Alan Sparhawk With Trampled by Turtles- Not Broken

After a profound loss, Alan Sparhawk returns with “Not Broken,” a second glimpse into his upcoming album “With Trampled By Turtles” (releasing May 30th via Sub Pop) .

Following his solo debut “White Roses, My God” in 2024—a project born from the passing of his wife and long-time collaborator Mimi Parker—Sparhawk has found new musical companions in Minnesota’s Trampled By Turtles. The collaboration emerged organically after years of discussion between these fellow Duluth artists, with Sparhawk noting, “When the opportunity seems right, you jump.”

“Not Broken” builds its emotional foundation on Eamonn McLain’s cello, gradually expanding as mandolin and banjo enter with delicate precision. What elevates the track to something truly special is the inclusion of Sparhawk and Parker’s daughter Hollis on vocals. Her voice intertwines with her father’s in a way that MOJO Magazine described as “both uncannily familiar and magically new”.

The recording occurred in late 2023 at Minnesota’s Pachyderm Studios, where Trampled By Turtles had been working on their material. Sparhawk arrived with songs seeking a home—including some that hadn’t quite fit within the Low framework—and found in these fellow musicians a complement to his spacious, emotive songwriting style.

This track follows the album’s first single “Stranger,” which Stereogum aptly described as filtering “the band’s bluegrass roots through Sparhawk’s knack for atmospheric, post-rock-inspired arrangements.”

“Not Broken” ultimately represents resilience—a song about loss that simultaneously embraces defiance and perseverance. It’s a fitting continuation of Sparhawk’s journey through grief, transformed through artistic expression and the healing power of musical community.