Willie Nelson’s Youngest Son Micah Shares Insights About Producing His Father’s 153rd Album
Ahead of the upcoming release on November 1, Micah Nelson discusses producing his father's latest studio album, "Last Leaf on the Tree"
Micah Nelson, the youngest son of music legend Willie Nelson, has produced his father’s latest album, “Last Leaf on the Tree,” furthering the family’s rich musical legacy. Renowned for seamlessly blending country, folk, blues and rock, Willie Nelson is celebrated through murals, monuments and various works of art for his extraordinary achievements and barrier-breaking sound. Yet, his most notable accolade is that of a loving father.
Ties to the “Live Music Capital of the World”
Growing up surrounded by instruments and creativity, Micah naturally followed in his father’s footsteps, adopting the musical moniker, Particle Kid. His early years in the “Live Music Capital of the World” allowed him to witness his dad create magic at Pedernales Studios outside the city.
“I’ve always loved Austin. They color outside the lines,” recalls Micah, remembering the city as a haven for his father. “Austin embraced his weirdness. It’s where his best work came from.”
As Particle Kid, Micah has released six albums and contributed to various projects, establishing his distinct future-folk sound. Now, at 34, he steps into the producer role for his father’s 153rd album, showcasing a beautiful partnership.
Micah played more than two dozen instruments in this joint venture, ranging from guitars and pianos to unconventional items like sticks and branches for the album. He also illustrated the cover artwork and teamed up with his wife, Alexandra Dascalu Nelson, on the animation for the music video, further solidifying this as a family-built project.
Willie and Micah Nelson’s collaboration features tracks written by Beck, Tom Waits, Flaming Lips, Neil Young and more
The album features an emotion-evoking set of songs from various artists, including Warren Zevon’s poignant “Keep Me In Your Heart” and The Flaming Lips’ reflective “Do You Realize??,” along with original compositions by both Willie and Micah. The tracklist displays their musical synergy whilst exploring themes of love, tranquility and remembrance.
As producer, Micah played a key role in curating the album’s tracks.
“I didn’t want him to do it just because I asked him to,” explains Micah, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with Willie. “I wanted him to feel inspired by it.”
While the album includes songs from artists that were previously unfamiliar to the 91-year-old legend, Micah ensured each track deeply resonated with his father.
“I was looking for songs that lyrically and melodically had something to say” he says, hoping his dad could “sing honestly, as if he had written it.”
Together Willie and Micah struck a harmonious balance of their influences, creating a commemorative art piece. “Last Leaf on the Tree” promises to resonate with longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Preorder the album here.