Jason Isbell 'Something More Than Free' | How I Wrote That Song

In this new series, GQ’s favorite musicians tell the stories behind their hits—and perform in our 1 World Trade Center studios. In the first episode, we sit down with viciously smart Alabama-born songwriter, Jason Isbell, for the title track from his new album, Something More Than Free.

Audio recorded and mixed by Sean Paulsen.


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Jason Isbell "Something More Than Free" | How I Wrote That Song

[cawkanos]

Man, this songs a killer. Saw him play in Boise, Idaho years ago just after he left the Truckers.
Then we bumped into him in the hot dog cart line. Great bloke, shook his hand and said thanks a lot for the tunes.
Going to see him Sydney, Australia 3 April 2016. Man I'm frothin for it.

[jkocianpa]

Love this guy.  Such a great songwriter, singer, and musician.  This is a great song off a great album.  GQ got this one right.

[elihintz]

It's amazing how he paints the picture in your head so vividly. I think that's what makes a great songwriter

[cr]

Living in Texas we're blessed to have the most incredible live music scene, I believe, in the world, with incredible singer-songwriters, but if there's any musician I wish we could draft to our team it's Jason, however, at least they play him on Texas radio, I don't know about the rest of the country?

[PatriciaBean]

His music, lyrics and sound remind me a lot of John Prine, one of my favorites.

[kathrynmissert]

I’m proud to say I met him a couple days ago. Just an amazing human. Really nice humble guy

[paul]

This whole album is great. Fantastic follow up to 'Southeastern'.

[tyronehuff]

makes me like this song even more than I did. seeing him in Knoxville TN tonight.

[cashmoney]

his vocals along side that guitar sound perfect!

[peterstoddart]

brilliant singer songwriter Love him and his wife.

[ramonmendez]

So awesome choosing Isbell as your first guest and really look forward to this series

[MariJuce]

This song is hard to turn off, so inviting to listen to

[KedzieAvnoo]

Ya see the hammer finds a nail and the poor man's up for sale... brilliant!

[ciaran]

Such a great genuine man and great songwriter

[Josiahjjr]

I love Jason, and I love what you guys did here. Excited to see more!

[StuartAhlum]

Great film. I love the direction of this series.

[cobyleebrooks]

Whats more than being free..? Grateful.

[drbt]

Hospital maintenance? How autobiographical is "outfit"?

[ncdogdude]

Anyone know what kind of Martin he's playing? Good lord that thing is so crisp.

[keithwaynejones]

reminds me of the band Limbeck. anybody ever heard of them?