Nayara Elvina
In a recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, actor and Academy Award-winning musician Ryan Bingham provided a candid look into his tenure on the Paramount Network’s hit series Yellowstone, describing his role as one of the most favorable positions in modern television. Bingham, who portrays the character Walker—a guitar-strumming ranch hand and former convict—shared insights into the production’s lifestyle, the socio-economic tensions currently gripping the state of Montana, and his transition back to Texas as he prepares for a new album release and a comprehensive national tour.
The interview highlights a significant intersection between entertainment and regional sociology, as Bingham’s personal experiences mirror the broader "Yellowstone Effect" that has transformed the American West. While the show has brought unprecedented attention to the state of Montana, it has also sparked a complex dialogue regarding migration, local identity, and the sustainability of rural communities.
The Production Experience and the Character of Walker
Ryan Bingham joined the cast of Yellowstone during its inaugural season, bringing a layer of authenticity to Taylor Sheridan’s neo-Western drama. Unlike many of his co-stars who underwent rigorous "Cowboy Camp" to simulate the skills of a ranch hand, Bingham entered the production with a genuine background in the rodeo circuit and Western music. This background allowed his character, Walker, to serve as a bridge between the gritty reality of the ranch and the soulful, often melancholic atmosphere of the bunkhouse.
During his conversation with Joe Rogan, Bingham characterized his workload as remarkably light compared to the series’ leads. "It was so much fun," Bingham remarked. "I kind of felt like I had one of the easiest jobs there. The character was kind of a smaller role. Most of the time I’d work one or two days a week. The rest of the time, I’d just be fly fishing and getting lost in mountains."
This schedule allowed Bingham to immerse himself in the Montana wilderness, a setting that has become a central character in the series itself. The ability to "disappear" into the landscape while maintaining a high-profile role on a top-rated television show represents a rare balance in the entertainment industry. However, Bingham’s experience also placed him at the center of a burgeoning cultural conflict between long-term residents and the influx of new arrivals drawn to the state by its cinematic portrayal.
The Yellowstone Effect and Montana’s Cultural Tensions
The popularity of Yellowstone has coincided with a period of historic growth in Montana. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Montana was among the fastest-growing states in the country between 2020 and 2023. This growth has been particularly concentrated in Gallatin County and the Bitterroot Valley, where the series is filmed. While the influx of residents has bolstered the state’s tax base and fueled a construction boom, it has also led to a significant increase in the cost of living, particularly in the real estate sector.
Bingham addressed these tensions during the interview, acknowledging the protective nature of Montana’s local population. He noted that residents are often wary of "outsiders," particularly those arriving from coastal states like California. Bingham, a former California resident himself, offered a piece of pragmatic advice for those looking to relocate: "You better take your license plate off your car before you move there. You better not have a California plate."
This sentiment is echoed by other members of the Yellowstone cast. Luke Grimes, who plays Kayce Dutton, has previously spoken about the cold reception some locals gave him after he moved to Montana permanently. The resentment stems from several factors, including the "gentrification of the West," where rising property taxes—driven by skyrocketing home values—have made it difficult for multi-generational ranching families to maintain their land.
Industry analysts refer to this phenomenon as the "Yellowstone Effect." While Taylor Sheridan’s production has injected hundreds of millions of dollars into the Montana economy through local hiring and tourism, the cultural footprint of the show remains a point of contention. The romanticized version of the "cowboy lifestyle" depicted on screen often clashes with the economic hardships faced by those actually working in the agricultural sector.
Regional Migration and the Move to Texas
Reflecting on his own living situation, Bingham revealed that he ultimately decided against making Montana his permanent home. Despite his love for the state’s natural beauty, he is currently in the process of relocating to the Dallas, Texas, area. Bingham noted that the social climate in Texas felt more welcoming to those moving from out of state, contrasting it with the "gatekeeping" he observed in the Mountain West.
Texas has long been a primary destination for internal migration within the United States. Economic data suggests that the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex continues to attract high-net-worth individuals and creative professionals due to its lack of state income tax and a robust entertainment infrastructure. For Bingham, the move also represents a return to his roots; though born in New Mexico, much of his musical identity was forged in the Texas Hill Country and the West Texas plains.
Musical Evolution and They Call Us The Lucky Ones
Beyond his acting career, Bingham remains a prominent figure in the Americana and outlaw country music scenes. He is currently preparing for the release of a new studio album titled They Call Us The Lucky Ones. The album’s lead single, "Blue Skies," has already garnered critical acclaim for its soulful composition and lyrical depth, further cementing Bingham’s reputation as a songwriter capable of capturing the complexities of the American experience.
Bingham’s music has always been inextricably linked to his life experiences, from his days on the rodeo circuit to his rise in the film industry—most notably winning an Oscar for "The Weary Kind" from the film Crazy Heart. They Call Us The Lucky Ones is expected to explore themes of resilience, the passage of time, and the search for belonging, themes that resonate with his recent transitions in both his personal life and professional career.
2024 National Tour and Economic Impact
To support the new album, Bingham has announced an extensive tour schedule beginning in May 2024. The tour covers a diverse range of venues across the Eastern United States, the Midwest, and the South, concluding with high-profile festival appearances in the West.
The tour itinerary is as follows:
- May 22: Pittsburgh, PA — Stage AE
- May 23: Columbus, OH — KEMBA Live!
- May 24: Cleveland, OH — The Agora
- May 26: Cincinnati, OH — Taft Theatre
- May 27: Royal Oak, MI — Royal Oak Music Theatre
- May 29: Buffalo, NY — Artpark Mainstage Theater
- May 30: Kingston, NY — Ulster Performing Arts Center
- June 1: South Deerfield, MA — Summer Stage at Tree House Brewing Company
- June 2: Portland, ME — State Theatre
- June 3: Boston, MA — Roadrunner
- June 5: Port Chester, NY — The Capitol Theatre
- June 6: New Haven, CT — Toad’s Place
- June 7: Montclair, NJ — The Wellmont Theater
- June 9: New York, NY — Irving Plaza
- June 10: Philadelphia, PA — The Fillmore
- June 12: Richmond, VA — The National
- June 13: Washington, D.C. — Lincoln Theatre
- June 14: Norfolk, VA — The Norva
- June 16: Chattanooga, TN — The Signal
- June 18: Fayetteville, AR — Ozark Music Hall
- June 19: Dallas, TX — Longhorn Backyard Amphitheater
- July 11: Alta, WY — Grand Targhee Resort
- July 18: Whitefish, MT — Under the Big Sky Festival
The inclusion of the "Under the Big Sky Festival" in Whitefish, Montana, marks a significant return to the state for Bingham. This festival has become one of the premier events for Western music, drawing thousands of attendees and highlighting the cultural synergy between the music industry and the "New West" aesthetic.
Analysis of Implications
Ryan Bingham’s reflections provide a microcosm of the current state of American Western culture. The success of Yellowstone has created a feedback loop where television fiction influences real-world demographics, which in turn alters the social fabric of the regions being depicted.
From a journalistic perspective, Bingham’s "dream job" description underscores the high efficiency and luxury of modern prestige television production. However, his comments on the "California plate" phenomenon serve as a reminder of the underlying friction in high-growth states. As the series Yellowstone approaches its final chapters, the long-term impact on Montana’s identity remains to be seen.
Furthermore, Bingham’s career trajectory illustrates the growing trend of "multi-hyphenate" entertainers who successfully navigate the worlds of acting and music. By leveraging his television platform to bolster his musical output, Bingham has maintained artistic integrity while reaching a global audience. His move to Texas and his upcoming tour suggest a strategic focus on regional markets that remain the heart of his fanbase.
In conclusion, Ryan Bingham remains a pivotal figure in the contemporary Western narrative. Whether through his portrayal of Walker or his evocative songwriting, he continues to document the changing landscape of the American frontier—a landscape that is increasingly defined by the tension between tradition and transformation. As he embarks on his next chapter in Dallas and on the road, his observations on the "Yellowstone life" provide a valuable perspective on the cost and rewards of the modern American dream.
