Photo: Shana Cleveland

It’s been over four years since Will Sprott has released new material, but he’s back with the release of Vortex Numbers, out January 20 on his very own Hairdo Records. Sprott says he’s recorded “about 21 songs” over the past few years, and Vortex Numbers contains the ten that he wanted to share with the world. He’s shared a video for the track “Psychic Lady” off the album, confirming that Sprott’s music is still simply as cool as it gets.

Vortex Numbers is the first musical release on Sprott’s Hairdo Records, but it isn’t the first work the label has for sale – it’s released a calendar from La Luz guitarist Shana Cleveland. In case that isn’t enough indication that Hairdo isn’t your traditional label, perhaps this will convince you: Sprott is releasing Vortex Numbers on “can”. Yes, you read that right, it’s being released on can:

Here’s how Sprott described it to me:

We’re putting this record out in can form. Some cans have beans. Some cans have peaches. Some have corn. My secret hope is that people will get the can, which includes a download for the record, then open up the can, eat a meal with friends, listen to the music while they eat, then plant a cactus or a spider plant or something in the can.

As for future plans with the label, Sprott says “Whatever happens with this label, I anticipate that it will be slow & weird.” I think it will be worth the wait.

Sprott’s Vortex Numbers will be available January 20 digitally, on cassette, and CD, in addition to the aforementioned “can”. Sprott will tour the West Coast with La Luz in March and April – dates are below.

03/22 – El Paso, TX – The Lowbrow Palace
03/23 – Phoenix, AZ – Rhythm Room
03/25 – San Diego, CA – Soda Bar
03/30 – Santa Rosa, CA – Arlene Francis Center
03/31 – San Francisco, CA – Rickshaw Stop
04/01 – Reno, NV – Holland Project
04/02 – Portland, OR – Mississippi Studios
04/03 – Olympia, WA – Capitol Theater
04/04 – Seattle, WA – Neumos