Podcast Summary: The Joe Rogan Experience #2337 - Oliver Anthony

Release Date: June 13, 2025
Host: Joe Rogan
Guest: Oliver Anthony

In episode #2337 of The Joe Rogan Experience, Joe Rogan welcomes musician Oliver Anthony for an in-depth conversation covering Anthony’s journey in the music industry, his perspectives on authenticity versus commercialism, the impact of technology on music creation, and broader societal observations.

1. The Birth of "Scornful Woman"

[01:25] Oliver Anthony:
"What makes this song different than anything I've done is that we tried to do it the way Lynyrd Skynyrd or somebody would back in the day... keeping it as real as possible."

Oliver Anthony discusses the creation of his new song "Scornful Woman," highlighting the raw and unedited approach he and his band took, reminiscent of classic bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd. Recording during a severe winter storm in West Virginia, they faced power outages but managed to continue using a Honda inverter generator to maintain the authenticity of their sound.

Notable Quote:
[03:20] Oliver Anthony:
"The fact that people can just decide they like something and just shoot it up to the top... people really do have the power."

2. Navigating the Music Industry Independently

Anthony narrates his initial reluctance to pursue fame after the success of his previous work, expressing skepticism about the sustainability and personal toll of stardom. Despite considering cashing out and stepping back, the persistent demand and support from fans kept him active in the music scene.

[04:00] Oliver Anthony:
"I believed everyone that said, this kid's got 15 minutes of fame and whatever. I would have been one of those guys who would have been like, oh, that stupid guy."

Choosing to remain independent, Anthony emphasizes the importance of retaining creative control and avoiding the pitfalls of traditional record labels, which often demand a significant share of profits and influence over artistic decisions.

Notable Quote:
[05:27] Joe Rogan:
"The fact that this can just organically go into the iTunes charts like that... that's what I always take away from it is just like, damn, dude."

3. The Power and Pitfalls of Modern Technology

The conversation delves into the transformative role of technology and social media in democratizing music distribution. Anthony points out how platforms like TikTok and Sound On have empowered independent artists to reach audiences without the need for major label support. However, he also warns about the pervasive influence of AI in the music industry, suggesting that while AI can enhance production quality, it lacks the genuine human emotion that resonates with listeners.

[08:36] Oliver Anthony:
"Humanity has been sucked out of us to put into this AI, we also have full access to it... we can do, even in the music business."

4. Societal Reflections and the Role of Community

Anthony shares his concerns about societal fragmentation, the rise of corporate control, and the erosion of authentic community interactions. He advocates for smaller, tight-knit communities where individuals can reconnect with nature and foster genuine relationships, countering the isolating effects of digital interactions.

[10:32] Joe Rogan:
"People have to understand that we are all in this together and that organizations that want to drive us apart... it's not lighting cop cars on fire."

5. Maintaining Authenticity Amidst Fame

The discussion touches on the challenges of maintaining authenticity in the face of growing popularity. Anthony reflects on his own approach to fame, striving to remain genuine and focused on his artistic vision rather than succumbing to external pressures to conform or commercialize his work.

[74:12] Oliver Anthony:
"I don't need to be cool. It's okay that I'm kind of lame, and I just... I just don't want... I just want to be myself."

6. Future Endeavors and Supporting Emerging Artists

Looking ahead, Oliver Anthony expresses his ambition to support upcoming artists by providing them with the tools and platforms needed to succeed independently. He envisions creating sanctuaries for live music outside the influence of large corporations, fostering environments where authentic music can thrive.

[76:22] Oliver Anthony:
"I want to help find people on TikTok that have like 100 followers, but I know that they've got what it takes and get them with Draven and some of these other people... plant like 10 or 15 people into music."

7. Personal Insights: Life, Dogs, and Mindfulness

Beyond music, Anthony shares personal anecdotes about his dogs, his journey through mental health challenges, and the importance of feeding animals quality food to prevent health issues like cancer. These stories underscore his commitment to authenticity and genuine care, both in his personal life and his music.

[27:38] Oliver Anthony:
"We don't know anything about. It's, we all just talk on the Internet and...? You just don't really know..."

Conclusion

Joe Rogan and Oliver Anthony engage in a candid and thought-provoking conversation that navigates the intersections of art, technology, and society. Anthony’s dedication to maintaining authenticity in his music and his desire to empower other independent artists present a compelling vision for the future of the music industry. Their dialogue also prompts listeners to reflect on the broader implications of technological advancements and societal shifts on personal authenticity and community cohesion.

Final Notable Quote:
[176:43] Joe Rogan:
"Everybody realizes that there's only one way to do it. You got to work hard for a long time. That's the only way. It's a ten-year process."

This episode offers valuable insights for musicians, creators, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of independent artistry and the enduring importance of authenticity in a rapidly changing world.