#2367 - Jesse Welles

Overview

This episode features singer-songwriter Jesse Welles, who discusses his creative process, the music industry, and the intersection of art and societal issues. The conversation spans topics like healthcare, historical conspiracies, and the impact of AI on creativity, while highlighting Welles' unique approach to songwriting and storytelling.

Notable Quotes

- There ain't no you in UnitedHealth. There ain't no me in the company. There's hardly humans in humanity. - Jesse Welles, from his song critiquing the healthcare system.

- Everything that can be replaced will be replaced, but there are things that are irreplaceable. - Jesse Welles, on the resilience of authentic art in the face of AI.

- If you can still be 100% yourself all the way to the end of the line, then that's your success. - Jesse Welles, on staying true to one's artistic identity.

🎵 The Art of Songwriting

- Jesse Welles describes his songwriting process as a blend of research and creativity, often inspired by societal issues. He writes extensively to distill complex topics into concise, impactful lyrics.

- He likens his approach to stand-up comedy, focusing on punchlines and brevity to deliver his message effectively.

- Welles cites Woody Guthrie as a major influence, appreciating Guthrie's ability to sing the news and connect with audiences through storytelling.

💊 Critique of the Healthcare System

- Welles and Rogan delve into the flaws of for-profit healthcare, with Welles' song UnitedHealth serving as a sharp critique of corporate greed.

- Rogan highlights the use of AI by insurance companies to deny claims more efficiently, calling it a den of vampires.

- Both discuss the broader implications of commoditized healthcare, including the lack of accountability and the human cost of prioritizing profits over care.

🧠 Historical Conspiracies and Societal Patterns

- The conversation explores historical events like Nero's Rome, the Gulf of Tonkin incident, and the Oklahoma City bombing, questioning official narratives and the role of false flags in shaping history.

- Rogan and Welles discuss the cyclical nature of human violence and exploitation, tying it to modern issues like war and corporate greed.

- They reflect on the enduring impact of figures like Smedley Butler, who exposed the military-industrial complex in his book War Is A Racket.

🤖 AI and the Future of Creativity

- Rogan shares an example of AI-generated music that mimics indie pop, raising concerns about the replacement of human creativity.

- Welles argues that authentic art, rooted in human experience and emotion, remains irreplaceable despite technological advancements.

- Both acknowledge the inevitability of AI's influence but emphasize the importance of individuality and genuine expression in art.

🎤 Independence in the Music Industry

- Welles champions the freedom of being an independent artist, rejecting traditional record deals that stifle creativity and exploit musicians.

- He shares insights into the pitfalls of the industry, including predatory contracts and the pressure to produce hits.

- Rogan and Welles celebrate the democratization of music through social media, allowing artists to connect directly with audiences without gatekeepers.