NEW YORK — Aspiring musicians looking to sustain their careers might want to heed the wise advice of Willie Nelson, who suggests staying true to oneself. In a humorous note, he reminds us that if a statue of you does get erected in your hometown, it’s a reminder that there’s always pigeon droppings to clean off.

At the age of 91, Nelson is gearing up to release “Last Leaf on the Tree,” marking his second studio album of 2023 and reaching milestone number 76 in his solo career, as well as the 153rd in his entire music catalogue, according to Texas Monthly. When asked about his future releases, Nelson chuckles, “I don’t know. I hope there’s a few more.” Aiming high, he jokes about potentially reaching the 200-album mark: “Why not!”

“Last Leaf on the Tree” features a mix of new songs and familiar melodies. It is unique as it is fully produced by his son, Micah, and includes a variety of original tracks and covers from classic artists like Neil Young, Nina Simone, and Tom Waits. The album also showcases some surprising reinterpretations, such as the Flaming Lips’ track “Do You Realize??” and Beck’s “Lost Cause.”

Describing Micah, Nelson declares, “He’s a real artist,” emphasizing his son’s role in selecting the album’s songs. When jokingly asked how Micah’s takeover was communicated to producer Buddy Cannon, Nelson replies, “We just surprised him.” Micah’s artistic influence is clear throughout the album, especially in the unique choice of percussion made from natural elements like sticks and leaves rather than conventional instruments, as showcased in their rendition of Young’s “Are You Ready for the Country.”

During an interview, Annie Nelson, Willie’s wife, adds, “He says it all the time. It’s great to play with your kid. And it’s even better if they’re good.”

After decades of creating music, Nelson shares his perspective on recognizing a great song: “You know it when you hear it. When you hear something and you go, ‘Damn, I wish I would’ve written that,’ it’s a good song.” He reflects on his late friend and fellow songwriter Kris Kristofferson, who passed away last month at 88. “He was a great songwriter. He left a lot of fantastic songs around for the rest of us to sing, for as long as we’re here,” Nelson remembers fondly. “Kris was a great friend of mine. And we just had a lot of fun together and made a lot of music together. I hated to lose him. That was a sad time.”

In many ways, Nelson stands as one of the last legends from the Outlaw Country movement, although he has consistently explored various genres. The title “Last Leaf on the Tree,” borrowed from a Tom Waits song, resonates deeply during this reflective period as he observes his long-law pals. “I am the only one left. And that’s just not funny,” he acknowledges somberly.

The themes of love and mortality run throughout the album, issues he knows personally. “Well, I’m 91 plus, so, you know, I’m not worried about it. I don’t hurt anywhere. I don’t have any reason to worry about dying,” he states. “I take pretty good care of myself. And I feel like I’m in pretty good shape physically. Mentally? That’s another story,” he quips with a laugh.

Regarding his legacy, Nelson expresses a simple desire: “I had a good time. And I did what I came here to do: make music.” His prolific outputs are far from over; he reveals that he has another album ready and that in the near future, he and Annie will present “Willie and Annie Nelson’s Cannabis Cookbook.” This project is inspired by their belief in the medicinal properties of both cannabis and food. Annie shares that the book originated when Willie faced pneumonia and couldn’t smoke, prompting her to create edibles to help with his night terrors.

“He was a great taste tester,” she says, prompting Willie to chime in, “Still am!”