Perpetually Propelled to Create with Russ Flynn (X Ambassadors, Sean Lennon, Rubblebucket)
Love Music More · hosted by Luke F. Walton (Scoobert Doobert)
Guest: Russ Flynn
Watch
Listen
Topics discussed
Host note
Russ Flynn tours with X Ambassadors and has worked with Sean Lennon and Rubblebucket, a range of contexts that says something about how he thinks about sustaining a career: "If I get burnt out on music for a while, I can just say, you know what, I..." and then he has something else to turn to. Homebrewing, cooking, mixology. The parallel he draws between cooking and music is specific: both require sustained attention and improvisation within constraints.
We get into the reality of touring, what it actually feels like to return to a city you played before, life on a tour bus, the cultural experiences that accumulate from constant travel, and how Flynn keeps the creative practice alive across all of it. The episode title is his phrase, and it's accurate: the drive to make things keeps going even when the specific form changes.
Selected moments
- Reality of Touring 3:04 Russ gives a candid overview of what touring really feels like, dispelling the glamorous myths often associated with life on the road. He shares both the highs and lows, providing a deeper understanding of a musician's life.
- Meeting Musical Legends 5:56 Russ recounts seeing Jim Irsay's private guitar collection in Indianapolis, hundreds of historic instruments in one room.
- Life on a Tour Bus 8:32 Russ humorously debunks the myth of the glamorous tour bus life, describing the reality of cramped quarters and restless nights.
- Cultural Exploration 13:47 Russ expresses his enthusiasm for experiencing new cultures and cuisines while on the road, emphasizing the importance of these experiences to him as a musician.
- Creative Parallel Between Cooking and Music 18:52 A fascinating discussion about how Russ's approach to cooking mirrors his music-making process, showcasing the overlaps between different creative pursuits.
- Musical Identity and Growth 24:43 Russ shares insights into how he navigated his identity as a musician, learning to embrace versatility while honing his skills on multiple instruments.
- Commitment to Craft 27:36 The conversation highlights Russ's dedication to continuous growth as a musician and the importance of practicing—accepting the frustrations that come with it.
- Music's Emotional Impact 66:36 In a heartfelt conclusion, Russ reveals why he loves music, reflecting on its lasting excitement and the pursuit of creating something meaningful.
Selected excerpts
I don't think it's quite as glamorous as most people might think it is... sometimes you're like, 'What am I doing with my life?'
The last time we played in Indianapolis was this past fall... I was like, 'Holy cow, this is not what I expected.'
If I get burnt out on music for a while, I can just say, you know what, I'm not going to play for a week and I'm gonna make ramen every day and try to dial that in.
I've always been blessed and plagued with that... creating is a beautiful thing and I love waking up and feeling inspired.
As much as I've committed my life to making music, I don't feel any closer to making something like 'Good Vibrations.' And that doesn't mean I'm going to stop trying.
FAQ
What is it like to tour with X Ambassadors?
Russ Flynn shares that touring is often not as glamorous as it seems, filled with both high-energy performances and moments of existential reflection during long travels.
How does Russ balance music and cooking?
Russ finds parallels between cooking and music, often improvising in the kitchen just as he does on stage, which fuels his creativity in both fields.
What kind of experiences has Russ had while touring internationally?
Russ emphasizes the cultural experiences he gains from touring, revealing how they enhance his artistry and passion for music.
Curated notes only — no public transcript. Listen on the links above.