Tim Easton is the quintessential American troubadour. From his early days busking across Europe to his time fronting the Haynes Boys and a prolific solo career—including acclaimed albums like Special 20 and The Truth About Us—Easton has spent decades refining a "properly grizzled" songwriting craft. On this episode of Curious Goldfish, Easton joins Jason English to discuss his 2024 release, Find Your Way, an album that balances fictional narratives with the heavy lifting of personal recovery.

Easton speaks candidly about moving from being "sober curious" to having "both feet in recovery". He describes a past where he "window shopped" with sobriety, a lack of commitment that caused more internal turmoil than the substances themselves. For Easton, recovery isn't just about abstaining; it’s about a "revolution in the mind" and accepting responsibility for one’s path. He emphasizes that this clarity allows him to be of service, whether through teaching songwriting to veterans in Joshua Tree or journaling to process the "nitty gritty" of life.

The conversation takes a nostalgic turn to 1991 Paris, where Easton lived as an au pair and street musician. He shares a vivid memory of busking on the steps of the Sacré Cœur with a young, focused musician named Beck. Easton recalls Beck’s early mastery of folk traditions, noting he was a "formed folk artist" long before the world heard the hip-hop infusions of "Loser". This "vagabonding" era laid the foundation for Easton’s belief that if you can play and write, "you can feed yourself".

Easton remains profoundly curious about the "infinite" nature of music, marveling that artists still find new ways to use the same notes Mozart used. He views his current work through the lens of breaking old, difficult patterns—both musical and personal. Ultimately, he finds more satisfaction in a "30-minute conversation" with his daughter than a standing ovation. As he puts it: "If you want to hide all your secrets and fears, just put them in a book of poetry. That way you're sure no one will ever see them".