Key Highlights
- Sturgill Simpson announces his new album ‘Passage du Desir’ under the pseudonym Johnny Blue Skies, marking a new era in his music career.
- The ‘Why Not? Tour’ set to commence in September 2024, featuring 28 performances across prestigious venues in the U.S.
- High Top Mountain Records, Simpson’s own label, to release the new album, showcasing his continued commitment to independence in the music industry.
(livesinsight.com) – In a bold move that underscores his artistic evolution, Sturgill Simpson, a stalwart of the American music scene, has announced his transition to the moniker Johnny Blue Skies for all future productions. This decision aligns with his previously stated intention to cap his discography under his birth name at five albums, a promise fulfilled with the 2021 release of ‘The Ballad of Dood & Juanita’. His upcoming album, ‘Passage du Desir’, not only debuts his new identity but also heralds his return to the stage with a comprehensive U.S. tour. The strategic use of his established and new names in tandem for the tour suggests a savvy navigation of market dynamics, ensuring continuity with his fanbase while embracing a fresh artistic persona.
Unveiling Johnny Blue Skies: A New Musical Chapter
July 12 marks a pivotal moment in Sturgill Simpson’s career with the release of ‘Passage du Desir’, the first album under his new alias Johnny Blue Skies. Produced by Simpson himself alongside David Ferguson, this album is a collage of new sounds and lyrical depth, recorded between the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London and Clement House Recording Studio in Nashville. Songs like ‘Swamp of Sadness’ and ‘If The Sun Never Rises Again’ promise to deliver the introspective and boundary-pushing artistry that Simpson’s fans have come to expect. The change in moniker to Johnny Blue Skies represents a significant shift, allowing Simpson to explore new creative realms without the baggage of his previous persona.
The ‘Why Not? Tour’: Sturgill Simpson Hits the Road
Sturgill Simpson’s announcement of the ‘Why Not? Tour’ has stirred significant excitement, marking his first major concert tour since 2020. Spanning from September to November 2024, the tour will cover major U.S. cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Nashville. Notably, the tour will kick off at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, a venue synonymous with major musical performances. This tour is not just a series of concerts but a celebration of Simpson’s enduring appeal and his rebirth as Johnny Blue Skies. Special attention has been given to the fan experience, with a pre-sale registration system designed to prevent scalping and ensure true fans have access to tickets at face value, a move likely to endear him further to his audience.
High Top Mountain Records: Independence in the Industry
High Top Mountain Records, Simpson’s own label, continues to be a vessel for his musical output and a statement of his independence in an industry rife with major label dominance. By releasing ‘Passage du Desir’ through his label, Simpson not only ensures creative freedom but also aligns his business practices with his ethos as an artist unbound by conventional industry standards. This approach not only fosters a direct connection with his audience but also sets a precedent for artist-led music production and distribution.