Joe Westerlund (Big Ears Festival performer)

Although a drummer by trade and training, Joe Westerlund’s creative output isn’t limited to just that instrument, with a more accurate description being "Percussionist/Improviser/Composer." Initially a member of DeYarmond Edison with Justin Vernon and brothers Brad and Phil Cook, followed by Megafaun after that, Westerlund has since gone on to release multiple solo records, co-founded Setting, a trio with Nathan Bowles and Jaime Fennelly, and record a forthcoming record with Nicole Mitchell called Written in the Universe.  We spoke to him live at the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, TN, in March of 2026, where he spoke about how pieces by Milford Graves, Akron/Family, and Olaibe shaped his sensibiities. He'll also be performing at the next Big Ears Festival, taking place on April 1-4, 2027.

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