lincoln in the Bardo author George Saunders have long admired each other’s work, but have never met-until now. Here, two of America’s best writers in any genre discuss the creative process, the difference between art and entertainment, and what America means in the Trump era.
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Jason Isbell and George Saunders Have an Epic Conversation | GQ Style

[@oskaretc]

a conversation between two famous people that doesn't feel like a conversation between two celebrities. just wonderful.

[@kathybrignac1709]

If this country could only be more like Jason Isbell . . .

[@nonamemcgillicutty9585]

If it could be more like alabama

[@cmmnsenserules4339]

We'd all be liberals.....socialists etc....

[@imandan1966]

wonderful thought@@cmmnsenserules4339

[@TexasJackdaw]

I swear, every time I hear Jason speak I am drawn deeper into his art. It’s pretty rare these days to find an artist who can articulate his talent so well. This was fantastic. Thank you for sharing.

[@regunter6599]

I just happened on to this today and it really is probably the one of the best interviews I have ever heard. This is a case of two very intelligent men speaking to each other. I can not say I would be able to sit down and speak with Jason Isbell without my fandom taking over and not just fawning over him and asking him what each song means. Mr. Saunders is a really great writer and asks questions I would not have thought about.

[@TimeandTalk]

Jason Isbell is really inspiring. He seems like a very genuine and nice guy, but is also prodigiously talented.

[@johnbriggs8553]

It is so nice to just listen to a couple of intelligent people speaking about art and their process.

[@sageoasis]

Yes ❤

[@NoWay1969]

Best song writer working. That's a tenuous perch, but he fits novels inside 3 1/2 minute songs.

[@jerrkyd]

I completely agree. There are a ton of Isbell songs that paint a huge universe for me and leave me wanting more.

[@Jimmyzapata193]

Yes!!

[@josephinedonnelley5866]

Yeah he is phenomenal.

[@WriterMikeMonson]

Tenuous Perch was the name of my first girlfriend.

[@daliawaleed4035]

J

[@runningonq]

I've become a huge Isbell fan. Great artist, amazing lyrics but the thing I most respect about him, his intelligence. I could listen to him all day but prefer to listen to him singing.

[@losriosprofundos2113]

Elephant is really incredible. "We burn these joints in effigy". Such a simple, yet perfect line.

[@chiefscards2945]

Cant get threw that song without crying

[@louieo.blevinsmusic4197]

Such a simple song to play too. Same with Speed Trap town and Cover Me Up. (before Wallen ruined it for me and I’m sure others) Sometimes it’s the most simple compositions that have a great layer of melody and lyrics over it.

[@rickgardner6590]

A musical genius deep in effort and passion. A guide to life’s important moments.

[@bobrg1459]

I cover Elephant and it really quiets a room down. When I do Jason's songs people tend to really listen. I wish I could write like he does. Writing good songs is a struggle for me; I haven't learned to move easily between muse-mode and editing. Thanks Jason for your art.

[@amaizeingndn]

Jason’s grandpa is the real mvp

[@louieo.blevinsmusic4197]

For sure. As well as momma. Momma is always to thank.

[@songsfromspringcreekave821]

That was incredibly satisfying. I am a huge fan of Jason Isbell, and it was really great to get some of his insight on story telling and songwriting. He is one of the best of this gerneration of songwriters.

[@briananderson6742]

Two geniuses inside the same room. The greatest writer and the greatest songwriter working today.

[@YuppieMullets]

Not even finished yet, and this interview possesses the depth and content that just lights my mind on fire - thank you!

[@timdunn5691]

This interview did such a good job, he did his research yet he was so dynamic. he knew exactly when to pull back knowing when he was asking a question that was probably asked a lot but then pulled back and gave a new approach, even if it was just his emotional approach to asking it. i think Jason felt that and got involved himself more in the interview because of it. The interviewer gave more, so did the interview-eee. anyway loved this interview!

[@AndyJansBrown]

A genius songwriter. A great conversation. Much appreciated.

[@chadmullins4373]

"Lincoln had a tiny head..where's your novel about that George Saunders?" Does anyone here know the context of this Jason Isbell quote :)!

[@baileyabby7]

He had a little bass....

[@jacklandismusic]

Tiny desk! Just watched that again earlier tonight!

[@ErinDwyerCommaQueen]

Tiny Desk concert!

[@mathewhutchins2539]

Chad Mullins Abe Lincoln played a tiny bass too

[@connorwatson2047]

lincoln in the bardo

[@chrisholmes6311]

I’m a latecomer to Jason in 2021 but I’m super impressed by this man’s talent, humility and intellect.

[@Stonesygirl]

What a fantastic conversation. I hung on every word.

[@dashahearne4540]

A wonderful conversation between two true unique and admired souls. Thank you for sharing this moment .

[@morganwhitemud4228]

Not too many people can evoke the name of Leonard Cohen and not sound conceited, this guy can. What a talent and a wordsmith. Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and John Prine mixed into one! God bless!! Keep making music and the world a better place with your love of language/music.

[@jackstraw7932]

Wow, what a beautiful conversation. So much better than a typical interview.

[@nickmorrow2613]

Oh my god they both seem so friendly

[@ronniefromOR]

This is incredible. Thank you !

[@mollymcmanus8169]

Best song ever - "Cover Me Up." This song I can not even play it for folks without crying. Thanks Jason Isbell for helping love songs come back to life! MlovesB

[@markholter5687]

Really enjoyed this interview. I've always thought Isbell would make a great short story writer so I'm glad that question came up. I hope he keeps giving that a go--while keeping his day job as a musical artist, of course. :-)

[@jimspencer4413]

2 amazing talents, I could listen all day! thanks to GQ & all who helped get this together and online, it’s just gold

[@dialone1974]

Two of the best minds we have.

[@saffel]

What a terrific way to spend an hour. Thank you gentlemen.

[@MaebyBaeby]

God, if they did a podcast together? I don’t care what about it would be phenomenal

[@kevintucker3354]

After so many years, Decoration Day is still one of most favorite stores put to music!! Thank you kid!

[@davelanddesign]

super good interview. thank you.

[@johntaylor2190]

Jason is the man! Right up there as a songwriter. I’d like to shake his hand….

[@Robert32064]

That thing Isbell describes at about 26:38 is what James Taylor so eloquently called "this daring daylight escape." I could listen to these two guys talk every day.

[@jay24july]

I love Jason

[@MJ-dq8ik]

Thanks for this - two great talents

[@texasplumr]

He is certainly one of the best songwriters working today and one of the top ten best of all time. Don't ask me to rank them because that's always speculative and dependent on personal taste. But he stays in my rotation along with Townes Van Zant, John Prine, James McMurtry, Guy Clark, Dylan, etc. In no particular order. I sincerely hope he isn't signing any autographs right now.

[@jennifermoore8865]

Yes 100%

[@jerrkyd]

Wow, what a gift to listen to this conversation. I have always loved the mystery of song writting and lyrics and to hear their thoughts and to learn they have as many questions as answers is mind blowing.

[@philipmazonson4694]

John Prine said jason is the new voice of Americana

[@mattbenson4419]

Great interview. Intelligent and spontaneous questions with no script. Two people BS-ing the way it should be. Perfect example of listening with both ears and using one mouth.

[@lestoncochran6927]

This is fantastic

[@katieshope1966]

George had a great point about Jason's Speed Trap Town song. I never thought of it that way, being more narrative without one focus.

[@JAugust]

The 32 people who couldn't appreciate this are 32 people I hope to never meet. This is fantastic.

[@MonkPeabody]

Right... at the very least you'd think that such a conversation that points out some very poignant aspects of creativity and human existence would be of some interest to every human. I guess not everyone wants to consider these things.

[@delewan]

It's probably the people who felt like the discussion of racism and power was directed at them.

[@jeremiahguy32]

Off with their thumbs

[@helenlizzystewart4908]

probably they did not like him running down JTE and I agree he is a wanker

[@jimspencer4413]

These 2 American artists are both brighter, more talented, and vastly more accomplished than ANY of their noisily irrelevant internet trolls. Period.

[@hbittlenyc]

My favorite interview ever

[@JonnyZye]

Super insightful stuff.

[@ericaveyandthehealing]

Jason, such an inspiration. Thank you!

[@allanking6986]

Love this interview! So I’m not so disfuncional after all 😂

[@psalmer5690]

master class

[@jeffoffej]

Freaking fantastic talk!

[@CoachDave12]

If there never ends up being an Isbell song called "The Mistake to Follow" I'll be disappointed.

[@TK_100]

This is an epic hour of humble genius

[@TruckinSongster]

I learned today that my songwriting approach and process is eerily similar to my favorite living songwriter!

[@chasemetzger8696]

Wow, this is fantastic. Around 29:00 or so you can just sense they both love this conversation and are bringing out the best in each other.

[@MrLittlefeat]

He's unlike a lot of artists today, his style is rare, he's got a great personality.

[@natenicholas6533]

Steve Goodman has a great version of “I’m my own grandpa” love the goofy songs of old country/folk

[@jessebalentine1009]

He knows he’s one of the greats. And he is

[@richsherman3673]

I don't usually compare people, but Jason has some of what Leonard Cohen had, a way with words and mental images, making them emotionally real through song.

[@helethead]

Melody. A good Chorus and a Hook. That is the hardest part.

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

I cover “cover me up” and it took me 2-3 months to be able to play it without choking up during both chorus’s. It still happens now if I haven’t played it in a while.

[@jld4870]

I’m here because his song-Nobody’s Watching’-was on the soundtrack for the movie ‘Adopt a highway’, great movie. First ‘exposure’ to him. Unlike others who don’t care for the politics of this interview, his political views are what endeared me to him.

[@nicktucker900]

wow

[@derek9565]

Starting at 9:46, the referenced line in the song "Children of Children" is... "I was riding on my mother's hip, she was shorter than the corn"...not 'taller than the corn' as quoted per Saunders. Isbell spared him the embarrassment of correcting his mistake.

[@AHImusic]

Isbell spared him the embarrassment so you were kind of enough to point it out anyway.

[@derek9565]

Should we always expect your observations to be this astute or was this a highlight? I shared my observation in a public comment section, quite different than calling him out in the moment during a filmed interview. All the same, it reflects Isbell's graciousness and raises the question of the authenticity of the interviewer. One might expect a writer to be more accurate when discussing specific literary lines, especially one that he purports to be so meaningful to him. There's a stark contrast between "taller" and "shorter" ("than the corn") in meaning and in poetic relationship, which makes the error worth the mention.

[@leasong2016]

Double D. Jason is a Southern gentleman!

[@mattyoung589]

Im glad I'm not the only one who caught that lol I was waiting on isbell to correct him.

[@WaitingForTheHook]

Probably didn't correct him because as he was saying, that word doesn't make or break the line and what he was trying to convey.

[@delewan]

Marvelous. A refreshing opportunity to watch two intellectuals be intellectual with a few f-bombs thrown in for effect.

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

Jason is like if John Mayer grew up in Alabama. And John Mayer is like if Jason grew up loving Stevie ray. Either way when are we getting a Mayer and Isbell record to melt the worlds soul.

[@MelissaThompson432]

Just on the basis of what he's already put into the world, he's not going to be forgotten. The more he stays Jason Isbell, the more likely he is to continue to get attention. Talent and drive are excellent, but they need integrity in order to persist.

[@RickyConnelley]

Wonderful interview,, earning a like, sub, and save!

[@stevehunt7549]

Jason looks like if Biff Tannin and Frank Black circa 1989 spliced their genes.

[@HDthis]

😂

[@bradriter7228]

73 people saying this deserves a thumbs down is INSANE. I get one person being a jerk but come on... 73?

[@mattpriceplucky2646]

To me Jason Isbell is the people who hate modern country's favorite country artists. I dont consider it country myself. Lukas Nelson I think is next I'd love to see them tour together

[@thesheffields8741]

Love elephant and Vampires!

[@SethStrickland-hf5mp]

Jason I love you plz write a song with me

[@lmyers9999]

She was "shorter" than the corn. not important but that's part of the meaning of that lyric.

[@docgify]

Ive probably judged you jason,and been critical,but its okay im just here with my own issues and failings….ive got my own walls that i need to have pulled down,but i do miss working with you…mostly i miss that ;working with people the few performances ive had the opportunity to do….i so enjoyed working with you they say flaws are what makes a perfect piece of pottery

[@mikecatg]

I wish he would have asked, is the pressure more when you know they paid $46 0.00 for two tickets than when the pay $70.00 for two tickets?

[@rlsdw745]

love the music...bluegrass

[@glumgatsby9812]

incorrect.

[@willdraper1141]

This mans hair

[@mathewhutchins2539]

will draper needs to go full bald.

[@jasper_north]

He hates the RollingStones. Me too! lol

[@brycewilson2065]

Wonderful interview, but I have to admit I'm legitimately confused by what in Outfit could be considered homophobic. I just went over the lyrics and the only thing I could come up with is the line about, "a fake British accent," and even that I feel like is pushing it as its pretty clearly about putting on airs.

[@genericusername546]

I'd say probably the line "don't call what you're wearing an outfit". Homophobia is often directed at traits that are considered unmasculine, like a percieved over-emphasis on fashion or aesthetics.

[@docgify]

I think its more important to know what’s going on in there….

[@JerseyMiller]

It was so humble and earnest for Jason to do this interview. As a favor to us aspiring songwriters, this is golden insight. He's almost like the Anti Bob Dylan. Edit: I wish he wouldn't have started talking about politics.

[@karenwhite1892]

The ramifications of political decisions impact the populace. I appreciate that Isbell didn't run or dodge the topic and accurately pointed out that it's just that very notion of not having difficult conversations that has brought us to the current climate our country finds itself in today. He's courageous and forthright in his honesty and that's to be highly respected.

[@TheDenverOmelette]

if your words at up nothin then you’re making a choice to sing a cover when we need a battle cry

[@listentoryan]

Elephant > Vampires

[@mathewhutchins2539]

Ryan Cox Vampires is a more raw than eloquent. I think it may be a bit more interesting and powerful in its point that death is a gift. Elephant isn’t saying anything new whereas Vampires is, but the key difference is that Elephant is so perfectly crafted. It’s so tight. It’s so subtle. It reveals little by little, so that when the point hits you...it hits you hard. I think both are incredible songs but they’re two sides of the coin. Vampires is more emotionally eloquent whereas elephant is a masterwork in language and storytelling.

[@jstar_the_poet]

I prefer Vampires too

[@michaelmarks9002]

Both*

[@raffles7556]

Wish he didn’t ask Jason the political question. Always a letdown when artists give the emotional, ill thought through, ‘right on’ position…… and they ALL do it, everyone of ‘em!

[@imandan1966]

stop being afraid

[@raffles7556]

@@imandan1966 ….stop trying so hard

[@docgify]

I dont like writing a song to death….or a poem,i have and i destroy beautiful ,painting ,images poems and songs…ive learnt to write one version and never play it again….

[@nuthut9346]

Second

[@richardadkins8722]

Iconoclast

[@sauce4357]

Wow I've never heard anybody talk about that whole narcissist thing as an artist. I'm glad I'm not the only one struggling with that lmao

[@grangermontag1824]

It's ok to be white and not feel guilty about it

[@zacharyhilton5281]

its ok to feel like white people are being persecuted. thats whats great about feelings. we all have them, and none of them are special, valid or insightful.

[@rayatl217]

Did you really need to take the time and make an ignorant comment on here? ... #TrollMuch?

[@zacharyhilton5281]

did you really need to take the time to respond to someone who made an ignorant comment on here?...#whotrollsthetrolls

[@rayatl217]

Zachary Hilton ... and if you had a brain in your head you would realize the comment was directed at the original poster... not your weak comment

[@zacharyhilton5281]

Ray Atl.....if i had a brain in my head i would realize that your comment was directed at the original poster and not my weak comment. jason isbell is great and his music speaks to me in a way that's so personal I can't put it into words that would be an accurate representation. but thats probably because my vocabulary would be considered similar to my comments i.e. weak.

[@jesuschristthemosthighgod3094]

MUELLER / EMINEM 2020 ❤👌🙄

[@9ramthebuffs9]

Lol, the political parts of this interview are so cringey and dated after 2 years.

[@nem0763]

They are? Okay 👀

[@imandan1966]

Hardly, he was spot on then and now

[@9ramthebuffs9]

@@imandan1966 yup, spot on just like he's going to be a great father.

[@MPNNag]

I just bought the Jason Isbell Fender Telecaster and I thought it was so cool, now I here him against Jason Aldean's "Small Town" we lived through this horrific pain of watching our City's burn for nothing, people losing everything and he stands with the lot against Jason Aldean. I hope I can sell my new fender Isbell Tele before it becomes as worthless as he is now. 1

[@imandan1966]

lay off the drugs

[@jonmonte9977]

I have been listening to Jason's music for a long time..great musician and song writter...sad that he believes all the crap about Trump and his supporters...sad...hope he sees the truth now.. Trump's supporters are some of the nicest people and a very diverse crowd

[@Birbdup]

No, they're not. Anyone with a political alignment that allows them to vote for trump cannot be a decent person. Sorry man

[@jld4870]

And the proud boys are ok too? Sorry but they are sick individuals as anyone who is associated with them. It’s called traumatized souls! God help them!

[@imandan1966]

Chuckle....this didn't age well

[@imandan1966]

amen@@Birbdup

[@rinkleswhiskers15]

So help me understand, two old white guys talking about how old white guys are the problem? And he says it with a straight face and with such conviction, forget Grammies give this guy an Emmy...

[@ChristopherNeill]

Erik I think you really missed the point.

[@robertkientz131]

So disappointed in you Jason. I just discovered your music and fell in love with it, but you had to get political in this interview.

[@ryandatkinson]

Don't be a snowflake, Bob.

[@jstar_the_poet]

Snowflake

[@radzzy1563]

"I oNlY liStEn tO yOuR MuSiC iF yOu SaY WhAt I wAnT YoU tO sAy" 🤡🤡🤡

[@imandan1966]

lame Bobby

[@dw7244]

I absolutely love your writing, your musical ability, but...you guys are sounding very pious, holier than thou. Sorry. Stop standing on the bandstand.

[@darksepheroth4627]

Stick to the resistance. The rest of your content frankly tends to be pretty boring

[@whoiswillo]

If you think "Elephant" is boring, you're not human.

[@darksepheroth4627]

whoiswillo your mom isnt human.

[@whoiswillo]

This is accurate. She died several years ago.

[@jimbob12404yahoo]

Ignore the troll.

[@lancethrustworthy]

Wow...you couldn't welcome us, introduce yourself and the artist? Go back to school.

[@mundie33]

Dan Lewis why would either of these guys need any introduction? Those welcome bits are always stupid and awkward anyway