Podcast Summary: On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer – Episode: "Never Growing Up With Jake Owen"
Release Date: June 26, 2025
In this heartfelt and insightful episode of "On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer," host Troy Vollhoffer engages in a deep conversation with renowned country artist Jake Owen. The discussion spans Jake's early career, personal life, artistic evolution, and his current projects, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into the life of one of country music's most beloved figures.
1. Introduction and Early Career Beginnings
Troy opens the episode by warmly welcoming Jake Owen, highlighting his significant contributions to the country music scene since his debut in 2006. He notes Jake's breakout moment with the hit single "Barefoot Blue Jean Night" in 2011 and mentions Jake's extensive discography, including two EPs and seven albums. Troy expresses excitement about Jake's performances at the upcoming Country Thunder festivals, setting a positive and enthusiastic tone for the conversation.
2. Navigating Fatherhood and Career Demands
Jake immediately delves into the challenges of balancing a demanding music career with fatherhood. At 00:07, he shares:
"No one writes a manual for how you kind of navigate through missing a child when you're on the road."
He reflects on his matured priorities, contrasting his younger days filled with partying and late-night pursuits with his current focus on his daughters:
"I'm usually FaceTiming my little girls afterwards and making sure that they're going to bed." [00:07]
Jake candidly discusses missing his daughters' recitals due to tour commitments, emphasizing the emotional toll of his career:
"I missed my other daughter's recital yesterday so I could play a casino in Biloxi." [01:13]
3. From Sports to Music: A Path Less Traveled
Troy steers the conversation toward Jake's unconventional journey into music. Initially aspiring to a career in golf, Jake's path took a pivotal turn due to an injury. He recounts:
"I kind of started out more. I mean, people use the term golfer because that's what I was doing at the time when I got hurt... decided that I was going to drop out of Florida State one day and move to Nashville." [01:45]
Jake highlights the influence of his twin brother and their shared drive for excellence, contrasting his athletic pursuits with eventual musical aspirations. This decision marked the beginning of his 20-year journey in Nashville, a city he considers the cornerstone of his success.
4. Breakthrough with "Barefoot Blue Jean Night"
The conversation shifts to Jake's breakthrough single, "Barefoot Blue Jean Night." Released in 2006, this track became a defining moment in his career. Jake reflects on the song's innovative production:
"We kind of just took a risk and did something different... people were like, dude, this sounds way, like, a new age." [03:22]
He credits the song for pioneering a new sound in Nashville, which later evolved into broader trends within the genre:
"It started a whole new sound that ended up being something that then, you know, through time, you have waves." [03:52]
Jake expresses immense pride in "Barefoot Blue Jean Night," referring to it as the "song of the decade" and discussing its lasting impact on his career and country music as a whole.
5. Collaborations and Production Insights
Troy inquires about Jake's working relationship with producer Joey Moe, known for his rigorous approach. Jake offers a nuanced perspective:
"Joey is like, was a magician in my career as far as coming in and pushing me to be better and learning from things." [05:22]
He explains how Joey's critical feedback, though sometimes tough, ultimately refined his artistry:
"He's like, yeah, that may be how you sing it, but it's wrong. And I never took offense to that. And when I listened back to it, I was like, he's right." [05:39]
Jake emphasizes the importance of remaining open to constructive criticism, acknowledging that such relationships are crucial for artistic growth.
6. Current Projects and Musical Evolution
Discussing his current endeavors, Jake reveals he's working on a new record in Los Angeles with Shooter Jennings as the producer:
"It's super country. It's not that people... I'm just trying to make music that's, like, really special to me and relates to where I am in my life." [06:17]
He contrasts this new direction with his earlier work, indicating a shift towards more personal and mature themes that resonate with his current life stage. Additionally, Jake shares plans for upcoming tours, including collaborations with Uncle Cracker and Dirty Heads, emphasizing his passion for live performances and audience engagement.
7. Reflections on Artistic Growth and Stage Presence
Troy compliments Jake on his recent performance in Phoenix, highlighting his classic country look and commanding stage presence:
"You totally owned it." [07:32]
Jake humbly reflects on his growth, stating:
"I've gone through the waves of my career and songs I've put out, and I'm at a place where I'm, like, really comfortable up there." [08:00]
He expresses contentment with his artistic identity, appreciating the consistency and authenticity he brings to his music and performances.
8. Personal Life and Fatherhood
The conversation takes a poignant turn as Jake discusses the profound impact of fatherhood on his life:
"My girls kind of are my saving grace in life in a lot of ways." [08:56]
He opens up about the emotional challenges of missing important moments in his daughters' lives due to touring. A particularly touching moment occurs when Jake recounts his daughter's understanding and forgiveness:
"Dad, it's okay, because I know that you're always here with me." [09:10]
This exchange underscores the sacrifices inherent in his career and the deep bond he shares with his children.
9. Balancing Career and Family
Jake elaborates on his current priorities, emphasizing the shift from a party-centric lifestyle to one focused on family:
"I'm not like, at the bus anymore after shows, partying and looking for chicks. You know, I'm usually FaceTiming my little girls afterwards." [09:22]
He contrasts his past behaviors with his present responsibilities, highlighting his evolution both personally and professionally.
10. Final Thoughts and Upcoming Appearances
As the episode draws to a close, Troy and Jake share anecdotes from past performances and express mutual excitement for future collaborations. Troy mentions the upcoming shows at Country Thunder Alberta and encourages listeners to attend Jake's tours, praising his live performances and authentic connection with fans.
Jake reciprocates the enthusiasm, looking forward to entertaining audiences and continuing to grow as an artist:
"I get excited to have that opportunity to be out there tonight, play for these people, make them have a good time." [10:47]
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Jake Owen [00:07]: "No one writes a manual for how you kind of navigate through missing a child when you're on the road."
- Jake Owen [03:22]: "It started a whole new sound that ended up being something that then, you know, through time, you have waves."
- Jake Owen [05:22]: "Joey is like, was a magician in my career as far as coming in and pushing me to be better and learning from things."
- Jake Owen [06:17]: "I'm just trying to make music that's, like, really special to me and relates to where I am in my life."
- Jake Owen [08:56]: "My girls kind of are my saving grace in life in a lot of ways."
- Jake Owen [09:10]: "Dad, it's okay, because I know that you're always here with me."
Conclusion
This episode of "On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer" offers a comprehensive and heartfelt look into Jake Owen's life as an artist and father. Through candid discussions, Jake shares his journey from aspiring athlete to successful musician, the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life, and his ongoing evolution as an artist. Troy's insightful questions and genuine rapport create an engaging narrative that not only celebrates Jake's achievements but also humanizes the man behind the music. Listeners are left with a deeper appreciation for Jake Owen's resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his craft and loved ones.
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Upcoming Shows:
- Jake Owen on Tour: Through October in the U.S., UK, and Canada. Visit JakeOwen.net for tour dates and tickets.
- Country Thunder Alberta: Catch Jake at the upcoming festival in August alongside Darius Rocker and Uncle Cracker.
Thank you for joining us on this episode of "On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer." Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes conversations with your favorite country artists.