The last time we checked in with Patchwork he was opening for Bowerbirds at the UW Terrace. We shot a little video afterwards and had a fine time. Prior to leaving the country, I chatted with Jeremiah Nelson about his band and how he got to where he is.

Could you lend some information on the recording process of Take me down the Interstate? Where and how was it recorded, and were there any lessons learned that you’ll apply towards future recording sessions?

The record was started while I was living in this warehouse in south Madison. Drums sounded amazing there but the place turned into a giant indoor pond if the snow started to melt… and there were mice. We did most of the pre-production stuff there and then I did some acoustic stuff just kind of wherever while I was traveling. A bulk of the tunes were done in February at a studio in Oshkosh called Topsoil. We did drums on the grid and built it from there. I don’t know that I really learned anything… 90% of business is done in the bar, maybe?

When did you start playing music and at what point did you start creating your own material?

I used to play boogie-woogie piano when I was a kid and then I picked up the guitar. I could never really focus on sheet music and I couldn’t sing high enough to sing Nirvana songs so I just kind of made up my own stuff, just fooling around.

What are the best and worst things about being a musician in Wisconsin?

Well, with gas prices, touring is getting a little ridiculous in the Midwest, which is my turf. I haven’t been a musician anywhere else except Minnesota so I don’t really have a reference point. We definitely have Bon Iver cred though, right?

“Spaceships” is a beautiful song. I remember the first time I heard it. What’s the story/inspiration?

Thanks. I remember writing that one right before I was taking a little trip out to South Dakota, where my brothers were living. Things were getting a little wierd in Oshkosh at the time, which is where I was living… lots of pharmies and psychedelics flying around. I was kind of just looking forward to leaving town and clearing my head a bit.

Let’s talk influences/favorites. What artists have impacted you in the past and present day?

I’m a huge Dylan fan. I’m in a big Highway 61 phase right now. Greg Brown is real good. Andrew Bird is great. Pavement. I love The Silver Jews. There this guy in Oshkosh who calls himself Attack Octopus that blows my mind. I always try to steal his licks. It’s sort of a pop + odd time + gut punch sort of thing. He’s gonna blow up.

Photo: Colin Crowley
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Myspace: Patchwork
MP3: Patchwork – “Spaceships”

Patchwork has built a steady foundation of good local support as well as the blogosphere of late. It’s easy to fall in love with Jeremiah Nelson’s sound, and I’ve personally witnessed his transformation into a confidant band leader. Last night he warmed up the UW Terrace stage for Bowerbirds, who were fresh off a few days chillin’ with Bon Iver in Eau Claire.

Below you’ll find a free and legal download of the first single, “Spaceships,” from his upcoming record, Take Me Down the Interstate. A favorite of long-time followers, it’s now ready for those outside the state lines to hear what I consider to be a perfect summer song. Like what you hear? Pick up a copy of the entire album on August 15th.

Also, and with our hat tipped towards our friends at La Blogotheque, I offer a glimpse of Patchwork performing “Spaceships” in a pocket of the UW Terrace with backing noise provided by the police.

Myspace: Patchwork
MP3: Patchwork – “Spaceships”