Sturgill Simpson reveals new physical-only album ‘Mutiny After Midnight’ featuring ‘Johnny Blue Skies’
Fans of country-rocker Sturgill Simpson were ecstatic yesterday when a letter teasing a new album called Mutiny After Midnight surfaced. The album, credited to the band Johnny Blue Skies and the Dark Clouds, has been officially announced and is set to release next month exclusively on vinyl, CD, and cassette.
Following the 2024 release of Johnny Blue Skies’ Passage Du Desir, which was distributed under Simpson’s High Top Mountain label, Mutiny After Midnight marks a shift back to Atlantic Records. This move comes with the promise of new leadership and a renewed vision for the musician, who previously gained critical acclaim and a Grammy nod for his 2016 album, A Sailor’s Guide To Earth. Simpson expressed his excitement about the collaboration, particularly highlighting his partnership with Ian Cripps, emphasizing the fulfillment of a shared vision after a decade. Speaking on the inspiration behind Mutiny After Midnight, he shared:
“This is a new and very different Atlantic Records than my last go-around. Mostly, I’m very excited and honored to be working with my dear friend Ian Cripps, and to finally bring to fruition a vision we initially shared together over ten years ago. I wrote words to what is happening in the world and my life in real time and played with a group of musicians I deeply love and respect. Together, we made an album that is very fun and will hopefully offer some relief from darkness in the world.”
In pursuit of a specific goal, Simpson and the band aimed to create a dance record with Mutiny After Midnight. This intention was reinforced in the teaser letter, drawing inspiration from the fusion band Stuff and Marvin Gaye’s album In Our Lifetime. The letter also hinted at a tour concept that’s notably absent of an opening act, ensuring to maximize every moment of the performance.
The self-produced Mutiny After Midnight, crafted at Easy Eye Sound Studios, opens with a track titled “Make America Fuk Again.” The lyrics delve into introspective themes, touching on personal growth and struggle:
“Been learning lessons and getting bubbles busted. Learning how to turn ADHD into hyper-focus. Getting my heart broke by people I trusted. Weaponizing my autism to shit out an opus. Been coming to terms with my obsolescence. Taking ketamine to kill my depression. It beats being fogged out on anti-depressants. Wait, that reminds me, time to book another session…Maybe things have been worse but I can’t remember when. Wanna start a revolution and watch it begin.”
The album boasts an expansive tracklist, featuring songs like “Excited Delirium,” “Venus,” and “Everyone Is Welcome.” Mutiny After Midnight is slated for release on 3/13 via Atlantic Outpost, with pre-orders available for fans eager to get their hands on this highly anticipated album.