Chris Stapleton recently spoke candidly about his decision to steer clear of controversy in his music career, stressing that his priority has always been creating songs that connect with people rather than stirring up debate.
During an appearance on the Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard podcast, Stapleton was asked about his approach to public life and artistry. He acknowledged that while some artists deliberately engage in controversy as part of their image, that simply isn’t his style. Instead, he said his work revolves around the art of songwriting and performance, not using his platform to amplify political or divisive issues.
Hosts Shepard and Monica Padman highlighted how Stapleton’s music resonates across different musical tastes and communities. They noted that his songs tend to draw people together, regardless of background or genre preference. Stapleton agreed, emphasizing that the universal connection people feel to music is what makes it powerful.
For Stapleton, the goal of music is to create shared emotional experiences. He explained that a song doesn’t truly belong to anyone until listeners hear it and attach their own personal meaning to it. That emotional ownership is, to him, the essence of what makes music special.
By focusing on simplicity and emotional honesty, Stapleton continues to build a career rooted in unity rather than division. His stance reflects a belief that music’s role is to bridge emotional gaps and help people feel understood, making listeners feel less alone through shared experience.