Jokermen Podcast: In Conversation with Josh Tillman

Release Date: January 6, 2025
Host: Jokermen (Evan and Ian)
Guest: Josh Tillman

Introduction

In the inaugural episode of 2025, the Jokermen Podcast welcomes Josh Tillman, a renowned musician and close collaborator, to discuss his latest work, the album Mahash Mashana. Hosts Evan and Ian delve deep into the creative process behind the album, exploring its themes, inspirations, and the personal experiences that shaped its creation.

Album Development and Creative Process

Josh Tillman opens up about his involvement in the development of Mahash Mashana, highlighting his intimate role in the songwriting and recording phases. He remarks on the collaborative nature of the project, emphasizing how the album serves as both a continuation and a departure from his previous works.

Josh Tillman (02:27): "I have got, you know, that never once crossed my mind I that that that might be a talking point, given how frequently irony is invoked in understanding my work."

Evan and Ian discuss the album's reception, noting the positive critical acclaim it received in 2024. Josh acknowledges the unexpected spiritual interpretations of his work, clarifying his intentions and the use of irony in his music.

Josh Tillman (03:04): "But I did get a lot of quite. I got a good three or four questions about yoga, if I was doing yoga."

Exploration of Themes: Endings and Beginnings

A significant portion of the conversation centers around the album's preoccupation with endings and new beginnings. Josh shares his contemplation about whether Mahash Mashana would be his final album, only to reveal his commitment to continue creating music.

Josh Tillman (09:20): "I really want Chloe to kind of stand as its own thing. And, and so I didn't want to repeat or use any of those, any of that modality."

The hosts and Josh delve into the philosophical underpinnings of the album, discussing concepts like the nature of the self, the impact of capitalism on mental health, and the juxtaposition of schmaltz and underlying cultural violence.

Josh Tillman (24:59): "The premise of the whole record is that the 20th century, all this culture was underwritten by violence that the world had never seen before. Mechanized destruction. And yet the sound that was emitting from the planet was just. I love you, I love you, I love you."

Song Analysis: "Mental Health" and "Next 20th Century"

The discussion delves into specific tracks from the album, notably "Mental Health" and "Next 20th Century." Josh explains the emotional weight behind these songs, linking personal experiences to their lyrical content.

Josh Tillman (47:01): "I had a call in London at four in the morning that my daughter, that the neighbor's dog had had run into her at full speed and broke her leg. And yeah, she was three and a half."

This personal anecdote enriches the understanding of the song's depth, illustrating how real-life events influence his artistic expression.

Influence and Cultural Impact

Josh reflects on his influence within the music industry and his interactions with other artists. He mentions his encounters with figures like Adam Green and discusses the evolving landscape of music podcasts and their cultural significance.

Josh Tillman (38:34): "I think there are, there are certainly people who, who were fans of mine when, when I was coming up who were like very young at the time and had conversations with about lyric writing and all that stuff."

The conversation touches upon the role of podcasts in shaping cultural narratives and how platforms like YouTube are influencing music consumption and perception.

Personal Reflections and Family Life

Towards the end of the episode, Josh shares glimpses into his personal life, particularly his relationship with his daughter. They discuss how his role as a father intersects with his musical journey, adding a layer of authenticity and vulnerability to his work.

Josh Tillman (57:53): "But the hardest thing is to not become insane. Yeah, that's something I keep kind of coming back to is just. The hardest thing in the world is to not become insane."

Their conversations reveal the balancing act between personal responsibilities and creative ambitions, highlighting how familial bonds influence his artistic decisions.

Conclusion and Future Directions

As the episode wraps up, Josh expresses optimism about the future, contemplating various musical directions he could explore. Despite playful musings about retiring, he remains committed to his craft, hinting at the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

Josh Tillman (10:08): "I just want there to be balance and how much. What a heavy lift those last few lines perform. I think is. Is pretty. Pretty miraculous."

The hosts and Josh conclude the episode by reflecting on the meaningful connections formed through music and the continuous journey of artistic exploration.

Notable Quotes

• Evan (00:06): "Happy New year, everyone in Jokerman Podcast nation. Zevin."
• Josh Tillman (25:28): "There's some kind of disincarnate Tin Pan Alley songwriter that got like stuck in. In this realm and is like speaking through me."
• Stephen (13:10): "Oh, comedy. Oh, it's like something that a madman would conceive."

Final Thoughts

This episode of the Jokermen Podcast offers an in-depth look into Josh Tillman's artistic mind, blending personal storytelling with analytical discussions on music and culture. Listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of Mahash Mashana's creation, its thematic essence, and the profound experiences that shape Josh's music.

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