MJ Lenderman Shares New Neil Young Cover, Harry Crews Book Foreword

MJ Lenderman, the Asheville-based singer-songwriter known for his introspective style, has recently expanded his artistic range with two notable projects that connect music and literature. Though fans await updates on a potential follow-up to his album Manning Fireworks, Lenderman has made waves with a fresh contribution to a Neil Young tribute series and a written foreword for a reissued classic novel.

Earlier this year, Lenderman performed new material at the Good Moon Festival, signaling continued creative momentum, yet official announcements regarding new album releases remain forthcoming. Meanwhile, his latest musical offering appears on Heart Of Gold: The Songs Of Neil Young, Vol. 3 - Into The Black, one of two tribute volumes released simultaneously. On this compilation, Lenderman interprets "Separate Ways," a track from Young's 2020 album Homegrown, delivering a rendition that complements his known affinity for Young's songwriting.

Lenderman’s engagement with Neil Young’s catalog is not new; he has previously performed other Young songs, such as "Lotta Love" and "Powderfinger," in live settings. His participation in this tribute series underscores his respect for Young's influence and highlights an artistic dialogue bridging generations of musicians.

Concurrently, Lenderman has contributed a foreword to the upcoming Penguin Classics edition of Harry Crews’ 1990 novel Body. This new edition is scheduled for release next week, but the foreword was made available early via The Paris Review’s online platform. His involvement introduces a musical voice into the literary world, offering readers a fresh perspective on Crews’ work through the lens of a contemporary artist.

The dual nature of Lenderman’s recent endeavors — spanning recorded music and literary commentary — reflects a multifaceted approach to creativity, blending auditory and written forms. As an artist rooted in Asheville’s vibrant scene, his expanding portfolio signals a deepening interplay between narrative and melody.

While details about new original music projects remain limited, these recent contributions enrich Lenderman’s public profile and suggest a period of artistic exploration. The Heart Of Gold tribute albums, including the volume featuring Lenderman, collectively celebrate Neil Young’s enduring legacy, inviting musicians to reinterpret his extensive and varied output.

In the literary realm, Lenderman’s foreword provides an entry point for readers encountering Harry Crews’ Body, a novel known for its raw portrayal of Southern life. His perspective as a songwriter may offer insights into the novel’s themes of identity and struggle, potentially resonating with fans of his musical storytelling.

Together, these releases position MJ Lenderman at a creative crossroads, engaging with cultural touchstones in both music and literature. Observers and fans alike will be watching closely for forthcoming announcements regarding his own new material, as these projects hint at an evolving artistic trajectory.