If you are curious how uplifting and welcoming the new album from
Tractor Operator is, just take a gander at its title: Bleeding
Hearts and Severed Legs. As a record, it’s about as warm and
comforting as a punch to the throat, because this solo project from
Eric Jensen is a confident, dark, and playfully disturbed record. While
solo performers are synonymous with sappy sincerity and approachable
vulnerability, Bleeding Hearts is a wall of cold emotion and
calculating aggression. Jensen’s desperate and boozy plea to be left
alone with his thoughts, and drinks, are a very welcome change of pace.
Jensen took a moment to talk about the basement where he recorded the
album, and what drinks you should buy the man when you spot him in a
bar.
Most solo records have artists backed by other musicians. But for
this album, it’s just you. Was this something you set out to
do?
Tractor Operator was decidedly a solo project from the get go.
Having a band that I was responsible for managing was fun for a couple
years, but seeing as I don’t like people that much, it was time to make
the record I wanted to. I do enjoy playing with people, but it was time
for a change. This is the second Tractor Operator album and I’m getting
tired of doing it alone, so you might see a full-band album at some
point.
For a town famous for its basements, it seems that fewer and
fewer local bands record in them anymore. Was the “crappy basement” you
recorded Bleeding Hearts and Severed Legs in an ideal
location?
I think the DIY thing is great. If the basement is where you can
record, that’s fine. For me it really is a matter of being able to roll
out of bed and record on my own terms whenever I see fit. For that
reason, the shitty basement was conducive for making an album that I
hope people will consider honest and interesting. I make fun of myself
a lot on this album and that probably has something to do with the
basement.
Drinking seems to be a major theme on the record. If I’m
listening to your record at a bar, what should I be drinking?
If you are in a bar it doesn’t matter what you are drinking, just
make sure to tip your bartender. I prefer Makers Mark and an IPA if
somebody else is picking up the tab, but I find myself drinking a lot
of well whiskey and shitty beer and paying for it with a credit
card.
Tractor Operator performs Saturday, September 29 at the Tonic
Lounge.