Sturgill Simpson is charting a course decidedly off the beaten path, again. The artist, who has increasingly embraced experimentation under the moniker Johnny Blue Skies, has announced a new album, Mutiny After Midnight, set for release on . The project, arriving on physical formats only – vinyl, CD, and cassette – marks the second full-length release under the Johnny Blue Skies name, following 2024’s Passage du Desir.
But this isn’t simply a continuation of sonic exploration; it’s a full-blown immersion into a different world. Simpson describes Mutiny After Midnight as an album “centered firmly on groove,” inspired by the fusion-funk band Stuff and Marvin Gaye’s In Our Lifetime. It’s a deliberate shift, born from a period of extensive touring with his band – now billed as Johnny Blue Skies & the Dark Clouds – across the US and Western Europe.
The impetus for this new direction, according to Simpson, stems from a desire to create something that actively combats the “dark state of the world” with the “bright state of love.” He frames the album’s title as a “protest against oppression and suppression,” with the antidote being “pure, unfiltered, unapologetic, relentless disco-hedonism.” It’s a bold statement, and one that suggests a willingness to lean into a vibrant, dance-focused soundscape.
The album’s lead single, and a glimpse into its lyrical content, is “Make America Fuk Again.” The lyrics, included in a press release, are strikingly candid and reveal a deeply personal struggle. Simpson touches on themes of navigating ADHD, heartbreak, weaponizing autism, grappling with obsolescence, and utilizing ketamine to manage depression. The raw honesty is jarring, yet undeniably compelling, and sets a tone of vulnerability that contrasts sharply with the album’s stated embrace of hedonism.
“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,” Simpson sings in the opening track. The lines are a stark self-assessment, hinting at the internal battles fueling the creative process behind Mutiny After Midnight. The song’s concluding lines – “Wanna start a revolution and watch it begin” – suggest a desire for change, even if it’s born from personal turmoil.
This project arrives as Simpson continues to adhere to a self-imposed limit of five studio albums released under his own name. His last album as Sturgill Simpson was 2021’s The Ballad of Dood & Juanita, a critically acclaimed work that showcased his storytelling prowess. The decision to explore different sonic territories under the Johnny Blue Skies alias allows him creative freedom, seemingly unbound by the expectations associated with his established persona.
The band’s evolution into Johnny Blue Skies & the Dark Clouds is also significant. Simpson emphasizes the long-standing kinship within the group, noting that many members have been touring together for over thirteen years. He describes a renewed sense of cohesion, fostered by shared experiences and a collective commitment to the new musical direction. This sense of unity is reflected in the album’s creation process, where songs were reportedly written on the spot, with each musician contributing to the overall groove.
The decision to release Mutiny After Midnight exclusively on physical formats is a notable one in an increasingly digital music landscape. It’s a move that caters to collectors and fans who appreciate the tangible experience of owning music. It also suggests a deliberate rejection of the instant gratification and ephemeral nature of streaming, opting instead for a more curated and deliberate listening experience.
Simpson’s letter accompanying the album announcement reveals a clear artistic vision. He acknowledges the potential for criticism and categorization, but ultimately asserts that the music falls under the umbrella of “American Music.” The overarching goal, he states, is simply to “make a dance record.” This seemingly straightforward ambition belies the complex layers of emotion and introspection that appear to underpin the project.
The tracklist for Mutiny After Midnight is as follows:
- Make America Fuk Again
- Excited Delirium
- Don’t Let Go
- Stay on That
- Viridescent
- Situation
- Venus
- Everyone Is Welcome
- Ain’t That a Bitch
While details regarding a tour supporting the album have been announced, Simpson promises that Johnny Blue Skies & the Dark Clouds will maximize their stage time, performing without an opening act. This suggests an immersive and extended live experience, designed to fully envelop audiences in the album’s sonic world.
Mutiny After Midnight represents a significant departure for Sturgill Simpson, or rather, Johnny Blue Skies. It’s a bold and uncompromising statement, born from personal struggle and a desire to create something truly liberating. Whether it will be embraced by his existing fanbase or attract a new audience remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Simpson continues to defy expectations and push the boundaries of his artistry.
