The Black Keys on Joe Rogan: From Playing in Basements to Rock Icons

Ever wondered what it’s like to go from playing blues rock in your basement to headlining stadiums? Joe Rogan sits down with Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, the dynamic duo behind The Black Keys, to discuss their incredible journey. They dive into everything from their early days, the evolution of their sound, the grind of touring, and even some hilarious behind-the-scenes stories. Get ready for a candid and insightful conversation with two of rock’s most authentic figures.

TL;DR

The Black Keys started as a raw, blues-inspired band playing small gigs and slowly built their fanbase.
They discuss the challenges and rewards of maintaining a long-term creative partnership.
The band reflects on the evolution of their sound and how they’ve managed to stay relevant.
They share anecdotes about touring, recording, and navigating the music industry.
Dan and Patrick touch on the importance of staying true to their artistic vision.

Key Topics Covered

The Early Days and Finding Their Sound

The conversation kicks off with Dan and Patrick reminiscing about their humble beginnings in Akron, Ohio. They talk about their early influences, the local music scene, and how they started playing together in Patrick’s basement. They emphasize the importance of just getting started and not being afraid to experiment with their sound. Building up a catalog through consistent output allowed them to hone their craft through iteration.

They recount playing small gigs and slowly building a dedicated fanbase. They were committed to keeping the music alive and creating something authentic. The struggles of the early days only fueled their passion and determination to succeed.

“We just wanted to make music that we liked and hoped someone else would like it too.” – Dan Auerbach

Evolution of The Black Keys

Dan and Patrick dive into how their sound has evolved over the years, from their raw blues-rock roots to incorporating more diverse influences. They discuss the decision-making process behind each album and how they’ve managed to stay relevant while staying true to their artistic vision. Dan explained that they wanted to make music that was current, but with a bit of soul from the past.

They also touch on the challenges of maintaining a long-term creative partnership. Both Dan and Patrick have their own distinct personalities and creative ideas, so learning how to compromise and collaborate effectively has been crucial to their success. It hasn’t always been easy, but they’ve learned to respect each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

“It’s like a marriage. You have to work at it, but the reward is something really special.” – Patrick Carney

Touring and Life on the Road

The Black Keys share some of their most memorable touring experiences, both good and bad. They talk about the grind of being on the road, the challenges of maintaining a personal life, and the unique connection they feel with their fans. They acknowledge the toll touring takes but also express gratitude for the opportunity to share their music with the world.

They also share funny anecdotes about mishaps and crazy encounters they’ve had while touring. From equipment malfunctions to strange interactions with fans, they’ve seen it all. These stories highlight the unpredictable and often hilarious nature of life on the road.

Intriguing Anecdotes & Stories

Dan tells a hilarious story about a time when their van broke down in the middle of nowhere during their early touring days. They were stranded for hours, with no cell service, and ended up having to rely on the kindness of strangers to get back on the road. It was a rough experience, but they laugh about it now and see it as a testament to their resilience.

Patrick shares a story about a disastrous gig where they were playing to an almost empty room. They were feeling discouraged and ready to give up, but then a small group of fans started cheering them on. That small act of support gave them the motivation to keep going and reminded them why they started playing music in the first place.