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The Resurgence of Folk Music: How MJ Lenderman Is Revitalizing the Genre
Folk music has a way of circling back into the mainstream every few decades, often in new and innovative forms. From Bob Dylan’s poetic style in the 1960s to Joni Mitchell’s folk-jazz fusion in the 1970s, the genre has continually evolved—never truly disappearing, but occasionally lingering in the background. Today, a new wave of folk-inspired musicians is capturing audiences all over again, and at the forefront is Asheville, North Carolina’s own MJ Lenderman.
Folk’s Return to the Spotlight
Recent years have seen artists like Alex G selling out massive venues and Beabadoobee weaving dreamy folk elements into her latest work. Audiences—tired of predictable pop formulas—seem hungry for the raw, stripped-down textures of roots music. It’s an exciting time to rediscover the soul of folk, and Lenderman is proving that there’s still room to push boundaries and experiment in a genre often associated with acoustic guitars and gentle harmonies.
Meet MJ Lenderman: A Voice with Depth
Digging into Lenderman’s sound, you hear echoes of legendary rock vocalists like Billy Corgan from The Smashing Pumpkins. On tracks like “Wristwatch,” he can soar to high notes that feel rugged and vulnerable, then sink into gritty lows that cut straight to the heart. It’s this duality—delicate yet unrefined—that gives his latest folk-rock project, Manning Fireworks, its emotional punch. Building on the reflective tone of his previous album, Boat Songs, he explores solitude, existential dread, and the glorification of material wealth, all while pushing each instrument beyond its comfort zone.
Instrumentation That Shines
One of the most striking elements of Manning Fireworks is the variety of instrumentation. Whether it’s the aluminum-neck guitar carrying the track “Joker Lips” or Shane McCord’s clarinet brightening “You Don’t Know The Shape I’m In,” each piece of the puzzle stands out. The overall stripped-down mix lets every sonic detail breathe, allowing listeners to fully appreciate the intricate interplay of instruments—a quality that often gets lost in modern, heavily produced music.
The Man Behind the Music
Beyond his solo work, Jake (MJ) Lenderman also plays guitar in the band Wednesday, whose heavier, fuzz-laden style complements Lenderman’s folk-rock roots. In his solo catalog, you might find blasts of noise and experimental production—take “Bark At The Moon,” for instance—while Wednesday’s work fills in the fuller picture of Lenderman’s range. Collaborations with artists like Waxahatchee have expanded his creative palette even further, blending country soul with warm Southern blues to create music that feels earnest and alive.
Why MJ Lenderman Matters Right Now
As the days grow colder and winter settles in, there’s something deeply comforting about Lenderman’s brand of folk-rock. It’s the ideal soundtrack for quiet introspection, a testament to the tradition of storytellers who turn life’s struggles into soothing melodies. At a time when mainstream music often leans on spectacle over substance, Lenderman’s emphasis on raw emotion and unpolished beauty is both refreshing and crucial.
Conclusion
Folk music has once again found its stride, and MJ Lenderman is a key player in this renaissance. From his gritty vocal performances and vibrant instrumentation to his introspective songwriting and collaborative projects, he is reminding us that folk remains as relevant today as it was in the ’60s and ’70s. Whether you’re a die-hard folk enthusiast or simply looking for something genuine and heartfelt, put MJ Lenderman at the top of your must-listen list—and experience the revival of a timeless genre firsthand.
