Grandma Sparrow stopped by the studio for an interview and a video session to help give us an inside look into the land of Piddletractor, which is the land in which Grandma Sparrow and all of the characters in his debut album reside. The album is due out next week on Spacebomb Records.

Joe Westerlund, who is Grandma Sparrow, is most well known for his work with Megafaun, DeYarmond Edison, Mount Moriah, Califone, Gayngs, and more. This new project he has undertaken he says has been something that he has been working on his entire life whether he realized it or not. The land of Piddletractor contains tales and characters that are drawn from across his life while the album shows his pure genius as a wordsmith and musician.  With many different descriptions being thrown around, Joe described it the most concisely as a “psychedelic children’s song-cycle for adults.”

Check out the full interview as we discuss the inspiration for this project, the land of Piddletractor, and the process behind the album. Be sure to also check out his performance of “Grandma’s Song for You” in The Lounge to get a taste of what’s to come in his upcoming shows this weekend leading up to the album’s release.

-May 16: Coalition Theater, Richmond, VA with improv comedy by Pigeon
-May 17: The Pinhook, Durham, NC with Alexandra Sauser-Monnig (of Mountain Man) and Matthew E. White (DJ Set)
-May 18: The Pinhook, Durham, NC (Sunday Brunch) with Alexandra Sauser-Monnig (of Mountain Man)