Fans of Sturgill Simpson have been treated to a new musical persona with the release of his latest album under the name Johnny Blue Skies, titled ‘Passage Du Desir’. This eight-song project, while unmistakably Simpson-esque in its essence, marks a departure as the first full album released under his alter ego.
For those wondering about the shift from Sturgill Simpson to Johnny Blue Skies, Simpson shared insights in a recent interview with GQ. Initially, the decision stemmed from a fond memory of a bartender named Dave in Lexington, Kentucky, who affectionately dubbed him “Johnny Blue Skies” during his early days performing at open mics.
Reflecting on a deeper rationale for adopting this new persona, Simpson explained that as his fame grew, the name “Sturgill Simpson” began to feel disconnected from his evolving identity. He expressed feeling like a stranger to his own name in public settings, where recognition often outpaced personal acquaintance.
“Sturgill served his purpose but he’s dead, he’s gone, and I’m definitely not that guy anymore,” Simpson remarked, emphasizing a desire to shed the associations and expectations tied to his former stage name. This sentiment resonates throughout the album, particularly in tracks like “Who I Am,” which delves into themes of identity and self-awareness amidst celebrity.
Regarding Johnny Blue Skies, Simpson described him as a versatile figure open to interpretation, embodying qualities of a mythological hero poised to guide listeners through themes of love and enlightenment in this new musical journey.
As fans explore Simpson’s latest artistic endeavor, ‘Passage Du Desir’, they are invited to unravel the poetic and existential themes woven into the music, marking a significant evolution in Simpson’s career and creative expression.
