All Of It: Briston Maroney Performs LIVE

Host: Alison Stewart | Release Date: May 22, 2025 | Episode: Briston Maroney Performs LIVE

Introduction to Briston Maroney and His New Album "Jimmy"

In this episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart, singer-songwriter Briston Maroney takes center stage to discuss his latest work and perform live. Maroney introduces his new album, "Jimmy," which marks his third project and delves deeply into themes of personal freedom and self-acceptance. Alison highlights that the album showcases some of Briston's most "vulnerable songwriting" to date (01:05).

Exploring "Land of Light"

Alison begins by focusing on the opening track, "Land of Light." She asks Briston about his inspirations and objectives for the song.

Briston Maroney shares, “I grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, so around a lot of kind of Americana folk music. And I was always very drawn to songwriters like Townes Van Zant and John Prine and all the classics... I'm basically doing my best impression of those dudes on this.” (01:13)

Performance: "Land of Light" [01:45 - 05:20]

Maroney performs "Land of Light," a serene and introspective piece that sets the tone for the album. The song's lyrics reflect on personal growth and the desire to leave a meaningful legacy, encapsulated in lines like:

"Someday soon your soul will fly
I'll be sitting in the sun in the land of light where you never run out a fishing line"
(03:21)

The Creative Process Behind "Jimmy"

Following the performance, Alison delves deeper into the making of "Jimmy."

Alison Stewart: "What was the goal of this third album?" (05:32)

Briston Maroney: “To finally enjoy the process a little bit. Making records for me has always been a pretty grueling process... this time around, I wanted to take a little bit of that edge off and just sit back and try to enjoy it.” (05:35)

Briston reveals that previous albums were "internally intense," often causing him to be overly concerned with technical aspects and external perceptions. With "Jimmy," he aimed to rekindle the cathartic reasons that drew him to music initially, emphasizing authenticity over perfection (06:07).

Embracing Authenticity and Community Support

Alison inquires about how Briston managed to relax during the album's creation.

Briston Maroney: “With the help of a lot of really good friends, the help of a lot of really good mentors... reminded me of why I got into this to begin with.” (06:28)

He underscores the importance of community and support in maintaining his artistic integrity, stating:

“This isn't about trying to be perfect or trying to check any boxes.”
(06:28)

Introducing the Character "Jimmy"

A central theme of the album is the character Jimmy. Alison asks about the inspiration behind this persona.

Briston Maroney: "Jimmy is basically an amalgamation of a lot of the people that I grew up around... extreme characters and extreme... representations of what growing up in that region looked like. Inspired by the sense of humor and the freedom that was exuded by these people." (07:39)

Jimmy embodies the vibrant and sometimes eccentric personalities Briston encountered in his upbringing, particularly in Florida and Tennessee. This character allows him to explore and celebrate the nuances of Southern culture with a touch of humor and authenticity.

Expanding Musical Horizons: From Singer-Songwriter to Rock

Alison observes a shift in Briston's musical style on this album, noting a more rock-oriented sound in tracks like "Tomatoes" and "Real Good Swimmer."

Briston Maroney: “A lot of it had to do with permission... I’m very inspired by the spine within that music and the messaging that comes with the intensity of something like punk rock or alternative rock.” (09:02)

He credits his father’s influence, who was a grunge enthusiast, for instilling a love for 90s alternative rock. This newfound confidence allowed Briston to experiment and incorporate heavier sounds into his music, bridging his folk roots with alternative influences (09:40).

The Significance of the Flip Phone in "Tomatoes"

In discussing the song "Tomatoes," Briston touches upon his choice to use a flip phone.

Briston Maroney: “Because I cannot handle the immense reality that comes along with carrying the iPhone all the time... trying to draw a heavier line in my life of, like, art being a human, dividing the two things very intensely.” (10:11)

This decision reflects his effort to manage anxiety and create boundaries between his personal life and his artistic endeavors, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being in his creative process.

Navigating Industry Pressures

Alison brings up the challenges Briston faced with the pressure of selling his music.

Briston Maroney: “The pressure was coming from a couple different sources... internal fears that everything could disappear at any second.” (11:05)

He discusses how confronting these fears led to a more relaxed and enjoyable approach to making music. By accepting the uncertainties of the music industry, Briston found freedom, which in turn allowed his creativity to flourish without the constant stress of external validation (12:02).

Album Art and Personal Connections

The album cover for "Jimmy" features a vibrant portrait with symbolic elements. Alison asks about its creation.

Briston Maroney: "The artist behind that album art is a really good friend of mine named Scout Smith... she and her dad both contributed to the final piece. I wanted this to feel like something that I would want tattooed on my body." (14:46)

This collaboration underscores the personal connections and artistic integrity that Briston values, ensuring that the visual representation of his album aligns with his musical vision.

Concluding Performance: "Be Yourself"

The episode concludes with a powerful performance of "Be Yourself," the closing track of "Jimmy." Briston describes it as:

“The closing track on the record... kind of the summation of the whole mission.”
(15:38)

Performance: "Be Yourself" [15:47 - 18:52]

This song encapsulates the album’s core message of self-acceptance and authenticity. The raw emotion in Briston's delivery emphasizes the importance of embracing one’s true self amidst external pressures.

Final Thoughts

Throughout the episode, Briston Maroney conveys a profound journey toward artistic freedom and personal authenticity. By reducing pressures, embracing his influences, and connecting deeply with his community, he has crafted an album that is both introspective and liberating. Alison Stewart skillfully navigates the conversation, allowing listeners to gain a comprehensive understanding of Briston’s creative process and the heartfelt narratives within "Jimmy."

For those interested in experiencing Briston Maroney's live performance and the evocative sounds of "Jimmy," he is performing tonight and tomorrow night at the Rooftop at Pier 17 alongside the band Peach Pit.

Notable Quotes:

• Briston Maroney (01:13): “I'm basically doing my best impression of those [classic folk songwriters].”

• Briston Maroney (06:28): “This isn't about trying to be perfect or trying to check any boxes.”

• Briston Maroney (09:02): “I’m very inspired by the spine within that music and the messaging that comes with the intensity of something like punk rock or alternative rock.”

• Briston Maroney (12:02): “I'm having more fun, I think, to put it simply... Practicing that.”

This comprehensive summary provides an in-depth look into Briston Maroney's latest album, his creative evolution, and the personal experiences that shape his music, making it a valuable resource for both longtime fans and new listeners.